I’m not afraid to admit this:

I’ve been laid off more than once in my career. 

The worst was in 2014 when the global bank I worked for did a mass layoff.

So, what did I do? Packed up my meager severance and moved to Tampa, FL with zero plan. 

Talk about a wake-up call— because having a severance package doesn’t pay the bills. 

People love saying, “any job is better than no job,” but I’m calling BS on that. 

Applying to just any old job isn’t going to cut it.

When I landed in Florida, I promised myself I’d never go without a plan again. 

And guess what? 

I’ve got a Master’s in Human Resource Management now! 

Who better to know how to get a job fast than someone who’s been on both sides of the interview table?

Let me cut to the chase because you don’t have time to read endless blogs….

2014 wasn’t the last time I lost a job (yep, even with a Master’s degree!).

But I didn’t stress the next time because I created an easy and reliable way to apply for jobs that I actually want (and deserve).

Here’s the exact process I used to get a job fast.

How To Get a Job Fast: 5 Days To Fix Your Job Hunt

Day 1: Know what you want

Forget the myth that desperation means settling for scraps. You deserve a job that matches your worth, period.

The job interview is equally your opportunity to interview the company. Especially if you want a job you’ll stay at without crying on the way to work at 7 am every morning. 

You can and should have preferences before you start your job search.

Take out your notes app and write down:

1. Your skills: What are you actually good at? Skills are transferable, so you don’t have to stay in the industry you have experience in. 
2. Ideal Job Title: This might require some mental shifts. You’re likely qualified for more jobs than you realize. 
3. Your values: Believe it or not, hiring managers are trained to make sure your values match the company’s values.

You have to define each of these before you start your job search because it needs to inform your resume writing, be integrated into your job search, and be a part of your interview prep.

Day 2: Rewrite your resume

I know you don’t want to hear it, but your resume probably sucks. 

And if you’ve been applying for jobs without getting an interview, your resume is the problem (if you’re getting interviews but not getting hired, your interview skills are the problem).

A bad resume written by ChatGPT (or even a resume writer… sorry, guys!) is costing you time and money that you need for your bills next week. 

Some common resume mistakes people make are:

• Using too many numbers and bold font.
• Listing unverifiable achievements like “Increased sales by 30%.” 
• Leaving out the context from your past experiences (i.e., not telling a story).

RELATED: Should You Optimize Your Resume for ATS?

Day 3: Ask for a job

Yep— straight up ask for a job. 

I have an entire blog on how you can do this with an email template (and no, it doesn’t involve going into The Marriott and handing them a physical copy of your resume. It’s not 2004).

You can also leverage your network— or a network if you’re not part of one. 

Here’s how I did it when I was furloughed from the non-profit I worked at earlier this year:

• I posted on LinkedIn that I was “Open To Work” (which kind of sounds like “open for business,” which doesn’t have… the best connotations. But hey, LinkedIn created that feature, not me). The next job I got was by networking on LinkedIn.

• I rejoined a networking group. In times like these, you need to stay visible. When I needed to get a job fast, I dove back into a networking group I had been a part of before. It’s amazing how much support and new opportunities you can find in small local spaces. You can easily find an affordable local or digital group for under $100. 

• I asked for referrals. Sometimes you forget how many people you know until you open your Notes app and start brainstorming names. Don’t be afraid to ask! Whether it’s for job leads or introductions, people are more likely to help than you think. I wasn’t shy about asking for referrals, and you know what? It paid off.

Asking for help isn’t a blow to your ego; it’s a power move. You’re showing courage and drive.

Day 4: Take the Reins

Job boards like Upwork, Fiverr, and Simply Hired give you the freedom to take on work without the will they/won’t they (hire me) or the long onboarding process. 

If you have a good profile (use my tips on writing your resume), you can get a job that pays a couple hundred bucks in a week.

But before you do, let me reiterate: You need to know what you’re qualified for (Day 1) and have an extremely specific profile (Day 2) if you want to get a job quickly.

RELATED: Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile

Day 5: Repeat

Listen: right now, when it comes to figuring out how to find a job fast — it’s the Wild West out there. 

Trust me (the one with a Master’s in Human Resource Management and a Society of Human Resource Management-Certified Professional), it’s the market — not you!

What worked before does not work in this market.

Unfortunately, that means the old tactics like spraying resumes all over job boards just doesn’t cut it anymore. 

Now, it’s about being smart and proactive. 

I had to learn how to hustle differently. From leveraging my network to asking for referrals and tapping into freelance gigs, it’s all about staying visible and adaptable.

The right connections and the right profile can get you hired in just a week. 

You’ve got to be willing to take control, learn new tricks, and not take rejection personally. It’s all about finding your rhythm in this chaotic job market.

How To Get a Job After Being Let Go

Being laid off doesn’t mean you’re doomed and that no one will want to hire you.

In fact, it’s the perfect time to explore new opportunities and to manipulate your resume so that your current skills can be used for any job you want (and, okay, job you’re qualified for).

Just make sure you address being laid off in your resume (here’s how)!

Here’s how you get a job after being laid off:

1. Consider learning high-income skills
2. Know how to address being laid off on your resume
3. Learn how to optimize your resume for ATS
4. Rewrite your resume (here are 7 things to put on your resume and what to leave out)
5. Ask for referrals from people NOT at your former job (here’s how to ask for referrals)
6. Start your job search with these 7 steps

RELATED: How To Address Being Laid Off on Your Resume (EXAMPLES)

TLDR; How To Get a Job Fast

1. Know your skills and values.
2. Rewrite your resume for each job (and avoid these common mistakes).
3. Ask for a job through LinkedIn connections, people you know, or small networking groups.
4. Take on small projects through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Simply Hired.
5. Repeat the process.

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Rayla! Let’s digitally shake hands…

I’m a career coach and HR professional who is living for the chance to show you how to develop the tools you need to get a new job or promotion quickly and with confidence.

If you liked these tips and are impatient for more, here’s how we can connect:

Connect with me on LinkedIn! I’m spilling all the hiring (and firing) secrets that HR doesn’t want you to know.  

Binge-read my blog. If you need help with job search strategy, personal branding, resumes, career change, interview prep, or building confidence… grab a cup of coffee; you’ll be here awhile.

Download my free Weekly Planning Calendar. Get a better work-life balance or create a routine so you can apply for jobs quicker and more efficiently.

Get a breakdown of how to Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile to get more jobs.

Snag this guide to nail your interview with these 10 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview.

Easily apply for any job with my Upgrade Your Resume Masterclass.

Recruit me as your 1:1 Career Coach. I can look over your resume, do a mock interview, or help you get the confidence to negotiate that $10K salary increase.

Anything else? Fill out my contact form or email me at hello@rayla.co.