Laid Off? Here’s the 30-60-90 Game Plan to Bounce Back in Tech

Layoffs hurt. They disrupt routines, trigger self-doubt, and raise tough questions, especially in tech, where change is rapid and AI's shadow looms large. But with the right strategy, a layoff doesn’t have to be the end, it can be the launchpad for your next big role. This 30-60-90 day plan is tailored for tech professionals who want to reset, realign, and re-enter the workforce stronger than before.

Why the 30-60-90 Plan Works

Breaking recovery into three phases helps reduce overwhelm and build momentum. It balances quick wins with long-term positioning. For tech workers navigating a shifting job market, structure equals sanity and speed.

First 30 Days: Stabilize and Strategize

Primary Goal: Recover emotionally, assess your situation, and lay the groundwork for a successful search.

Key Focus Areas:

• Emotional Reset:
   

  • Take a few days to breathe. You’ve earned it.

  • Talk it out, mentors, peers, or even therapists can help.

  • Remember: Layoffs are often about budget, not ability.
     

• Audit Your Finances:
   

  • Understand your runway. How many months of expenses can you cover?

  • File for unemployment or severance benefits if eligible.

  • Cut non-essential spending temporarily.
     

• Update Your Toolkit:
   

  • Refresh your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio.

  • Highlight achievements in terms of impact and metrics.

  • If AI tools helped your last team, say so, employers love this.
     

• Clarify Your Career Story:
   

  • What do you want next? A remote role? A startup? A pivot to AI/ML?

  • Create a short, confident narrative for interviews and networking.

Quick Wins Checklist:

• Clean up GitHub or project links

• Add your latest skills to LinkedIn (React 18, AWS CDK, etc.)

• Write a LinkedIn post announcing your availability

•  Book 3 networking calls with former colleagues

Next 30 Days (Day 31–60): Target and Apply Strategically

Primary Goal: Activate your job search with precision and consistent momentum.

Key Focus Areas:

• Define a Narrow Target:
   

  • Instead of “any software job,” target specific roles like:
     

• Reverse-Engineer Job Descriptions:

  • Identify the top 5 keywords repeated in your target job posts.

  • Update your resume and portfolio to reflect those skills.
     

• Engage in "Inbound" Strategies:

  • Post weekly on LinkedIn about your journey or projects.

  • Join GitHub Issues, contribute to open source, write dev blogs.
     

• Track, Analyze, Adjust:

  • Use a job tracker spreadsheet or Notion to log applications.

  • Track metrics: applications sent, interviews received, offers.

  • Recalibrate based on feedback loops.

Final 30 Days (Day 61–90): Optimize and Negotiate

Primary Goal: Land offers, negotiate smartly, and prepare to thrive in your next role.

Key Focus Areas:

• Mock Interviews + Live Practice:

  • Schedule mock sessions for behavioral and technical rounds.

  • Practice system design with peers if you're in engineering.

  • Use platforms like Excalidraw or FigJam for visual walkthroughs.
     

• Prepare for AI-Driven Interviews:

  • Some companies use AI-based screening tools.

  • Practice concise, keyword-rich responses.

  • Simulate answers for common prompts like:
     

• Negotiate with Confidence:

  • Research salary bands on Levels.fyi, Blind, or H1Bdata.info.

  • Always ask:

    • “Is there flexibility on compensation or equity?”
      “Can we revisit performance-linked bonuses after 6 months?”
       

• Onboard Your Future Self:

  • Document learnings from your layoff and search.

  • Set 30-60-90 goals for the new role.

  • Consider mentorship or side projects to diversify skills.

FAQ: Common Concerns After a Tech Layoff

Q1. How do I explain a layoff in interviews?
 A: Be honest but concise. “Due to company-wide restructuring, my role was impacted. I’m using this time to realign with growth opportunities in [specific area].”

Q2. What if I want to pivot to AI or another domain?
 A: Take the 90 days to build micro-projects or get certified (e.g., Google Cloud AI, AWS ML, Prompt Engineering with LangChain). Use the time as a bridge, not a barrier.

Q3. Is now a bad time to job search in tech?
 A: No. Even amid hiring slowdowns, niche roles (DevOps, Security, AI, Data) remain in demand. Tailored applications win over mass apply.

Conclusion: Make the Layoff Work for You

Layoffs don’t define your value, your response does. With a focused 30-60-90 day strategy, you can turn uncertainty into clarity, fear into progress, and setbacks into comebacks. Keep the momentum, stay connected, and treat this moment not as a detour but a redirection.