After being laid off, take two immediate actions to regain control and position yourself strongly in the job market. First, create a clear list of your must-haves and dealbreakers for your next role. Include salary expectations, work location preferences, remote work policies, and any other non-negotiables. Writing this down before you start applying helps you make thoughtful decisions based on your values and goals, not panic. This clarity prevents you from accepting roles that don’t align with your long-term career vision. Second, immediately update your résumé and LinkedIn profile. These are your most important tools in today’s competitive job market. Ensure your current title, responsibilities, and achievements are accurate and reflect your growth—especially if you’ve advanced from an individual contributor to a leadership role. Optimize for the roles you want in 2026, not just what you did five years ago. Use specific, impactful language that mirrors the keywords used in job descriptions you’re targeting. Avoid a common trap: over-relying on AI to write or tailor your résumé. While AI can help brainstorm content or suggest improvements, using it to generate entire applications leads to generic, impersonal documents that blend in. Recruiters and hiring managers—many of whom are still human—can spot AI-generated text. They look for authenticity, specific examples, and a clear narrative about your impact. Instead, use AI as a supplement. Draft a master résumé first, then spend 15–20 minutes tailoring it for each role. Highlight achievements with measurable results and include keywords that match the job description. Ask yourself: if I were hiring someone for this role, what would make me choose this candidate? Put those qualities front and center. Finally, revisit your past performance reviews. They’re a goldmine of insight into how others perceive your strengths. Look for recurring themes—like “excellent problem solver,” “strong mentor,” or “drives results under pressure.” Then ask 3–5 trusted colleagues or managers to share what makes you stand out, with concrete examples. This feedback helps you articulate your unique value and differentiate yourself in a crowded market. In an era of AI-driven job searches, the most powerful edge you have is being genuinely human. Show up with clarity, authenticity, and proof of impact—and you’ll stand out.