Back on track: Your action plan

You've been through the hard part. Now it's time to move forward. In this guide, you'll get a concrete action plan – week by week – so you know exactly what to do to get back to work.

The plan is flexible. Adapt it to your situation. What's important is not following it slavishly, but having a direction. Structure gives energy and makes job searching less overwhelming.

Week 1: The foundation

The first week is about getting the basics in order – so you're ready to search effectively.

Practical

• Register as unemployed with your unemployment fund and job portal
• Create a financial overview (income, expenses, buffer)
• Check your termination notice and ensure everything is in order

CV and LinkedIn

• Update your CV – start by getting the basics in place
• Update your LinkedIn profile with correct status
• Ask 2-3 former colleagues for LinkedIn recommendations

Mindset

• Establish a daily routine (get up, get dressed, set fixed working hours)
• Move at least 30 minutes a day
• Talk to one person about your situation

Tip: You don't need to apply for jobs in week 1. Focus on getting the foundation in place. Good applications require that you have your story straight.

Week 2: Direction

Now it's time to think strategically. Where do you want to go?

Reflection

• What did you like about your previous job? What didn't you like?
• What skills would you like to use more?
• Are there industries or roles you're curious about?

Research

• Identify 5-10 companies you'd like to work for
• Investigate what they're looking for – even without open positions
• Find out who works there (LinkedIn is your friend)

Networking

• Make a list of people you know in your industry
• Contact 3-5 of them for an informal chat
• Tell them you're open to new opportunities

Read more about networking in our guide to activating your network.

Weeks 3-4: Active job searching

Now it's go time. You're ready to apply.

Applications

• Aim for 3-5 quality applications per week (not 20 half-hearted ones)
• Tailor each application to the specific position
• Use our guide to writing engaging applications

Unsolicited applications

• Contact 2-3 companies unsolicited per week
• Focus on companies you really want to work for
• Reference specific things they're working on

Follow-up

• Keep track of your applications in a spreadsheet
• Follow up after 1-2 weeks if you haven't heard back
• Be friendly and professional – never demanding

Week 5+: Persistence

Job searching takes time. What's important now is to keep going – without burning out.

Adjust your approach

• Evaluate: Are you getting responses? Getting interviews? Where does it stop?
• Adjust your CV or applications if something isn't working
• Consider searching more broadly – or more narrowly

Stay sharp

• Take courses or certifications that strengthen your profile
• Attend industry events or webinars
• Stay updated on your industry

Take care of yourself

• Plan days off from job searching
• Pursue hobbies and social activities
• Remember: A rejection is not a rejection of you as a person

Your weekly checklist

Use this checklist each week to maintain momentum:

• Sent at least 3 quality applications
• Contacted at least 2 people in my network
• Updated my application tracking sheet
• Followed up on outstanding applications
• Moved at least 30 min daily
• Took at least one full day off
• Talked to someone about my situation

When you get an interview

Congratulations! An interview is a big step. Here's what's most important:

• Prepare thoroughly: Research the company, understand the position, and prepare answers to typical questions
• Practice your story: Why are you applying? What can you offer? Why them?
• Prepare questions: Ask 2-3 good questions about the role or team
• Dress appropriately: Better slightly too formal than too casual

Read our guide to the job interview for more help.

How to handle rejections

Rejections hurt. But they're part of the process. Here's how to move on:

• Allow yourself to be disappointed – briefly
• Ask for feedback if possible
• Remember that rejections rarely have to do with you as a person
• Focus on what you can control
• Keep going – the right job is out there

Resources for your job search

Now that you've completed this module, you're ready to dive deeper. Here are the most important next steps:

• CV module: Build a CV that gets you interviews
• Application module: Write applications that stand out
• LinkedIn module: Become visible to recruiters
• Interview module: Prepare and impress
• Networking module: Find jobs that are never posted

Practical tips

• Treat job searching like a job – with fixed hours and breaks
• Quality over quantity – one good application beats ten half-hearted ones
• Use your network – most jobs are never found on job portals
• Be patient – on average it takes 3-6 months to find a job
• Celebrate progress – even the small stuff (an interview is a win!)
• Take time off – burnout doesn't help anyone

Try it yourself

Make your own weekly plan. Write down:

• What do you want to achieve this week?
• What three things will you do to get closer to a job?
• Who will you contact?
• How will you take care of yourself?

Frequently asked questions

Congratulations – you've completed the module!

You started with the shock of being fired. Now you have a plan, an overview of your rights, control of your finances, a strategy for CV gaps, tools for mental coping, and a concrete action plan.

It's a long journey ahead – but you're ready. And remember: You're not alone. Use the resources in the Job Academy, talk to your network, and be patient with yourself.

You'll get through this. And the next chapter in your career is waiting.