How to Rewrite Your Resume After a Layoff

Hey there, job seeker! If you’ve been hit by a layoff, I know it stings. Trust me—I’ve been there. But here’s the good news: a layoff can be the push you need to rewrite your resume and land a role that’s even better than the last one.

I’m a career coach who’s helped thousands bounce back after layoffs, and at A Life After Layoff, I’ve seen what works. Today, I’m sharing how to rewrite your resume after a layoff so you can get back in the game—fast.

A layoff isn’t the end of your story. It’s a chance to rethink, retool, and reposition yourself for something new. The job market in 2025 is tough—unemployment is hovering at 4.3%, and layoffs are projected to hit 1.7–2.2 million by next April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But a strong resume can make you stand out, even in a crowded field. Let’s dive into five steps to rewrite your resume after a layoff the smart way, plus some extra tips to seal the deal.

Step 1: Start from Scratch—Don’t Dust Off That Old Resume

Here’s the deal. That old resume sitting in the back of your hard drive? It’s probably a mess. It’s unoptimized, outdated, and not doing you any favors. Don’t try to patch it up. Start fresh. A clean slate gives you the chance to build a resume that’s laser-focused on today’s job market.

I know those online template sites look tempting. But let’s be real. Most of them are designed by graphic designers, not recruiters. They’re pretty, sure, but they’re often a nightmare for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Those fancy layouts? They can confuse the software that scans your resume, leaving you in the reject pile before a human even sees it. Or they’ll keep you from being discovered months later by another recruiter on the team.

I’d recommend skipping the template sites (especially ones behind a paywall). Instead, use a simple MS Word template as a starting point. It’s clean, it’s ATS-friendly, and it gets the job done.

If you’re still in a rut, I’ve got you covered. I created a resume template that’s ATS-focused and built from a recruiter’s perspective. Yes, it’s a premium offering, but it’s already built with the recruiter in mind if you’re stuck and don’t know where to start.

It’s designed to get you past the bots and into the hands of a hiring manager. You can find it on my website under the courses tab—or you can grab it here. Start with that, and you’re already ahead of the game.

Step 2: Reduce the Clutter—Focus on What Matters

Your resume isn’t a diary. It’s a marketing tool. Every word needs to show why you’re the best fit for the job you’re applying for. After a layoff, you might be tempted to throw in everything you’ve ever done to prove your worth. Don’t. Clutter kills your chances.

Here’s how to declutter:

• Cut Irrelevant Jobs: If you’re applying for a marketing role, that summer job as a lifeguard from 10 years ago? It’s not helping. Keep only the roles that show skills relevant to the job.
• Trim the Fluff: Ditch generic phrases like “hard worker” or “team player.” They don’t mean anything to recruiters. Instead, use specific achievements, like “Increased sales by 15% in Q3 2024.”
• Focus on Fit: Look at the job posting. What skills and experiences do they want? Highlight those on your resume, and leave out the rest.

A clean resume makes it easy for hiring managers to see why you’re the right pick. Don’t make them dig for the good stuff.

Step 3: Handle the Layoff Gap Like a Pro

Layoffs happen. Hiring managers know that—especially in 2025, with layoffs making headlines. But how you handle the gap on your resume can make or break your chances. Let’s break it down.

• Recent Layoff (Under 2 Months): If your layoff was recent, it’s fine to list your end date as “Present.” For example, if you were laid off in March 2025 and it’s April now, you can write “XYZ Company, Marketing Manager, June 2022–Present.” It shows you’re still active, and most recruiters won’t bat an eye.
• Older Layoff (Over 2 Months): If the layoff was a while back—say, last fall—you’ll need to list the final month. For example, “XYZ Company, Marketing Manager, June 2022–November 2024.” Honesty matters here. Gaps happen, and trying to hide them looks sketchy.
• Short-Term Jobs: If the job you were laid off from was short-term—like under 6 months—you might consider leaving it off entirely. But be aware: this could create a gap. If the gap’s too big (over 6 months), recruiters might ask questions. Be ready to explain it in your interview—like how you used the time to reskill or take on a personal project.

Gaps aren’t a dealbreaker. It’s all about how you present them. Show you’ve been proactive, and you’ll be fine. (Just be sure to come across positively and confidently, and you’ll be fine)

Step 4: Customize Your Resume for Every Job Posting

Here’s a hard truth. A one-size-fits-all resume won’t cut it. If you’re blasting the same resume to every job, you’re setting yourself up for rejection. To get a callback, you need to customize your resume for each job posting.

Here’s how to do it:

• Mirror the Job Description: Read the posting carefully. What skills and experiences do they want? Use their exact language in your resume. If they’re looking for “data analysis with Tableau,” don’t just say “data skills”—be specific.
• Highlight Relevant Achievements: Tailor your bullet points to match the job. Applying for a project management role? Lead with accomplishments like “Managed a $500K project, delivering on time and 10% under budget.”
• Tweak Your Summary: Add a short career summary at the top of your resume. Make it specific to the role. For example: “Experienced marketing professional with 5 years in digital campaigns, now targeting project management roles with strong skills in budgeting and team leadership.”

Customization takes time, but it’s worth it. A tailored resume shows you’re serious about the role—and it boosts your chances of getting past the ATS.

Need more help? Resume Rocketfuel walks you through this step-by-step, and I teach you how to rewrite your resume in as little as 5 minutes, without the need to use AI. (Hint: systemize!!)

Step 5: Ditch Outdated Skills and Show What’s Current

The job market moves fast. Skills that were hot 10 years ago might be irrelevant now. After a layoff, you need to show hiring managers you’re up to date and ready to contribute.

• Remove Old Skills: If your resume still lists “Proficient in Microsoft FrontPage” or “Expert in fax machine operation,” it’s time to let those go. They make you look out of touch. Focus on skills that matter in 2025—like data analysis, AI tools, or project management software.
• Highlight New Skills: Have you reskilled since your layoff? Maybe you took a course on Python or earned a Google Data Analytics certification. Add those to a “Skills” or “Professional Development” section. For example: “Completed Google Data Analytics Certification, 2025—Skilled in SQL and Tableau.”
• Show Results: Don’t just list skills—show how you’ve used them. If you learned Tableau, mention a project: “Built a sales dashboard in Tableau, identifying $50K in cost savings.”

Updating your skills makes you a stronger candidate. It shows you’re adaptable and ready for today’s job market.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that tech skills, such as software development, are in high demand, with roles projected to grow 26% through 2032, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook.

Bonus Tips When Rewriting Your Resume

You’ve got the basics down. Now let’s add some extra polish to make your resume unstoppable. These tips will help you stand out, even after a layoff.

• Add Numbers to Your Achievements: Hiring managers love specifics. Don’t just say “Improved sales.” Say “Boosted sales by 20% in 6 months, generating $100K in new revenue.” Numbers make your impact clear.
• Keep It to One Page (If Possible): Unless you’ve got 15+ years of experience, aim for one page. Recruiters spend about 6 seconds scanning your resume. Make every inch count.
• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb like “Led,” “Developed,” or “Increased.” It makes your accomplishments pop. For example: “Led a team of 5 to launch a new product, hitting $1M in sales.”
• Include Volunteer Work or Projects: If you’ve got a gap, fill it with meaningful activities. Volunteered at a local nonprofit? Built a personal website to showcase your skills? Add those under a “Projects” or “Volunteer Experience” section. For example: “Organized a fundraiser for XYZ Nonprofit, raising $5K in 2024.”
• Proofread Like Your Job Depends on It: Typos scream “I don’t care.” Use tools like Grammarly to catch errors, but don’t stop there—read it out loud to spot awkward phrasing.
• Add a LinkedIn Link: Your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your resume. Include a link in your contact section so recruiters can learn more about you. Make sure your profile is polished—I teach how to do this in Unlocking LinkedIn.

Why a Strong Resume Matters After a Layoff

Let’s face it. A layoff can shake your confidence. You might feel like you’re starting from scratch, especially if you’ve been out of the job market for a while. But a strong resume can turn that around. It’s your chance to show hiring managers what you bring to the table—gaps and all.

In 2025, the job market is competitive. But it’s also full of opportunities. Roles in tech, healthcare, and green energy are growing fast, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS Job Growth. A resume that’s tailored, up-to-date, and recruiter-friendly can get you in the door for those jobs. It’s your first impression—make it count.

The Bottom Line

A layoff doesn’t define you. And your resume is the first step in changing the narrative. Keep in mind, we’ve all been where you are right now, so don’t fret. (I’ve been laid off, too!)

Start fresh, cut the clutter, handle your gap with confidence, customize for every job, and show off your current skills. Add in those extra touches—like numbers, action verbs, and a polished LinkedIn profile—and you’ll be ready to land your next role.

Need more help? My Resume Rocketfuel course has everything you need to build a resume that gets results Resume Rocketfuel.