3. File for Unemployment
You may be entitled to money while you are unemployed. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment benefits are a federal-state joint programs which provide participants with temporary financial assistance. Generally benefits are based on a percentage of an individual's earnings over a recent 52-week period and most states offer payment for a maximum of 26 weeks.

4. Update Your Resume
Always keep an updated resume. However, when a lay off has occurred it is important to approach it on your resume the right way. Irene Marshall, president of Tools for Transition says that anyone laid off needs to be able to explain and talk about their perception of what happened at the company. If you are unsure of what to say, consult a career counselor.

5. Start Job Searching
In a slow job market and with many others searching for new positions as well, there is no hope of getting another job while sitting on the couch. Once you are let go from your job, it is time to start looking for a new one. “Even working at Starbucks (SBUX) is better than sitting at home," says Jon Hanshus, founder of Go For The Job. "You never know who may walk through the door with an available opportunity.”