How long do you have to wait to hire after a layoff?

Asked by: Ned Denesik  |  Last update: April 30, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (65 votes)

It's not uncommon to hire new employees after a layoff. However, it should be done with care to make sure you do not get accused of discrimination or wage discrepancies. While it's best to wait about six months before hiring after a layoff, you can hire for different positions to help your company grow or pivot.

Can a company hire after layoffs?

Layoffs: What If An Employer Hires A New Employee To Fill My Previous role? Generally speaking, an employer cannot lay off an employee only to then immediately hire a new employee to fill the laid-off employee's position.

Am I eligible for rehire if I was laid off?

Yes. There are no laws prohibiting employers from rehiring laid-off employees.

How long does it take to get another job after being laid off?

You will be able to land your next gig faster than you think. Over 70% of laid-off individuals find new jobs within three months. Certain professions like sales, software engineering, and marketing are experiencing even quicker transitions.

What is the notice period for layoffs?

Certain employers must give employees at least 60 days notice before a mass layoff, relocation, or plant closures.. Support is available to help both workers and employers during layoffs or plant closures.

Why Job Offers Take So Long - Waiting To Hear Back After Your Interview

16 related questions found

What is the warn period for layoffs?

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) (29 USC 2100 et. seq.) - Protects workers, their families and communities by requiring most employers with 100 or more employees to provide notification 60 calendar days in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs.

What are the rules of getting laid off?

The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) requires employers to provide 60 days' notice, during which all wages and benefits will continue to flow as usual, giving those who were laid off at least a little time to brace for unemployment, or get busy finding that new (better — knock wood) ...

Do companies layoff new hires first?

That need for transparency about layoff decisions is part of the reason many employers have historically decided to let go more recent hires first, according to Sandra Sucher, a professor at Harvard Business School who studies layoffs.

How long does it take to find a job after being laid off in 2024?

The median unemployment duration in September 2024 was 10.7 weeks or almost 2.5 months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Take solace in this timeframe and note that a multitude of external factors can impact how long it takes you to get a job.

How long does an employer have to pay you after being laid off?

For example, for employees who quit, California's final paycheck law requires payment of wages within 72 hours or immediately if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice. If the employee is discharged in California, then the law requires employers to provide any and all compensation due at the time of separation.

Can employers check if you were laid off?

The Hard Truth: Yep, It Goes on Your Record

Most companies will at least note the fact that you were terminated, even if they're light on specifics. Oftentimes, when a new employer checks your references, all they can check is your dates of employment and whether of not you're “eligible for rehire”.

Which department get laid off first?

However, patterns emerging during layoffs earlier this year show that non-essential departments, meaning those that don't contribute to the core functionality of the business, are the ones that often see cuts first.

What not to say when laying someone off?

Here are 11 things you should never say when firing an employee, along with what you should say instead.
  1. “This is really hard for me.” ...
  2. “I'm not sure how to say this.” ...
  3. “We've decided to let you go.” ...
  4. “We've decided to go in a different direction.” ...
  5. “We'll work out the details later.”

Who gets laid off first in a company?

The last employees to be hired become the first people to be let go. This makes sense logically. If they were recently hired, they probably haven't become as strong of organizational assets yet.

How long can you be laid off before you are terminated?

Length of temporary layoff

In Alberta, the maximum duration of a temporary layoff is 90 days in a 120-day period. The employee is terminated on the 91st day if they have not resumed work. Termination pay must be paid if the employee is entitled.

What not to do during layoffs?

  • DON'T: Lay the blame on others for the decision.
  • DON'T: Allow the layoff to sound up as if it is for discussion.
  • DON'T: Provide the employee any promises you cannot keep.
  • DON'T: Pressure the employee to sign anything they're not ready to sign.
  • DON'T: Lay off employees the week before a holiday break if avoidable.

What is the average time from layoff to new job?

You willget a new job. In fact, according to a study by Jobvite, it will only take you about six weeks to do so, on average. Even if you saw the end coming, a layoff can be emotionally jarring. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the unknown, so give yourself a couple of days to regroup and recover.

Why do companies post ghost jobs?

Ghost jobs are online listings for roles that are not actually available. Companies might post a ghost job to gauge the talent market, fulfill an internal requirement or impress investors, but they have no intention of hiring for the position at that moment.

How long does a layoff last?

Layoffs can last a few weeks or for months. All depends upon business conditions. If the employers find that there is a need for additional employees, they will contact the employee who were subject to the layoff, to see if they are interested in returning to work.

How long after layoffs do companies hire again?

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) suggests to wait at least six months since the layoff.

What is the seniority layoffs rule?

Normally, layoffs are in seniority order regardless of time base; that is, the least senior employees, regardless of whether they are part time, intermittent, or full time, are laid off first.

Do good employees get laid off?

it's very hard to get fired if you are just in the Top 50% and aren't a threat to your boss' bonus. Layoffs in BigCos happen all the time, but in reality, the folks impacted are the ones who are ranked in the bottom 5%-20% of the team.

What is the average severance package?

How Is Severance Pay Calculated? Employers typically consider the employee's salary level and length of service to calculate severance pay. Most employers provide an average of one to two weeks' salary for each year of service. They may also adjust the amount based on an employee's tenure or role in the company.

Do companies pay you if you get laid off?

When an employee in California is laid off, fired, or quits after providing 72 hours of notice, the employee should get paid their full wages on their last day of work. These employees should be paid in full even if the layoff is temporary or seasonal.

Can I sue if I get laid off?

No matter how unfair it might feel to suddenly lose your job, you generally can't sue an employer simply for laying you off. This is because, in California, most employees are considered “at will.” At-will employment means that your employer can legally fire you—and you can quit—at any point and for almost any reason.