The Average Time to Find a New Job After a Layoff in Canada — and How to Land Yours Faster

Losing a job can feel like a setback, but it doesn’t have to define your future. In Canada, job seekers spend on average a little over five months finding new work, but a focused approach can significantly reduce that time. The difference lies in planning your job search strategically.

This guide will break down how long it really takes to land a new role in Canada, discuss factors that affect the average timeline, and present proven strategies to get hired faster.

According to Statistics Canada, the average time to find a job after a layoff or job termination in Canada is about five months. However, several factors can influence each individual’s timeline, which causes experiences to vary widely. While some professionals might secure a new position in a few weeks, others may take many months, depending on the economy, industry trends, and their personal circumstances.

Sector: Someone working in a high-demand sector, such as healthcare or technology, for example, could find opportunities more quickly, especially in regions facing labour shortages. On the other hand, roles in competitive or shrinking industries, or those with higher salary expectations, may take longer to land. Your readiness to job search also matters—the sooner you refresh your resume and start networking, the higher your chances of seeing faster results.

Location: Hiring timelines can be shorter in metropolitan areas like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, where job postings are plentiful, and longer in rural or remote regions. Ultimately, your search strategy plays a huge role. A structured approach, focused applications, and consistent follow-up can reduce stress and help you beat the national average.

A structured approach can cut precious time off your job search and reduce the stress resulting from job loss. The steps below are designed to help job seekers to regain momentum, stay organized, and present themselves with confidence. This guide will also be helpful for HR leaders looking to support employees undergoing a career transition process after a layoff.

Give yourself time to reset emotionally after a layoff. A few days of rest, reflection, and self-care can boost mental clarity and help you to re-enter the job market with confidence. Canadian employers value resilience, and a refreshed mindset will help you to perform better in interviews.

Sort out practical matters before job hunting. Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, confirm your Record of Employment (ROE) is accurate, and budget for the months ahead. Check for extended health coverage or provincial programs, so you avoid unexpected gaps in care. This preparation reduces stress and keeps your search focused.

Knowing why your role ended—whether restructuring or performance issues—helps you identify skill gaps and prepare a clear, professional answer for future interviews. So, if you’re not happy with the justification given to you in your exit interview, ask for specific feedback from your former employer if possible.

Craft a short, factual explanation of why you left your last job and keep it positive. Practice until it feels natural and future-focused. Employers appreciate candidates who can stay professional when discussing a layoff, and a strong, optimistic narrative can set you apart from other applicants.

Decide what you want from your next role: list your preferred industries, types of work environment (remote, hybrid, or on-site), salary range, and growth opportunities. Having clear goals helps you avoid wasting time on roles that aren’t aligned with your skills or career path, leading to faster, more satisfying job offers.

Employers notice candidates who actively develop their skills and stay engaged, even during a career break. So, to stay competitive, use this transition period to boost your skill set. Enroll in a short online course, earn certifications, or volunteer to gain hands-on experience. 

Update your resume with your latest achievements—such as the courses mentioned in the previous tip—and use metrics to show results. Tailor each application to the role you want and ensure your LinkedIn profile is polished. Recruiters often search LinkedIn first, so a strong digital presence can help opportunities come to you.

If you need extra help, here’s a guide for writing a winning resume.

Treat your job hunt like a project. Set weekly targets for applications and networking, use a mix of job boards, and leverage referrals wherever possible. Track progress to stay accountable and avoid losing momentum. Always have consistency in mind in order to shorten the search period and secure interviews more quickly.

Interviews are a make-or-break moment in most hiring processes. Ask a friend or other reliable contact to run mock interviews with you, so you can rehearse common questions and strengthen your responses. Also, research the company and prepare thoughtful questions: this shows initiative and builds rapport with interviewers, which can speed up hiring decisions.

When you receive a job offer, research salary benchmarks for your region and industry on sites like Glassdoor or Payscale. Employers expect negotiation and respect candidates who know their worth. Starting your new role with a fair package ensures long-term job satisfaction and sets you up for success.

As we’ve seen, the average time to find a new job after a layoff is currently around 22 weeks. If you’re looking for work, however, many factors can influence this timeframe—such as industry, salary range, and how strategically you approach the job search journey.

If you take each necessary step in this process, as presented here, your chances of landing a new position sooner rather than later will increase. From taking time to process the layoff to upskilling, updating your resume, and preparing for interviews, having a structured plan will be a vital element in finding the next chapter in your career.

For employers and HR teams, this article can serve as a valuable guide for recently laid-off employees. Beyond that, providing outplacement services—including resume writing support, personalized career coaching, and more—can help those individuals to find new work faster.

Are you planning a layoff event? Click here and contact the Careerminds experts. Our modern approach to outplacement will give all the support your departing staff needs, while reassuring surviving employees—thereforeboosting retention, satisfaction, and productivity.