When companies go through major layoffs or close locations, it can take employees by surprise. It is not only a personal shock but also a professional challenge. In the United States, there is a law that gives workers and communities some time to prepare for these changes. This law is called the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or the WARN Act. The notice that employers must give under this law is called a WARN notice.

Most people have never looked at a WARN notice, but it can be a valuable source of information for job seekers. Whether you are currently employed, between jobs, or keeping an eye on industry trends, understanding what a WARN notice is and how to use it can help you make better career decisions.

What is a WARN Notice?

The WARN Act is a federal law that requires certain employers to provide at least 60 days’ notice before laying off a large number of employees or closing a worksite. This rule generally applies to companies with 100 or more full-time workers. The law covers situations such as:

Closing a facility or plant that will result in job losses for 50 or more employees during a 30-day period.
Laying off at least 50 employees at a single worksite when that number represents one-third or more of the total full-time workforce.
Any layoff involving 500 or more full-time employees at a single site.

When an employer is required to file a WARN notice, the information is sent to affected employees or their union, the state’s dislocated worker unit, and local government officials. Many states also post these notices publicly on their workforce or labor department websites.

Some states have additional rules known as “mini-WARN” laws. These can have stricter requirements, such as covering smaller employers or requiring more than 60 days’ notice. It is important to check your own state’s guidelines to understand exactly how it works where you live.

Why Should Job Seekers Pay Attention to WARN Notices?

For most job seekers, the value of a WARN notice comes from the fact that it provides early, reliable information about layoffs and closures. Unlike rumors or social media posts, WARN notices are official documents. They can give you insight into changes in your industry and help you plan your next career steps.

Here are several ways they can be useful:

1. Advance Warning if Your Employer is Affected If you see your own company’s name on a WARN notice, you have a window of time to prepare. You can update your resume, reach out to your network, explore internal transfer options, and begin applying for new roles before the layoff takes effect. Many people who prepare early are able to transition into new jobs without a long gap in employment.

2. A Look at Industry Trends Monitoring WARN notices over time can help you spot patterns. If you see repeated layoffs in the same industry or job type, it may mean the demand for those roles is shrinking. If you are entering that field or thinking of making a change, this insight can guide you toward more stable opportunities.

3. Networking Opportunities When a company announces a layoff, its employees often update their online profiles, reach out to contacts, and look for new positions. If you work in the same field, this is a chance to connect. You might share job leads, collaborate on projects, or join professional groups together. Networking with people who are active in a job search can expand your own career opportunities.

4. Leads on Available Talent For those who hire or build teams, WARN notices can point to a group of skilled professionals who will soon be available. Even if you are not hiring directly, you may be able to connect people in your network with those who are looking, which strengthens your professional relationships.

5. Awareness of Local Economic Shifts Layoffs do not just affect workers. They also affect the local economy. If you see multiple WARN notices in your area, it can be a sign that certain industries are pulling back. This might influence your decision on where to focus your job search or whether to consider remote work in a different region.

How to Find WARN Notices

Most states post WARN notices online through their Department of Labor or Workforce Development websites. Some states update them weekly, while others post them as they are filed. To find them, you can search online for “WARN notices” followed by your state’s name.

When you open a WARN notice, you will usually see details such as:

The name of the company.
The location where layoffs will happen.
The number of employees affected.
The date the layoffs are expected to begin.
The type of action (closure, layoff, or both).

If your state has a mini-WARN law, its notices will often be posted in the same place as the federal WARN notices. Some states also provide archives so you can look at past filings.

Using WARN Notices in Your Job Search

As a resume writer and career coach, I encourage my clients to think of WARN notices as a job market radar. They do not predict every change, but they do offer solid, factual updates that can help you make smart moves.

Here are practical ways to use them:

Set a reminder to check your state’s WARN listings and any states where you may want to work.
If you see a company from your field on the list, reach out to your contacts there to offer support and to learn about internal or related opportunities.
Keep track of repeated layoffs in certain sectors. If your current role is in one of those areas, start building skills or connections to use in a potential job search.
Use the lead time to position yourself as an active, ready-to-hire candidate. Have your resume, LinkedIn profile, and key talking points prepared so you can respond quickly if an opportunity comes up.

Staying Proactive in a Competitive Market

The current U.S. job market can be highly competitive. Open roles often receive hundreds of applications within days. Having a way to spot changes before they hit the news gives you an advantage. It allows you to prepare early, reach out to hiring managers before the flood of applicants arrives, and show that you take charge of your own career.

Staying aware of WARN notices is only one part of a proactive job search strategy. You should also keep your resume updated, maintain an active LinkedIn presence, and regularly connect with people in your professional network. Combining these habits with the insights from WARN notices can help you stay ahead, even in uncertain times.

WARN notices were designed to give workers time to prepare for major employment changes. While they cannot stop a layoff from happening, they can give you valuable time and information to take control of your career path.