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Personalized layoff and career survival plans using real-time government data and AI
See how our platform combines real government data with AI to create your personalized survival plan. No signup required to explore our tools.
100% Free Core Tools
No credit card requiredWhy Smart Restart Beats the Competition
Bureau of Labor Statistics + FRED API
No competitor offers runway planning
Real-time tracking by location
Career + Financial + AI tools combined
LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor offer basic career tools. We offer survival intelligence.
Your competitive edge
Live Layoff Intelligence BREAKING
Unlike generic job boards, we track layoffs using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and news intelligence. Filter by your location, industry, and skills to get personalized survival insights that competitors don't offer.
47,382
234
6-9
The most comprehensive layoff intelligence platform
Trusted by Professionals During Career Transitions
Real feedback from users who found their next opportunity
Sarah Chen
Software Engineer, Seattle"The financial calculator showed I had 8 months runway - exactly what I needed to be selective about my next role. Found a better position with 30% salary increase."
Marcus Johnson
Marketing Director, Austin"After being laid off from a startup, the layoff intelligence helped me avoid companies with red flags. The AI resume optimizer got me 3x more interviews."
Lisa Rodriguez
Finance Manager, Miami"The real-time data on banking layoffs saved me from accepting an offer at a company that downsized 2 weeks later. Smart Restart is career insurance."
Choose Your Plan - Most Tools Are Free Forever
No hidden fees, no surprise charges. Core survival tools remain free to help everyone.
Free Forever
Perfect for immediate job displacement- Real-time layoff intelligence
- Financial survival calculator
- Basic ATS resume optimization
- Job market trends
- 400+ AI assistant directory
- Economic data dashboard
Premium - $19/month
For strategic career planning- Everything in Free, plus:
- AI-powered action plans
- Advanced resume optimization
- Interview preparation AI
- Personalized job matching
- Weekly strategy sessions
Why Smart Restart Beats the Competition
TopResume: $400+
Slow turnaround, no AI analysis, limited revisionsLinkedIn Premium: $60/mo
Generic insights, no survival planning, no real dataBetterUp: $200/hr
Expensive coaching, no tech integration, limited scaleSmart Restart: Free
AI-powered, real government data, instant resultsFinancial Survival Calculator EXCLUSIVE
Mint and YNAB track spending. We calculate how long you can survive job loss. Get your exact runway timeline, week-by-week action plan, and location-specific economic insights that no other platform provides.
14.3
89%
3,247
The only survival calculator built for job displacement
AI-Powered ATS Optimization BEATS 95% OF SYSTEMS
TopResume charges $400+ for basic edits. Our AI analyzes actual ATS algorithms, scans job descriptions in real-time, and optimizes your resume with the exact keywords and formatting that hiring systems are programmed to find.
87%
ATS Pass Rate Increase3.2x
More Interview Calls$0
vs $400+ CompetitorsAdvanced AI that understands actual hiring systems
Get Personalized Intelligence for Your Situation
Set up your location and skills to see layoff data, job opportunities, and financial planning specifically relevant to your career and area. Takes 2 minutes.
Join the Smart Restart Community
Connect with other professionals navigating career transitions
Discussion Forums
Share stories, ask questions, and get advice from others who understand your situation.
Join DiscussionsPeer Support Groups
Weekly virtual meetups for professionals in similar industries or situations.
Find Your GroupSuccess Stories
Read inspiring stories from community members who successfully transitioned careers.
Read StoriesYour Personalized Transition Plan
Let's understand your situation
This information helps us create a practical plan that's tailored to your situation. Your job history helps us recommend relevant opportunities, while your financial information helps us understand how much time you have to find your next opportunity.
Note: All information is kept private and is never shared with third parties.
Your Financial Runway
Your 3-Week Action Plan
Building your personalized plan...
Our survival calculator combines your finances with real Bureau of Labor Statistics data. If this tool helped you plan your next steps, consider supporting it so we can help others.
Helpful Resources to Get Started
Affected by AI or Automation?
Many industries are experiencing changes due to AI and automation. If your job has been affected, know that you're not alone, and this isn't a reflection of your value or skills.
Displaced Worker Programs Re-Employment ServicesResume & Career Tools
Interview Preparation Resources
Common Interview Frameworks
Different companies use different interview methods. Here are the most common frameworks you may encounter:
| Framework | Description | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| STAR Method | Situation, Task, Action, Result — structured way to answer behavioral questions | Amazon, Google, Microsoft |
| SMART Criteria | Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound — goal-oriented answers | Salesforce, IBM, JPMorgan |
| CAR Method | Challenge, Action, Result — focused on problem-solving | Apple, Netflix, LinkedIn |
| PARADE Method | Problem, Action, Result, Aftermath, Demonstration, Evaluation | Consulting firms, Facebook |
Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral interviews focus on how you've handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method:
- Situation: Describe the context/background
- Task: Explain your responsibility
- Action: Detail the steps you took
- Result: Share the outcome and what you learned
Common questions include:
- "Tell me about a time you faced a conflict at work."
- "Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline."
- "Give an example of how you handled a failure."
Technical Interviews
Technical interviews assess your job-specific knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Prepare by:
- Reviewing fundamentals of your field
- Practicing common problems
- Explaining your thought process aloud
- Asking clarifying questions
Resources by field:
Case Study Interviews
Common in consulting, finance, and some tech roles, case interviews present a business problem to solve.
Approach:
- Understand the problem (ask questions)
- Structure your analysis
- Analyze with a logical framework
- Present clear recommendations
Common frameworks:
- Profit Framework (Revenue - Costs)
- 4Ps (Product, Price, Promotion, Place)
- Porter's Five Forces
- SWOT Analysis
Company-Specific Interview Processes
Focus: Leadership Principles, behavioral questions
Format: Multiple rounds, includes behavioral and technical
Prep tip: Study Amazon's 16 Leadership Principles and prepare STAR method stories for each
Amazon Interview GuideFocus: Problem-solving, technical knowledge, cultural fit
Format: Phone screens, on-site interviews (4-5 rounds)
Prep tip: Practice algorithmic problem-solving and system design questions
Google Hiring ProcessFocus: Problem-solving ability, coding, design questions
Format: Phone/video screens + on-site (4-5 interviews)
Prep tip: Practice data structures, algorithms, and architecture questions
Microsoft Interview TipsFocus: Technical knowledge, market awareness, aptitude tests
Format: Online tests, assessment centers, multiple interviews
Prep tip: Research current market trends and practice numerical tests
Banking Interview PrepFocus: Technical knowledge, patient scenarios, cultural fit
Format: Panel interviews, scenario-based questions
Prep tip: Research the facility, review patient care scenarios
Healthcare Interview GuideMental Health & Emotional Support
Job loss can take an emotional toll. It's normal to feel anxious, stressed, or even grieved during this transition. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your job search.
Free vs Professional Features
Choose the right plan for your career transition needs
Free Tools
- Layoff risk checker
- Basic resume grader
- Financial readiness calculator
- Job market trends
- Basic action plans
Professional
- Everything in Free +
- AI-powered personalized dashboard
- Predictive layoff alerts
- Advanced resume optimization
- Unlimited AI assistants access
- Priority support
Your Data is Safe
We never share your personal information. GDPR compliant.