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Introduction
Here’s something almost nobody thinks about until it’s too late. When a layoff happens, the company can shut off your email, your work phone, and your chat account in a matter of minutes. And just like that, years of professional relationships can vanish from your screen. That’s why it pays to save your work contacts before you lose access.
Why does this matter so much? Because your network is one of the best tools you’ll have in your job search. Many people land their next role through someone they already know, like a former coworker, a manager, or a client who thought highly of them. If you can’t reach those people, you’re starting from scratch.
Think of this guide like a friend whispering, “Hey, grab those names before they lock you out.” Whether you live in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or somewhere else, these six ways to save your work contacts apply almost everywhere. Where the rules differ, we’ll point that out.
One important note before we start. Saving your contacts is not the same as taking company property. We’ll explain exactly where the line is in step 6, so please read that one before you do anything.
1. Write a “Who’s Who” List From Memory Right Away
Start with the easiest step, because it works even if your access is already gone. Grab a notebook or the notes app on your personal phone and start writing down the people who matter to your career.
Don’t overthink it. Just list names, job titles, and a quick note about how each person helped you or worked with you. For example, “Carla, finance manager, helped me fix the budget report in 2023.” Those little details make your future messages feel warm and real instead of random.
Here’s a simple way to organize it:
Item 1: People who’d give you a strong reference
Item 2: People who work at other companies or who have left for new ones
Item 3: People who work in your field and might hear about openings
Item 4: People you simply like and want to stay in touch with
Even if you only remember 15 or 20 names, that’s a great start. You’ll probably remember more over the next few days, so keep the list open and add to it.
2. Export Your LinkedIn Connections Today
If you’re on LinkedIn, make sure you’re using your personal account, not one that’s tied to a work email address. If your LinkedIn login uses your company email, change it to a personal email right now. Otherwise, you could lose access to your profile when your work account shuts down.
Here’s what to do:
Item 1: Add a personal email address to your LinkedIn account and make it your primary one
Item 2: Request a download of your data from the settings page, which includes your connections list
Item 3: Check that your phone number and personal email are visible to your connections, if you’re comfortable with that
LinkedIn usually emails the download file within minutes, though the full archive can take up to a day. That file is yours. It’s a list of your own connections, built from your own professional life.
Do the same for any other platforms where you network, such as industry forums or professional association sites. If any of them use your work email, switch them to a personal one.
3. Ask Trusted Coworkers for Their Personal Contact Info
This is the step that feels awkward, but it’s also the most powerful. A friendly coworker is far more likely to help you after a layoff if you can actually reach them.
Try something simple. Say, “Hey, I’d love to stay in touch. Can I get your personal email or cell number?” You can also offer yours first: “Here’s my personal number, in case you ever hear about anything.”
Picture this. Marcus, a sales analyst in Manchester, was told on a Thursday that his role was being made redundant. Before he packed up, he quietly asked five coworkers to swap personal numbers. Three weeks later, one of them texted him about an opening at her friend’s company. He got the interview, and then the job.
If you’re not ready to tell everyone what happened, that’s okay. You can say, “I’m moving on, and I’d really like to keep in touch.” Nobody needs the whole story. Pick the people you trust and keep it short.
4. Collect References and Recommendations While People Still Remember You
Right now, your coworkers and managers know your work well and your accomplishments are fresh in their minds. In six months, they might have trouble remembering the details. So this is the best time to ask for a reference.
Here are three ways to do it:
Item 1: Ask your manager or a respected coworker to write a short recommendation on LinkedIn
Item 2: Ask for a short letter or email you can keep, saying what you did well and confirming your role
Item 3: Ask, “Would you be willing to be a reference for me?” and confirm the best way to reach them
Make it easy for people. You can say, “Could you write two or three sentences about the project we did together?” Most folks are glad to help, especially when they feel bad about what happened. If your role was eliminated, a reference that says so clearly can make a big difference to future employers.
If your manager is hard to reach or the relationship is rocky, don’t force it. Ask a peer, a client who liked your work, or someone from another department instead.
5. Send a Short, Warm Goodbye Message With Your Personal Info
If you have the chance, send a goodbye note before your access ends. Keep it positive, brief, and professional. This isn’t the time to vent about the company or explain every detail.
Here’s a simple example you can adapt:
“Hi team, I wanted to let you know that today is my last day. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and I’ve learned so much. I’d love to stay in touch. You can reach me at [personal email] or find me on LinkedIn. Wishing you all the best.”
A couple of cautions. First, don’t send a mass message if your company has asked you not to, because some employers have rules about this. If you were told to leave immediately, you might not get the chance. That’s okay. You can always message people individually from your personal accounts afterward.
Second, keep your tone kind. People remember how you handled a tough exit, and it often shapes how they speak about you later.
6. Know the Line Between Your Contacts and Company Property
Now for the important part. There’s a big difference between saving the people you know and taking confidential company information. Crossing that line can lead to serious legal trouble, including losing your severance or being sued.
Here’s a general guide.
Usually fine to save:
Item 1: Your own personal contacts that were synced onto a work device
Item 2: The names and personal details of coworkers who’ve agreed to share them
Item 3: Your own LinkedIn connections and publicly available professional information
Item 4: Your own pay stubs, benefits documents, and employment contract
Usually not okay to take:
Item 1: Customer or client lists that belong to the company
Item 2: Confidential databases, price lists, or internal documents
Item 3: Emails or files forwarded from your work account to a personal one without permission
Item 4: Anything covered by a confidentiality or non-solicitation agreement you signed
In many places, copying a customer database or trade secrets can break your employment contract and the law, even if you worked hard to build those relationships yourself. Rules vary by country and by contract. If you’re in sales and you built client relationships, don’t guess. Ask HR or a qualified professional what you’re allowed to keep. And if you ever feel unsure, leave it behind and reconnect with those people through public channels like LinkedIn.
What If You’ve Already Lost Access?
If your accounts are already shut down, don’t panic. You still have options. Search for people on LinkedIn and send a friendly message. Reach out through mutual friends. Check your personal phone, personal email, and old text threads for numbers and addresses you saved over the years. Look through your calendar invitations on personal accounts, holiday cards, and old group chats. You’ll be surprised how many people you can find again.
You can also ask a friendly coworker, “Could you share my personal email with the people who ask about me?” That quietly gets the word out without any fuss.
A Quick Recap: Save Your Work Contacts Before You Lose Access
If you only remember a few things, make it these. Write a who’s who list from memory, export your LinkedIn connections, swap personal info with trusted coworkers, ask for references while people remember you, send a short goodbye message, and stay on the right side of the line between your contacts and company property.
Your network is one of the most valuable things you take with you when a job ends. Jobs come and go, but the relationships you built are yours. Spend a few minutes protecting them today, and you’ll be glad you did when the right opportunity comes along.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and isn’t legal or financial advice. Rules about confidential information, client lists, non-solicitation, and termination vary by country, state, and province. For specific decisions, talk with a qualified professional.
Information Sources
1. LinkedIn Help, Export Your Account Data: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a566336
2. U.S. Department of Justice, Protecting Trade Secrets: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ccips/protecting-trade-secrets
3. GOV.UK, Redundancy: Your Rights: https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights
4. ACAS (UK), Settlement Agreements: https://www.acas.org.uk/settlement-agreements
5. Government of Canada, Employment Insurance (EI): https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html
6. Fair Work Ombudsman (Australia), Ending Employment: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment
Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Victor worked as a bookkeeper, casino auditor, systems analyst, financial analyst, and assistant controller for casinos and real estate companies in Las Vegas, Nevada. These positions gave him practical experience in accounting, financial analysis, business operations, and financial decision-making.
Victor Sterling