How to Handle a Layoff

The scale of recent layoffs is pretty astounding. 

Here's some good news. I've been hearing from recruiters and our clients. There are currently 2 open jobs for every 1 job seeker on the market. That means that there ARE jobs out there for you. Due to this, recruiters are extremely active right now on LinkedIn. We've been hearing from clients outside of tech in jobs that are not typically hard to fill that they're getting a lot of messages and invitations to interview. 

For anyone in this boat or concerned about a future layoff, here are 5 things you can do now.

1) Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

2) If you're currently unemployed, choose the “open to work” selection on LinkedIn, which places a badge on your profile picture to alert everyone that you're looking for jobs. I've heard many recruiters say this is a quick way to get their attention.

3) If you're still employed but open to new opportunities, change your LinkedIn settings to “open to: finding a new job” and select “recruiters only.” Recruiters will be able to find you more easily. When you make this selection, your profile will be visible to recruiters who have access to LinkedIn Recruiter, which is an expensive subscription service that companies and/or third party recruiters (headhunters) may purchase. 

4) The LinkedIn algorithm will rank you above others and place you higher in search results if you are an active LinkedIn user. In order to be considered an active user, you need a minimum of 500 connections and to do five pieces of social activity per day. That includes posting, liking, commenting, or sharing other posts. Applying for jobs or sending messages to people does not count as social activity.

5) Re-connect! Reach out to friends and former colleagues individually to tell them you're seeking a new opportunity and exactly what type of job you're looking for. Ask if they have advice, and if not, if they can introduce you to someone they know. Remember: most people want to help but they don't know how unless you ask and tell them how they can help.