How to recover from tech layoffs in 2024
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Layoffs have also surged in recent months as the technology industry booms amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these tech companies say they have chosen to lay off some employees to stay in business due to continued economic uncertainty.
Crunchbase's tech company layoffs tracking list states that more than 190,000 employees at U.S.-based tech companies will lose their jobs in 2023, and that layoffs will continue into 2024. In the first four weeks of the new year alone, “more than 75 tech companies laid off more than 21,000 of their employees,” NPR reported.
Big tech jobs weren't immune to job losses, as Microsoft announced it would lay off 1,900 employees. This joins dozens of other tech layoffs that have announced layoffs in 2024, including Google, Amazon, Tiktok, and Meta.
Nevertheless, experts say there is still a demand for high-tech workers, so those who recently lost their jobs can continue to find employment. If you are one of them, now is the time to shift your focus to getting back on the job market. Here are three things you can do to bounce back from setbacks and position yourself strategically in an ever-evolving technology landscape.
Start with the network
Being laid off from a tech job can discourage people from pursuing a career in tech, yet one study found that 79% of laid-off tech workers It reveals a promising situation that you can find a new job within a month. And since technology skills remain invaluable in non-tech companies, specialist jobs will continue to be in demand.
Today, the most convenient way to find a job is through job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. You can filter results based on location, job title, and other criteria. Don't stop there, visit the hiring company's website to see if there are any other posts related to you. I know it's tempting, but don't spam the apply button. When applying for a new job, focus on quality over quantity.
Also, applying for a job is just one step in the process. We recommend taking it a step further and reaching out to people in your network and who work at your target company. Before you send an email or message on LinkedIn, update your profile to highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Next, connect with experts, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to increase your visibility with recruiters.
Create a resume (and possibly a cover letter)
Once you find an open position that matches your professional goals, start creating and tailoring your resume to the position. An effective resume will help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) after you apply for a job, and get you closer to hiring managers who are considering your resume directly. Be sure to list relevant work experience, skills, qualifications, and projects, and mention the keywords listed in the job description to grab the attention of recruiters and recruiters.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider writing a well-written cover letter. Not every recruiter will read these, but if you're applying to a small business that takes the time to read every application, you can help yourself stand out from the crowd. In your cover letter, you can introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and highlight how your skills and experience match the requirements of the job you're applying for. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job or company and make it clear what expertise you can bring to the table.
Check out this article on how to make your resume stand out for more ways to improve your resume. You can also get started by downloading free resume and cover letter templates from the Workhap website.
prepare for a job interview
Once you've got your resume right and contacted the right decision makers, your next challenge is the interview. An interview is not an impromptu opportunity, but an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on a potential employer. The number of people she interviews for employment is around 6-10, so in order to get a job offer, you must not only meet the requirements of the role, but also have a track record in the interview.
Practicing frequently asked questions is one way to prepare for an interview. And the most common question you will come across is “Tell me about yourself”. My suggestion for dealing with this question (and all the questions you get in an interview) is to follow this formula.
- draw a picture
- Go to details
- And let's conclude!
Remember to highlight your recent roles and major accomplishments in this question. This video answering the question “Tell me about yourself” explains the formula and how to use it in detail.
During the interview, you may also be asked why you left your previous company. Deciding whether to tell the hiring manager that you've been fired can be difficult, but if you do decide to do so, do it in a positive way. Talk about the skills you acquired during your employment, the challenges you overcame, and the professional growth you experienced during your previous role, then shift the conversation from the layoff to why and how your skills fit the new role.
During the interview, remember to tell your story, keep the energy high, and keep your answers short and simple, but relevant.
It can be difficult to recover from being laid off in the tech industry, so instead use this experience to help develop yourself. Our industry thrives on constant innovation, so showcase your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to professional growth to get back on track to achieving your professional goals during these uncertain times. is needed.
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