Being laid off in tech can feel like a gut punch – but it’s also an opportunity for a fresh start
The tech industry is fast-paced, and layoffs, while tough, are more common than ever. If you’re navigating this moment, know that you’re not alone. There are practical steps you can take to get back on track and make your next move with confidence. Here’s a roadmap to help you turn this setback into a comeback.
𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀
Reach out to people you’ve interviewed with before, especially if there was a good connection. A quick follow-up like, “I enjoyed our last conversation – any new roles open?” can help keep you on their radar.
𝟮. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Connect with people in your field and ask friends for introductions. A simple “Who else should I connect with?” can open new doors and bring valuable insights.
𝟯. 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀
Rank your job leads as “hot,” “warm,” or “cold” to stay organized and focus your follow-ups. A spreadsheet or job-tracking app can help keep conversations on track and prevent missed opportunities.
𝟰. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Networking happens online too, so get active on 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻, 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, and industry platforms. Liking, commenting, and sharing posts helps keep you visible to potential employers and peers.
𝟱. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺)
Platforms like Discord, Slack, and Telegram have active groups for every interest. Join relevant communities, ask questions, and engage – many professionals and recruiters are there too.
𝟲. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁
In today’s market, demonstrating your skills can be the best way to stand out. For junior developers, consider contributing to open-source projects or building a portfolio on GitHub. For more senior roles, showcase your impact on business goals – for example, how you’ve driven revenue or managed a successful team.
𝟳. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲
In your resume, focus on how you’ve moved the needle. Think about the outcomes you’ve achieved – whether that’s improving processes, saving costs, or increasing efficiency. Concrete results (like “improved efficiency by 30%”) stand out more than vague responsibilities.
𝟴. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁
Every line on your resume should have purpose and impact. After writing a bullet point, ask yourself, “Would this make a hiring manager want to call me?” Think from their perspective – they want to see specific skills and results that make you an ideal fit. Each point should be a reason they’d reach out to you .