How To Recover From Tech Layoffs In 2024
As the tech industry surged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also witnessed a surge in workforce reductions in recent months. Some of these tech companies say that ongoing economic doubts made them choose to let go of some workers to keep their businesses running.
Crunchbase’s tech layoffs tracker lists that more than 190,000 workers from U.S.-based tech companies lost their jobs in 2023 and layoffs will continue in 2024. In just the first four weeks of the new year, “over 75 tech companies have laid off over 21,000 employees,” according to NPR.
Employment in big tech did not spare anyone from losing their jobs, as Microsoft announced laying off 1,900 of its employees. It joins dozens of other tech layoffs in Google, Amazon, Tiktok, and Meta, among others, that announced layoffs for 2024.
Despite this, experts say that tech workers are still in demand, so those who have recently lost their jobs can still find employment. If you’re one of those, now’s the time to shift your focus to bouncing back into the job market. Here are 3 things that you can do to rebound from the setbacks and strategically position yourself in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Start With Your Network
Getting laid off from a tech job could discourage you from pursuing a career in tech, but despite this, a
survey reveals a promising picture that 79% of tech workers who were laid off are able to find a new job in 3 months. And because tech skills continue to be invaluable even in non-tech companies, specialist jobs will remain sought after.
The most convenient way to find jobs nowadays is through job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn which allows you to filter results based on location, job title, and other criteria. Just make sure not to stop there and visit the websites of these companies who are hiring to see if they have other relevant posts for you. I know it’s tempting but do not spam the apply button. Quality over quantity when it comes to applying for new jobs.
Also, applying for jobs is only one step of the process. I recommend taking it a step further and reaching out to your network and people who work in your target companies. Before sending them an email or message on LinkedIn, update your profile to highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements. Then connect with professionals, join relevant groups, and engage in discussions to get more visibility with recruiters.
Craft A Resume (And Maybe A Cover Letter)
Once you have found open roles that fit with your professional goals, it’s time to start working on your resume and tailoring it for those roles. An effective resume can help you get through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) once you apply for the job, and get closer to a hiring manager personally looking through your resume. Make sure to list relevant work experience, skills, qualifications, and projects, and mention keywords indicated in job descriptions to get recruiters’ and hiring managers’ attention.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also consider writing a well-crafted cover letter. While they may not be read by all recruiters, they can help you stand out from the crowd when you are applying for smaller companies who take the time to read through every application. Cover letters allow you to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and highlight how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Keep in mind to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company, and articulate what expertise you bring to the table.
Check out this article on How To Make Your Resume Stand Out for other ways you can improve your resume, and you can also download our free resume and cover letter templates from our Workhap website to get you started.
Prepare For Job Interviews
After getting your resume right and getting in touch with the right decision makers, the next challenge will be the interviews. An interview is not something you can simply improvise, it's an opportunity for you to leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Around 6 to 10 people get interviewed for a job, so you not only have to fit the requirements of the role but you also leave a mark during the interview to receive a job offer.
Practicing common questions is one way to prepare for an interview. And the most common question you will encounter is “Tell me about yourself.” My suggestion to address this question (and every interview question you get) is to
follow this formula:
- Paint the picture
- Go into the details
- And wrap up!
Keep in mind to highlight your most recent role and big wins in this question. This video on answering the “Tell me about yourself” question digs deeper into the formula and how you can use it.
Another thing that could also be brought up during the interview is why you left your previous company. Deciding whether or not to tell the hiring manager that you’ve been laid off could be tricky, but if you do decide to discuss it, tell it in a positive way. Talk about the skills you gained during the employment, the challenges you overcame, and the professional growth you’ve experienced during your previous role, and then transition the conversation from the layoff to why and how your skills align with the new role.
Throughout your interview, remember to tell your story, bring up your energy, and keep your answer short and simple, but relevant.
Recovering from getting laid off in the tech industry could be difficult, so let this experience boost your personal development instead. As this industry thrives on constant innovation, you have to showcase your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to professional growth to get back on track to achieving your professional goals amid these uncertain times.
