Managing Your Career During Layoffs

If I were laid off today, after taking a few days to process and feel all the feelings, I would: 1. Prioritize my finances - explore any flexibility around my severance package - cancel unnecessary subscriptions and services - apply for unemployment (takes weeks to come through!) - explore side hustles (or in my case, double down on the one I already have) or get a bridge job since I know searches often take 6+ months 2. Leverage my network - let my friends and former colleagues know exactly what I'm looking for - talk about my work and skills on LinkedIn - strengthen my networks through attending networking events - engage with content from companies of interest to me 3. Build my skills - I'd focus on skills that are in demand in my field (big one would be AI) - I might consider taking a relevant course 4. Strategically apply for jobs - I'd prioritize referrals (real ones from people who know my work) - I'd apply with really strong apps for jobs I'm a 90%+ match for - I'd leverage outreach and my networks to help with intros - I'd probably do some "extra" stuff - videos, decks, etc. to stand out from others 5. Protect myself - I'd minimize the number of "reach" jobs - too many rejections is bad for my mental health - I'd keep my content positive, and focused on highlighting what I bring to the table vs focused on challenges to avoid being seen as a risk - I'd familiarize myself with signals of scams since unemployed folks are often targets (though even being employed, I get 2-3 a day as it is!) And the last thing I'll say is that a number of the steps above become easier if you do them before you have to. No need to wait until you're unemployed to: - get familiar with the highest impact skills or tech in your field - connect with your network - build additional income streams - strengthen that resume and linkedin profile - start using content in ways that benefit you - cut unnecessary spending Any of us could face a layoff at any moment - planning ahead for it can position you to navigate it more effectively.

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

To immigrants who got laid off & are job hunting: an in-depth compilation of resources. Context: Over 22,500+ tech workers have been laid off in the past 2.5 months according to layoffs.fyi. Some estimates say it’s surpassed 30,000. Immigrants on visa face the additional stress of needing to leave the country in 60 days. Below is a compilation of resources to help you. 📌 Visa options to continue staying in America → Request "garden leave" from your employer (they keep you on payroll for an extra month or two) → Shift to a B-2 visitor visa temporarily via Change of Status. Check FileMyB2 website. → Shift to H-4 visa & get an EAD (if married to an H-1B holder with I-140 approved) → Return to school on an F-1 visa for a year (Change of Status) → Switch to a cap-exempt H-1B by working for a uni/hospital/non-profit research org → Apply for the O-1 visa through an agent (which has no cap or min. salary) (Link to a free guide on the O-1 I wrote with a lawyer: https://lnkd.in/d8fNeYUi 📌 Job boards for visa holders → ChicagoH1BConnect – Connects H1B visa holders with jobs in Chicago → AiTou Technology – Job listings & resources for tech professionals → MyVisaJobs.com – Visa sponsorship job listings → H1BVisaJobs.com – H1B visa job listings across industries → USponsor Me – Focuses on visa sponsorship jobs in the U.S. 📌 Platforms for mentors & mock interviews → adplist.org – Free mentorship opportunities → topmate.io – Connect with paid expert mentors → JobInterview.coach – AI-powered interview coaching 📌 Tools for resume optimization → Teal – Resume optimization & job search tools → Careerflow.ai – AI-powered resume improvement → Jobscan – ATS-friendly resume optimization 📌 Job search trackers → Simplify – Automates job applications → Huntr – Organizes job search efforts → Jackfruit – Tracks job applications 🌿 Please re-share this post so it helps more people. 🎁 Here’s a free guide on cracking your job interview: https://lnkd.in/g4U2QYWB :)

I had been with my previous employer for a long time, so I knew a layoff might eventually happen. I thought, “All I need is a solid, updated resume, and I’ll be good to go.” Oh, how naïve I was! 😊 Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had prepared earlier to make the transition smoother. Here are my takeaways: • LinkedIn Set up your profile. LinkedIn has great guides to help you, but it takes time and effort to make it truly shine. Grow your network. Start now! Connect with current colleagues, former co-workers, friends, and family. Your network is more powerful than you realize. • Learn how to use AI tools: AI is a game-changer. Whether it’s tailoring resumes, brainstorming interview responses, or negotiating offers, it’s an incredible resource I didn’t even know existed! • Resume: Yes, you need an excellent, updated resume—but here’s the catch: you’ll need to tailor it for every single job application. It’s worth the effort! • References: Start gathering references now. It’s so much easier to ask while you’re still in a role than after you've left. • Document your achievements: You’d be amazed at how hard it is to recall accomplishments when you’re under pressure. Keep track of them now! Old performance reviews can be a goldmine for this. • Prepare for stress: Being unemployed is stressful, even with a good severance package. The job search process can be disheartening—rejections, ghosting, and no responses can make you doubt yourself. Build a support system now, whether it’s friends, family, or a community. For me, daily journaling has been a lifesaver. Despite the challenges, I’m staying positive and focused on finding the right opportunity—one where I’m the perfect fit for the company, and the company is the perfect fit for me. I know it’s out there; we just haven’t found each other yet!

A couple of weeks ago I received a distressing call from an old colleague whose well-funded and well backed employer shutdown overnight. As she shared the news of over 350 stranded employees, it dawned on me that this is the same story across so many organisations & startups. God forbid, that this happens with anyone , here are some insights on what to do in the first few days after suddenly losing your job. Here are 9 essential points to consider: 🔥 TAKE A MOMENT TO ABSORB THE NEWS: It's natural to feel shaken and upset. Allow yourself time to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions before taking action. 🔥 ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING: Sit down with your spouse/partner and evaluate your financial situation. Take stock of loans, EMIs, and your inflow of funds. Determine how much liquid savings you have and calculate your runway—knowing how long you can manage without income can alleviate some pressure. 🔥 COMPILE A LIST OF CONTACTS: Create an Excel sheet with the names and details of colleagues, bosses, and professional acquaintances who can provide referrals or job leads. Treat it as you would a sales prospect list—networking is crucial during this period. 🔥 AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS: While the urgency to find a new job may be overwhelming, it's essential not to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 🔥 EVALUATE BUSINESS IDEAS: Use this transitional period to work on that business idea you've always wanted to pursue. Evaluate its feasibility and potential, and consider whether entrepreneurship is a path you'd like to explore further. 🔥 FREELANCING OR CONSULTING: While searching for a job, consider freelancing or offering consulting services to generate income in the meantime. Leverage your skills and expertise to provide value to clients and keep the cash flow steady. 🔥 EXPLORE UPSKILLING & ENHANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Take advantage of the downtime to invest in self-improvement. Identify areas for professional development, enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or acquire certifications to bolster your skill set. 🔥 MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, skill-building, and self-care activities. Structure and consistency can help maintain focus and motivation during this challenging period. 🔥 SEEK GUIDANCE: Don't hesitate to seek professional career counseling or guidance from experts in your field. They can offer insights, strategies, and support to navigate the job market effectively. Remember, losing a job can be disheartening, but with the right mindset, resilience, and proactive approach, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that new doors will open along the way. #SamparkSeSampark #JobLoss #Career #Resilience #startups #business

The Job Market right now is brutal... Last month I wrote a post that got a lot of attention on what I would do I lost or left my job today. Hundreds of you all shared your reflections, advice, frustrations, and coping strategies for navigating career transitions in the comments. So here’s Part Two... a crowd-sourced sequel, built from your insights and experiences. If you missed the first post, it’s linked in the comments. If I lost (or left) my job tomorrow… and had to rebuild again… here are 7 more things I’d do (this time, sourced from you): 1. Rest. Seriously. As so many people reminded me, you can’t job-search on an empty tank. Sleep. Move your body. Get outside. Take a walk without headphones. It’s not wasted time... it’s recovery. 2. Process the Grief. Job loss isn’t just logistical, it’s emotional. It can mess with your sense of worth and routine. Therapy, journaling, or simply talking with friends helps keep that perspective: the layoff isn’t personal, even if it feels that way. 3. Volunteer or Give Back. A number of you said this was the game-changer. It keeps your skills fresh, expands your network, and reminds you you’re still useful. Teaching, mentoring, community clean-ups, pro bono consulting -- all count. 4. Reflect Before You React. Don’t rush into 100 applications. Take a beat to ask: what actually fits my life now? What kind of people, pace, or purpose am I looking for? As one commenter said: read the market before reacting to it. 5. Rehearse Your Story. Practice talking about your transition with clarity and confidence. People want to help, but you have to help them help you. Rehearse the story you’ll tell ... one that’s forward-looking, honest, and hopeful. 6. Experiment and Build. Start that small consulting project, side hustle, or creative outlet. It doesn’t have to become your next full-time thing, but it might. Treat it as a low-stakes lab for learning, momentum, and confidence. 7. Find (and Be) a Support System. Friends. Family. Former coworkers. Coaches. Fellow job seekers. The comment section themselves became a kind of group therapy thread... proof that community matters more than ever. None of this fixes the broken systems -- but it does make the process less lonely. If you’re currently in transition, what’s been helping you? What would you add? Sharing is CARING.

What if you get laid off in 2024? No one thinks of the worst, but what if it comes true? Getting laid off can feel like a punch to the gut, but there’s a difference between scrambling for survival and seizing the moment to jumpstart your next career chapter. Here’s what you can do, whether you’re in the middle of a layoff or prepping for the worst-case scenario. Spoiler: Planning ahead will save you from a whole lot of unnecessary panic. Scenario-A: If You Actually Get Laid Off – Here’s What to Do Immediately: [1]Take a Breather (But Not Too Long): Sure, sulk for a day—maybe two. But don’t let the binge-watching become a month-long therapy session. [2] Check Your Finances: Look at your savings and figure out how much runway you’ve got. This is critical—especially if you haven’t been budgeting for this exact moment. [3] Update Your Resume (And LinkedIn): It’s a pain, we know. But trust me, if you want to move forward, your online presence better reflect the skills you’ve gained, not the title of your last job. [4] Leverage Your Network: Now’s the time to call in those favors, people! You know who you are. Don’t wait for others to reach out—make your connections work for you. [5] Upskill or Reskill: If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. Now is the perfect time to up your game with skills that are in demand. [6] Treat Job-Hunting Like a Full-Time Job: Seriously. Set aside time each day to apply to jobs, network, and research companies. You’ve got the time—use it. Scenario-B: What to Do BEFORE the Layoff Hits – Be Ready for the Uncertainty: [1] Build a Financial Cushion: If you haven’t already, start putting aside an emergency fund now. This isn’t just for the layoff, but for *anything* life throws your way. [2] Always Keep Your Resume Updated: Don’t wait until the pink slip is handed to you. Make updating your resume a monthly habit—trust me, you'll thank yourself when you’re not scrambling. [3] Expand Your Network Regularly: Stay connected with industry peers. Build relationships even when you’re not looking for a job. Those connections could be your lifeline when the unexpected happens. [4] Stay On Top of Industry Trends: Knowing what’s hot in your industry (or others) keeps you relevant. Take courses, read articles, and attend webinars to stay ahead of the game. [5] Diversify Your Skills: Don't just wait for an employer to offer you training. If you see trends in your industry or the job market, take it upon yourself to learn those skills early. Have you ever been laid off or preparing for one? Let me know what you think is the best thing to do in this uncertain job market—drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s learn from each other. 👇 Follow Priyank Ahuja for more. LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating

I’ve been laid off twice. The first time, it crushed me. The second time, it didn’t. The first time, it took me over a year to find my next role. The second time, it took six weeks. What I learned was how to treat a layoff like a strategy problem not a personal one. 1/ It happens. If you work in marketing or tech, you’re likely going to experience a layoff at some point. It’s not about talent. It’s not about effort. It’s usually about poor financial management or a shift in priorities you had zero control over. It’s part of the modern career landscape — especially since 2020. Once you accept that, you stop taking it personally. That’s the hardest part. 2/ Don’t get stuck there. You don’t have time to spiral. You have time to strategize. Every day you spend second-guessing yourself is a day you could spend positioning yourself for what’s next. The first time, I questioned everything. The second time, I got to work. 3/ Relationships > Applications. The first time, I applied for hundreds of jobs online. The second time, I focused on conversations. I reached out to people I respected. I showed up online. I used my marketing instincts to position myself just like I would a brand. That changed everything. 4/ Build before you need it. The smartest thing I ever did was start showing up on LinkedIn years ago. Creating content. Building a network. Contributing. So when the second layoff came, I wasn’t starting from zero, I already had a community that believed in me. That made finding my next opportunity so much faster. Layoffs happen. But they don’t define you. If you treat them like a business problem instead of a personal failure, you’ll handle them with clarity. I’m rooting for you. #marketing #careers #opentowork

There was a time when I thought— “If everything is going well in my job, why prepare for interviews?” Good salary, decent work, no pressure to switch. So I stopped applying, stopped giving interviews, and even stopped updating my resume. But the current market situation and wave of layoffs are honestly scary. And leave aside layoffs for a moment—I've seen many people who stayed in the same organization for years just because they were in a comfort zone. Over time, it slowed down their career growth and even affected their financial growth. To avoid being stuck in such situations, I’m sharing what I’ve learned over time. You don’t prepare when you need to switch: ✅ Update your resume every 2–3 months You don’t need big achievements to update. Even adding a small project, new tool, or result makes your profile stronger over time. ✅ Give 1–2 interviews occasionally This helps you stay in touch with interview formats, new types of questions, and builds confidence for when you really need it. ✅ Brush up your core tools Whether it’s SQL, Python, Excel, Power BI, or business case thinking—give it regular time, even if it's just a few hours per week. ✅ Observe the market Go through job descriptions once in a while. What new tools or skills are companies expecting now that they weren’t a year ago? ✅ Maintain visibility on LinkedIn You don’t need to post every day. But engaging with useful content or sharing what you’re learning goes a long way in staying relevant. The goal isn’t to switch often. The goal is to never panic when a sudden switch becomes necessary. Stay ready, stay sharp. Your future self will thank you!

I start every morning assuming today could be the day I get let go 13 years ago, I was laid off. My wife was living on a graduate student stipend, and we were in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is a brutal place to be financially unprepared. I had no plan. No next step. I was completely caught off guard. That experience rewired me. I promised myself I would never be surprised by job loss again. We have now had a 3-year crash course reminder: if a company believes cutting you reduces costs or protects the business, they will do it - quickly. The decision will not be sentimental. The sooner we accept this, the sooner we can prepare for it. What still surprises me is how many people treat career stability as something you focus on only after the crisis hits. People wait until they are unemployed to build relationships, reconnect with their network, or scan the market. But once the floor drops out, you are already behind. I usually share this with members of our community who have already been impacted. But today it is also for the people who still have a role. If you do not already operate this way, I strongly suggest adopting this posture: Assume job loss is always a possibility. This is not a "tactic." It is reality. Prepare for it mentally. It does not remove the sadness, but it can reduce the shock. Ask yourself: if it happened tomorrow, would I be ready? A few questions make this clear: Do I have a plan for the next six months, one year, or 18 months? Have I spent years building relationships I could tap for advice or help? Am I tracking roles so I understand the market and can spot better options? An employer can remove you at any time without regret. So why would you not do everything possible to protect your wellbeing? Forget applying to things cold. That is off the table as a consistently reliable path. For me, preparation is mandatory. Outside of my day job, I keep an active list of relationships I care about and invest time in those connections. This is not transactional. It is about being genuine with people I appreciate, and making sure they know I am there for them too. In parallel, I maintain an evolving list of organizations where I believe I could thrive if I needed a new home. Career readiness is not something you start when things get scary. It should be built into your life. That is how you stay resilient in an industry where change is inevitable. I have met brilliant, high character people who were laid off with no warning. I have ZERO illusion I am immune. I could be next. But I committed to never being unprepared again, and I hope you do too. Do not wait. When a company decides, you may not have the time you think you do. If I ever reach out to you, I hope you already have your A list, your B list, and your C list ready to go, especially if still employed. This approach has helped me only experience unemployment once in 44 years, even if it sounds eccentric or stressful. I want it to serve you too.