Managing Your Career During Layoffs

Leaders, if you're going ahead with mass layoffs, you can't seriously be thinking that your #diversity, #equity, or #inclusion work will have any credibility left after the fact. Fundamentally, DEI work is about showing people that they matter by building a workplace where they can thrive. And fundamentally, mass layoffs communicate the exact opposite: that no matter a person's skill, experience, productivity, contribution, passion, or loyalty, they ultimately are just another cost to be cut. That people mean nothing in the face of short-term profit. The consequences of mass layoffs on your people, your biggest assets, are immediate and catastrophic. 📉 One study found a 41% decline in job satisfaction among survivors of a layoff, leading to a 36% decline in their desire to stay with the workplace. 📉 Another study found that a 1% workforce layoff resulted in a 31% increase in voluntary turnover. 📉 One study found a 20% decline in job performance, with another finding that 77% of layoff survivors see more errors and mistakes made. 📉 Another study found that layoffs tanked the quality of products, the safety of the workplace, and the quality of layoff survivor mental health and wellbeing. 📉 A bevy of other studies find a cascading set of issues triggered by layoffs that create a vicious cycle: worse morale and wellbeing leads to poorer job performance, overwork and forced productivity drives mass exoduses of skilled workers; reputational damage and loss of trust dampens the ability to hire fresh talent. Trying to achieve any sort of DEI impact amid this kind of avoidable chaos is like trying to renovate your house after setting it on fire. It's downright offensive to employees, especially those with marginalized identities, to be asked to continue their unpaid, voluntary efforts to benefit the business after you've destroyed any reason for them to undertake this extra work. It's a moot point—they're far too busy applying to your competitors, anyways. This is the point in time when those workplaces and leaders with empty promises and performative actions will be weeded out from those that get ahead by doing right by their people, their customers, and the world. There are many ways for a workplace to earn a spot in the latter group, but in case it wasn't clear? Mass layoffs aren't one of them.

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

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!

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 :)

This week, 14,000 people were laid off at Amazon. Behind that number are 14,000 stories. The parents providing for families. The first-gen professionals who fought hard to get into corporate spaces. People who showed up early, stayed late, built products, supported teams, and gave their best. The dreamers who left everything behind to build a better future. My heart goes out to all of you. To help, here are some things you can do once you’re ready to start your new search: - Take a breath and grieve - Update your story: Refresh your resume and LinkedIn to highlight your wins and the awesome things you’ve done - Ask for help: Reach out to mentors, former coworkers, or this community. Nothing wrong in asking. - Focus on progress, not perfection. Whether it’s learning a new skill, networking weekly, or just staying consistent, small steps add up. - Take a side gig while you’re at it: Bills will need to be paid and so do what you can with what you have. Resources and places to save for your next opportunity: - LinkedIn Jobs – use the “Actively Hiring” filter to find companies still hiring - Levels.fyi – see listings across major companies with compensation insights - Layoffs.fyi – track layoffs and find companies currently hiring - Coursera Free Courses – career certificates from Google, Meta, and IBM - Grow with Google – free resources to learn digital skills and explore new career paths - LinkedIn Learning Free Trial – access thousands of professional development courses For everyone else: How can we can help? Here are some ways: 1. Share your network. If you know someone affected, tag them (with permission), connect them to recruiters, or share open roles. One introduction can truly change someone’s life. 2. Offer support. Help review a resume, offer LinkedIn feedback, or just be a listening ear. Sometimes, empathy matters more than advice. 3. Be empathetic. You never know what people are going through. To everyone impacted by the layoffs or that has been rejected recently, my heart is with you. If I can help review your profile, make an intro, or just listen, my DMs are open. Let’s do this. We’re in this, together. #StephSynergy

Most people who get laid off do exactly the wrong thing in the first 48 hours. They post on LinkedIn, low key bad mouth their company, and retreat. If you get laid off, it's only natural to be angry. I get it. But here's what NOT to do: Don't badmouth your former company on social media. Yes, they probably communicated poorly. Yes, they probably treated people badly. Venting won't help you land your next role. It will hurt you. Instead, do these 5 things: ✅ Connect with 5 key people from your company Email them or meet in person. Tell them you enjoyed working together, want to stay in touch, and offer to help them. Don't ask for anything. That's what makes it refreshing. ✅ Reactivate your network Go through your LinkedIn contacts. Reconnect with past colleagues and friends. Your message: How are they doing? How can you help? ✅ Start a side project Everyone can be a builder now. Create something you've been wanting to work on. Build an app for a volunteer group. Use AI tools to organize your life. Show you're proactive and have a learning mindset. ✅ Attend industry meetups Find organizations in your field. Get involved. Better yet, offer to help run them. That's how you build relationships organically. People see your work ethic firsthand. No good groups? Start your own. ✅ Host networking dinners Invite friends and colleagues out for dinner or drinks. Do this alone or partner with someone. It provides social support and gets you out of the house. Essential when job hunting. Getting laid off sucks. But the best move is to feel your emotions and get into action fast. That helps your spirit and lands your next opportunity faster.

You’ve all heard of layoffs across companies like Snap Inc., Oracle, Salesforce, Amazon, and Microsoft. Thousands of roles have been impacted in the last few months. Here is an important reminder: Layoffs can happen to anyone, whether you’re performing well or not. In most cases, these are business decisions, driven by priorities, cost structures, and strategic shifts, not just individual effort. So if you want to de-risk yourself (either reduce the chances of being laid off or be fully ready to switch when needed) focus on 3 things: 1. Work alignment: Take a hard look at what you’re working on. - Is it directly contributing to revenue or helping the company save costs? If the answer is unclear, that’s a signal. - And if you can already see your team, project, or product getting deprioritized, don’t wait it out. Move internally if possible, or start exploring opportunities outside before you’re forced to. 2. Be exit-ready: Keep your resume updated [do it once in a month]. Make sure it reflects clear, measurable outcomes. Stay active on LinkedIn. Keep engaging, keep showing your work. Have a clear list of companies you would want to work for and consistently build connections there. 3. Leverage your relationships: Your network is your real safety net, especially in tough markets. But it only works if you’ve invested in it before you need help. - Stay in touch with former colleagues and managers. - Help others wherever you can, whether it’s advice or referrals. Because a large number of opportunities never make it to job portals, they get filled through conversations and trust. You can’t control when layoffs happen. But you can control how prepared you are when they do. #jobsearch #layoff #careergrowth

The layoff numbers are staggering. Meta laid off hundreds of employees yesterday. Block just cut nearly half its workforce — with Jack Dorsey saying AI made it possible to run the company with a “significantly smaller team.” Oracle may slash up to 30,000 positions to fund AI data centers. Intel, UPS, Accenture, Verizon — tens of thousands of jobs each. And most people walking into those conversations have no idea how much leverage they actually have. Here’s what I wish more people knew: → If you’re 40+, federal law requires at least 21 days to review a severance agreement. If they rushed you, that waiver may not be enforceable. → Severance is almost never take-it-or-leave-it. You can negotiate pay, benefits, equity, even removing your non-compete. → If 50+ employees were laid off without 60 days notice, look into the WARN Act. You may be owed back pay. → Get your reference language in writing. Ask HR directly: what will you say when someone calls? These companies have lawyers. You should have information. I wrote the Layoff Survival Guide with my husband Pav, who spent his career in HR leadership. He’s conducted layoffs, negotiated severance from the other side, and coached people through it. Grab the free guide: https://lnkd.in/gXgahYY9

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗜𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 An often quoted stat is that up to 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. They're filled through the "hidden job market", a world of referrals and relationships. If you're thinking, "𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵?" you're not alone. The answer is networking. But if the idea of reaching out to strangers online fills you with dread, it can help to reframe your approach. This isn't about transactions; it's about 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. The secret is simple: Be curious. Be generous. Make it easy for people to help you. Here’s a simple framework to get you started: 𝟭. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Start conversations before you need help. A low-pressure opener like, “I’ve been following your work and would love your take on [topic],” can spark a great discussion. 𝟮. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. Comment thoughtfully, share an article, or introduce two people. Acts of generosity build trust long before you need it. 𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽. When you do ask for help, be specific. Instead of a vague ask, try something like, “I’m exploring mid-level marketing roles with Sydney-based tech companies. If you know of anyone hiring, would you be open to a quick intro?” 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲-𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 “𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.” Opportunities often come from past colleagues or acquaintances you haven’t spoken to in years. These dormant connections can open unexpected doors. 𝟱. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁. One genuine check-in a day compounds over time. That's how strong networks are truly built. You'll never know which conversation leads to your next role. Often, it's a mix of timing, relationships, and persistence. So start small, and keep going. Remember: you’re not just looking for a job - you’re building a network that will support your career for years to come. #Networking #HiddenJobMarket #LinkedInNewsAustralia #CoachRecruitment  

Layoffs don’t just take jobs. They take pieces of people.... I've been there on either side of the table a few times. And it sucks. We talk about “headcount reduction” like it’s a spreadsheet exercise. But on the other side of that meeting are humans walking out in shock, replaying every decision they made that led them there. And the impact isn’t the same for everyone. For young people, layoffs hit identity first. You’re early in your career. You were told to work hard, say yes, build momentum. Then suddenly you’re questioning your worth before you’ve even had a chance to find your footing. For people in the middle of their careers, it cuts deeper. There are mortgages, kids, ageing parents, responsibilities that don’t pause because a company “restructured.” You don’t just lose income. You lose stability and confidence you spent years building. For older professionals, layoffs can feel quietly brutal. Age bias is real, even if no one wants to say it out loud. There’s fear that experience is being mistaken for being “too expensive” or “no longer relevant.” And then there’s the gendered side we rarely acknowledge. Many men internalise layoffs as personal failure. They withdraw, go silent, try to “fix it” alone, because they’ve been taught their value is tied to provision. Many women carry a different weight. They question whether they were “too much” or “not enough,” while still holding everyone else together emotionally. They keep showing up for others while processing their own loss in private. Different experiences. Same trauma. Layoffs are disorienting, humbling, and deeply human. They don’t mean you weren’t good. They don’t mean you didn’t matter. They mean a system made a decision without room for nuance. If you’ve been laid off, you’re not broken. You’re responding normally to something that was never normal to begin with. And if you’re still employed, be gentle. Check in. Make introductions. Speak names in rooms they’re no longer in. Because one meeting can change a life. And compassion costs nothing. . . . . #Layoffs #CareerTransition #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #Leadership #PeopleFirst #FutureOfWork #Careers #GenderEquality #AgeDiversity #Empathy #HumanAtWork