If you open up Linked In you will see more and more “Open for Work” banners from Laid-Off Tech Professionals. So far 2023 has been the year of tech layoffs, leaving thousands of tech professionals without jobs. According to TechCrunch and Layoffs.FYI, the running total of layoffs for 2023 is 201,860.
Being laid off can be challenging, but there are various proactive steps you can take to navigate the job market and find new opportunities. In the tech industry, where skills are highly sought after, it’s essential to leverage your experience, network, and personal brand to increase your chances of finding employment. Here’s a simple guide to help you in your job search if you’ve been laid-off:
Evaluate and Update Your Skills
Assess your current skill set and identify any gaps or areas where you can enhance your expertise. Keep up with the latest industry trends and technologies, and consider pursuing additional certifications or training programs to make yourself more marketable. Cousera and Linked In offer many free courses. It is also worth posting regularly about new certifications.
Become a Mentor
If you’ve been laid off this may seem counterintuitive but giving your time to mentor a more junior person can be hugely rewarding and can help you realise the wealth of skills you have. It is also a great activity to share in an interview.
Polish Your CV and Online Presence
Craft a targeted and updated CV that highlights your accomplishments and key skills. Pay attention to industry-specific keywords that recruiters may be looking for. Additionally, optimise your LinkedIn profile to showcase your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments. Request recommendations from former colleagues and supervisors to add credibility to your profile. Also look at creating a GitHub or Notion account to highlight experience. It is also worth creating a 5 minute Loom video to highlight your experience and share on Linked In.
Leverage Talent Platforms and Job Boards
An easy way Laid-Off Tech professional can find work is to sign up for talent platforms and job boards that cater specifically to tech professionals. Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor often have dedicated sections for tech-related jobs. Set up job alerts with relevant keywords and customise your profile to increase your visibility to potential employers. Many talent platforms have short term gigs that can help keep you working while you find a new full-time role.
Attend Meet-ups and Networking Events
Participate in industry-specific meet-ups, conferences, and networking events. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to meet professionals from various companies, learn about new opportunities, and expand your network. Engage in conversations, exchange business cards, and follow up with connections afterward. Again, post about attending on Linked In after the event and connect with the people you met. You never know where the next opportunity is.
Build Your Brand
In addition to LinkedIn, consider creating a personal website or blog where you can showcase your projects, share insights, and demonstrate your expertise. Platforms like Medium or Dev.to allow you to contribute to the tech community and establish your reputation as a thought leader in your field.
Engage in Open-Source Projects and Hackathons
Contribute to open-source projects or participate in hackathons to demonstrate your skills and collaborate with other professionals. These activities not only provide valuable hands-on experience but also enable you to expand your network and potentially catch the attention of employers seeking talent.
Up-skill and Diversify
Consider broadening your skill set or exploring adjacent roles within the tech industry. Up-skilling in areas like data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or UX design can increase your chances of finding new opportunities. Additionally, if you’ve been laid-off try exploring freelancing or consulting gigs that can help you gain valuable experience and bridge employment gaps.
Leverage Your Network
Reach out to your professional network, including former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Inform them about your situation and express your interest in any relevant job openings. Networking can often lead to hidden opportunities and referrals, so maintain active communication with your contacts.
Consider Remote or Contract Work
In the current job market, remote and contract work arrangements are increasingly common. If you have been laid off, be open to exploring temporary or project-based roles that can provide valuable experience and help you bridge employment gaps while you search for more permanent positions.
Stay Positive and Persistent
Job searching can be a challenging and time-consuming process, so it’s essential to stay positive and maintain persistence. Keep refining your skills, expanding your network, and actively seeking out opportunities. Be open to feedback and adapt your approach as needed.
Remember, finding a new job may take time, but by leveraging your skills, network, and personal brand, you can increase your chances of success. Stay focused, remain proactive, and keep your skills sharp to maximise your prospects in the tech job market. Also, remember to sign up to Gigged.AI as we have new gigs hitting the platform every day and join our community to network with others in a similar situation. Good luck!
