6 Tips for Job Searching Amidst Layoffs
Job searching in a down economy can be disheartening, to say the least. Doomscrolling LinkedIn for layoff updates (I do not recommend doing this), hearing of open jobs being frozen or moved to future consideration, and a competitive market. To help combat those aspects of a job search, I put together a list of ways to boost your search to make you the most competitive candidate possible.
1. Know your strengths
This sounds obvious, but if someone asked you about your top two professional strengths, would you have a compelling answer ready? Take some time to write down the things YOU excel at: a love letter to yourself, if you will. Once you’ve done that, take some time to document past projects and the accomplishments you’re most proud of that highlight these strengths. Not only does this make you feel great, BUT it’s wonderful for behavioral interview prep, too! Job searching can feel really personal and it can be a confidence blow when you’re rejected, so reminding yourself that you have awesome, relevant, and marketable skills can help. I know it can be awkward to set aside time to brag about how great you are, but it isn’t a skill that comes naturally to everyone and it’s important in interviews — you are the person who needs to talk up your accomplishments and what you bring to the table. I heard someone say recently: “we think it’s about how hard you work, but it’s really how well you talk about it”, and that can definitely ring true in the professional world.
2. Network, network, network
You’ve heard us say it before, but don’t overlook the importance of networking in a down economy. If you’re competing with more applicants than usual, anything you can do to differentiate yourself is great. Network, and keep those connections strong. Connect with people on LinkedIn as appropriate, and engage with them! Comment on posts (don’t go overboard), like, and share content. Try to set up informational interviews with people if they have the bandwidth, and then show your appreciation with a follow-up email, updates about how their time helped your search, or even a LinkedIn shoutout. Research and attend networking events and conferences that are relevant to your target industry. Those extra steps and connections can encourage people to go to bat for you when there’s an opportunity.
3. Do your research
We’ve seen tech and big tech be really impacted by these layoffs. Now is the time to look outside the box in terms of industries to consider. Are companies starting to outsource some skills? Maybe look into consulting or agency work. If there are contract opportunities available at a target company, that can be a great foot in the door to a company or team that doesn’t currently have full-time headcount.
4. Tailor your application materials
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this advice, but in a competitive market you want to make yourself stand out. For super compelling roles (especially full-time), take the time to write a cover letter, run your resume through a system like Jobscan, and make sure you’re branding yourself as clearly as possible for the job at hand. Share recent projects you’re proud of on LinkedIn, and make sure your brand is cohesive across platforms.
5. Know your priorities
In a tough economy, it helps to know what you value going into a job or internship other than just salary or company name. For example, have you always worked at startups, and want to make sure you have a built-out team and strong mentorship? Or maybe you want to go into a full-time job understanding what the career path could look like. Take some time to think about what your long-term goals are, and what you value in a role. Those might look different for everyone, but could include things like: the impact you’ll make/the company makes, team structure or company culture, location, or remote flexibility. Then, during interviews or even informational conversations, make sure you ask questions that address your values and goals to ensure a good mutual long-term fit.
6. Remember, it’s not personal
It’s a tough economy right now, but we’ve often seen companies turn around and hire after layoffs, so we never know what the future holds. Being rejected or not hearing back isn’t a personal attack on your skills — as hard as that is to keep in perspective. A job or internship search in this economy can take time and patience and can include unexpected turns.
I School students and alums: please feel free to meet with Career Services whenever you need a listening ear. You are all amazing, and you will find those “right fits” — even if the path to get there looks different than anticipated.
