Current tech layoffs, what does this mean for you?
16 Mar 2023
The market will recover…
Media attention around the increase in layoffs has led to a lot of doom and gloom in the market – but there is much to be optimistic about.
So, where are all the jobs?
The liveliness of the current job market is dependent on several factors, including where you live. If you’re looking for onsite roles, bigger markets are more resilient. For remote working, HelloKindred has experts specializing in temp-to-perm and freelance recruitment.
Some sectors were hit hard during the Covid-19 pandemic, and some businesses didn’t survive. But others have sprung up to take their place since 2020.
Whatever your level, we have new opportunities opening up every day. These startups have created a need for executives – mid- to senior-level managers, CFOs and COOs and anyone in executive-level finance and operations. There’s no shortage of founders and CEOs – but the visionaries need people to turn their visions into reality.
Tech jobs are on the rise.
Roles in clean tech, data, AI, cyber security, innovation, the Metaverse are hot right now.
Talent recruiters in tech are busily hiring, especially within the marketing and digital space. With emerging tech like Chat GPT making waves at the moment, we are constantly looking for more people. With the increasing risk of cyberattacks, roles related to security and governance, too, are booming.
Distinguish yourself from other people who are applying for the same job.
Keep diversifying your skillset to make you attractive in a variety of roles.
Keep track of your achievements and update your portfolio regularly, so that no matter what happens, you are prepared.
If you’re a designer or a writer, save samples of your work. Companies refresh their websites constantly and your content could disappear from the web at any moment.
If you have clients who are willing to give you references, have them on standby to sing your praises.
Don’t let anybody tell you that using cover letters or direct outreach – or anything that constitutes a basic job search activity – sounds “desperate”. It doesn’t matter if they have a million followers… They. Are. Wrong.
Be “open to work” on LinkedIn.
Even if you’re currently in work, you can turn this feature on in such a way that nobody at your current company can see it – only outside recruiters. It leaves the door open and not only helps you to market yourself – it also enables recruiters to reach out to you, so you don’t have to do all the legwork.
Once you’re actively looking, make your “open to work” status visible to everyone.
Your best asset is your network…
Ensure that you connect regularly with your network. Use them; meet with them. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there on LinkedIn and get everyone involved in your job search. Your next job is probably in your phone – start scrolling and reach out to those contacts. You’re going to find a job through your network.
… And recruiters are your friends.
If you get a call from a recruiter, answer it! Even if it’s just to say, “I’m not looking now, but I would love to connect on LinkedIn.” You never know when you may need that contact again. Leave the door open when they reach out – there’s huge value in the broad network that we have access to.
If you’ve been laid off, get straight back out there.
If you’ve lost your job, start your new search while it’s fresh – don’t waste time. If you’ve received a layoff package, great, but don’t leave the hunt until just before that package runs out.
Take a moment to regroup, do something that helps you process and get refreshed. But then hit it running and reach out to HelloKindred to lead your job search.
Is it okay to ask about – whisper it! – money?
Oftentimes – understandably – people who are currently employed don’t want to waste time engaging with a potential job opportunity unless they’re sure it will benefit them financially. Is it acceptable to have that conversation right from the jump?
It’s fine to be open and tell recruiters your preferred salary range. A gentler approach is to be upfront about your current position, salary, and benefits – that will emphasize that any move you may make would have to make financial sense.
Is the remote-working revolution here to stay… or could it be over?
Some corporates are moving to the hybrid model, allowing remote work while still encouraging in-person meetings and dialogue within creative spaces. We estimate that 10% of jobs are fully remote; 85% tend to have some flexibility and hybrid opportunities. The remaining 5% – usually smaller operations – are fully onsite.
HelloKindred finds that younger people prefer 100% remote these days, but other recruiters have found the opposite – that young candidates in communications (for example) – people-oriented people – have a sense of abandonment and want to feel more connected. Could this mark a return to the community-building model of going into the office? Why not offer your views in the comments?
