Sarah M. Manley, MA’s Post

Unstoppable layoffs – but we can make a difference. Layoffs have become an unfortunate reality for many. Companies, big and small, are cutting back. But there's hope. Here's how we can lend a helping hand: 1. Share job openings - Do you know of open positions? Spread the word! 2. Offer recommendations - Write a LinkedIn recommendation for a colleague or connection in need. 3. Be a sounding board - Listen to those affected and empathize with their struggles. 4. Share resources - make lists of job boards, networking events, or skill-building courses. 5. Leverage your network - Introduce job seekers to potential connections. Let's unite to ease the burden of layoffs. How have you helped someone during their job search? Share your experiences below. Let's grow together!

We should start a layoffs fund or something at this rate we need to be able to depend on eachother, how do we circulate the dollar? How do we create a system where we can share our knowledge and skills with one another to improve our quality of life and our financial security?

I needed to pause today and share something heavy on my heart. The news about the recent layoffs has been tough to digest. Seeing so many talented people, who are more than just their jobs, face this sudden uncertainty is disheartening. If you're one of those impacted, I can only imagine the whirlwind of emotions you must feel - fear, frustration, disappointment, maybe even a bit lost. Please know that this situation is not a measure of your abilities or your worth. But remember this, every end is a new beginning, and better opportunities are out there waiting for you. And while it may seem difficult right now, know that you're not alone in this journey. I am here and happy to help. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to update your resume, practice for an interview, or simply talk about what's next. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a comforting chat can make all the difference. For the rest of us, if you know of any job opportunities, please share them. Your post could be a beacon of hope for someone in need. Let's stand together, lean on each other, and navigate these turbulent times as one. Remember, it's okay not to be okay and more than okay to ask for help.

Many of us have been laid off due to the current economic situation, and we are all experiencing the same frustrations. Like Carolina, I have been silent for a long time, but I feel that it is essential to let our community know that WE need help! It's the end of the 1st quarter and it seems it's more difficult now to get a job than ever before. During this journey, I have met many people who have offered various suggestions, such as "Get a Coach (for a fee)," "Rebrand and Update your LinkedIn profile," "Send a message to the job poster," and "Use other resources besides LinkedIn to find your next job." While these resources are helpful, some have shared that they have tried everything and are still struggling to find employment. It can be frustrating that recruiters often express interest in candidates and their backgrounds, but for some unknown reason, they fail to follow up and work with the candidates. Recruiters: please stop doing this and communicate with the candidates! Now, I understand that the job search process can be mentally and physically challenging. However, I urge you not to lose hope and stay focused on finding your next employment opportunity. Remember that there are kind-hearted individuals who are willing to assist you without expecting anything in return. Recruiters: Reach out to candidates TODAY, as You could be the Joy that fills their Hearts, by getting them a Job, that will help them Survive!

Your Network is Bigger Than You Think There have been a lot of layoffs in the last year so I've been on the phone with many amazing colleagues and friends who are now finding themselves looking for their next opportunity. I realized I was seeing a pattern in those conversations so sharing here in hopes it helps others: We all know the best way to find your next job is through your network. A referral not only ensures that a human will actually look at your information but also opens up roles that aren't posted on job boards. "But I don't have a network," you say. Ah, but you do. Even if you are not an extrovert or had an externally-facing job, you have a network. These folks know you, appreciate your work, and would jump at the chance to work with you again. If you don't know where to start, try this: - Reflect on your last three roles: Write down names of people you interacted with regularly. - Identify key connections: Highlight those you worked well with and feel confident would speak positively about your work. - Reach out on LinkedIn: Send a short message like: "Hi [Name], I'd greatly appreciate your advice. I'm currently on the hunt for my next role and, as someone whose opinion I value and who knows my work, I'd love your guidance on where to look and what type of role I should focus on." (Customize in your own words of course:) - Set a daily goal: Reach out to at least two people a day. You'll be surprised how many people want to help. They may not know of a perfect open role, but they'll offer feedback and ideas. Plus, you’ve reconnected with someone you like and had a pleasant chat. Win-win! Of course, this assumes you’re a hard worker and a team player. If you’re struggling to think of anyone you enjoyed working with or who would want to work with you again, well, maybe it’s time for a little soul-searching. 😉 In this crazy world, it’s easy to get cynical. But one-to-one, humans are generally great and generous and want to help each other out. So go find your people. You have them - I promise.

📣 CALLING MY LINKEDIN NETWORK I have spent the last two weeks chatting with a number of ex-colleagues and friends around the globe who have found themselves on the receiving end of layoffs (redundancies - take your pick). First of all: it is absolutely natural to feel rejected, dejected, and downhearted 😿 after such an event. So don't beat yourself up for feeling a bit on the gloomy side. Give yourself a little time to get over the initial shock. HOWEVER Layoffs are not 🚫 correlated to - or a reflection of - your performance. They are a reflection of the economic climate, including previous overhiring, changing company priorities, lack of funding, company performance, etc, etc. Not you! THE GOOD NEWS There are still LOTS 🔢 of roles out there. Not all roles are advertised (for various reasons). THE WAY FORWARD Reach 🤝🏻 out to your network. Reconnect with old friends and colleagues. And if some of them happen to be recruiters (like me) then use them for their inside knowledge. I am here for anyone who wants to chat about the state of the market, get some CV advice, or just to let off a little steam in a private environment. And lastly - keep your chin up 👆🏻! These things happen to the best of people at the best of times. Your next opportunity is just around the corner!

My heart goes out to folks going through layoffs right now. I've been through a layoff myself and it all feels very personal. Know that it's not about what you did or did not do, and you are not alone in this. Two things I took away from my experience: - I wish I had taken a moment to define upfront what my job search process needed to look like to be sustainable. I just kept going until I was exhausted. How can you build in space to maintain your energy while you do this work? What breaks or activities do you need? - Reach out to your network. Have coffee chats, even if there's not an immediate job opportunity involved. Let them know what you're looking for. You never know what information someone could share with you that will make a difference.

Here's how you can stay resilient after layoffs. Companies restructure and change the composition of their workforces often, which can result in layoffs. One of the best ways you can find your next opportunity and stay resilient, is to reach out to your network. Not only could you learn about new open roles, but you could get support during a tough period.

Are you struggling to find a job in a market that has seen heavy layoffs? Here are three steps I have used that can help you establish yourself as a leader in your industry and increase your chances of landing your dream job. First, tighten up your branding. Ensure that your online presence is consistent and professional, including your LinkedIn profile, website, and any other social media accounts. Second, develop a marketing plan that identifies your target audience and creates a message that speaks to their needs and pain points. Use various marketing channels to get your message out there. Finally, execute your plan. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you - take action and reach out to your network. Show them the value you can bring to their team and why they need you. In this market, job applications alone won't cut it. You need to show your value and tell your story. By following these three steps, you can position yourself as a leader in your industry and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Like many of my LinkedIn friends, I fell victim to layoffs/department elimination at the end of 2023. Since that time, I have spent more time than ever on the LinkedIn platform. And what I’ve seen is nothing short of saddening. People with deep expertise and years of experience are struggling to find roles, feeling defeated and hopeless, and ultimately putting themselves out there with an air of vulnerability that would make anyone uncomfortable. And while I may speak of these people like I’m not one of them, it’s only because this is the first time that I’ve really put myself out there and exposed myself to the aforementioned vulnerability. While my unemployment journey has only been a few months, I’m starting to get a better understanding of the current hiring landscape. And if I were to believe 90% of the content and conversations I’ve had with others, it’s a scary place. Everywhere you turn now someone is telling you that getting a job “isn’t like it used to be.” You must pay someone to help you (and not a small amount), have some sort of miracle connection, or attend networking events like your life depends on it and hope for the best. And in between those suggestions you find a smattering of comments indicating that “no one wants to hire someone who is unemployed,” “if your experience doesn’t match a job exactly then it means nothing,” or “it’s just to competitive out there to stand out.” For myself and for others, I sincerely hope these things aren’t true. But unfortunately, as I sit here today, I’ve found nothing to prove that they aren’t. While this may read as a pity party or contribution to the depressing atmosphere, let me be clear about what I came here to say… To my fellow job seekers: You ARE valuable. Your skills ARE impressive. And the career path you’ve taken thus far DOES mean something. I hate that a community that used to be about sharing accomplishments and opportunities has become a place that makes you feel as though you have neither. (Or maybe that’s just what it’s done to me.) I hate that we’re all here, and I hope it changes soon. But until then, I’m officially throwing my “vulnerable” hat in the ring. If we’re going to be uncomfortable, we might as well do it together.