Out-of-work tech workers can use this uncertain time as an opportunity to reassess and plan their next career move.
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Companies and their teams of managers, employees, investors and boards love the word “growth”.
Growth means expansion and more funding. This means hiring and expanding production. It leads to exciting benefits and great rewards. That’s a sign of success, and what company doesn’t want to brag about it?
Right now we’re seeing a boom in startups and tech giants alike – Microsoft
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This dynamic of hiring and firing has ensnared the 160,000 workers who were laid off from tech companies last year, and about 46,000 more who received their digital pink slips this month via Zoom, Slack and email. .
Job cuts show no sign of slowing as companies navigate a combination of high interest rates, shrinking profits, investment pullbacks and a sluggish economy. So we’ve compiled expert tips from our contributors on how to burnish your resume, improve your soft skills, and land a new job fast.
Emphasize soft skills
Despite the bleak outlook, tech workers can still use both hard and soft skills, writes future-of-work expert Sarah Doody. “Regardless of your role at a tech company, your skills and experience are valuable and transferable to many other industries,” he writes. “Just because your last job was at a tech company doesn’t mean you can’t get hired in another sector, and maybe even with a raise.”
Skills like communication, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and a strong work ethic shouldn’t be overlooked — “they can often be the difference between you getting job interviews and offers or not,” writes Doody.
Offering practical advice on how to demonstrate these skills, she says to start by asking colleagues and close friends for feedback.
Sell yourself, even if it’s hard
Selling yourself may not come naturally, but it’s a necessary part of finding a new job, Doody writes. Instead of repeating that famous mantra, “always be connected,” it’s better to think about how to “always be connected.”
“If marketing is making people aware of you and what you have to offer, then selling is making them connect the dots and see enough value in your product or service to buy it.” he writes.
Look for the silver lining
Leadership strategy expert Gleb Tsipursky writes that layoffs can be a boon for non-tech companies looking for skilled workers. These companies can gain a competitive advantage by offering a positive company culture and opportunities for career development, he writes. “This can help attract top talent who are looking for a more stable and secure work environment.”
While leadership strategy expert Caterina Bulgarella has warned of the real costs of losing workers who remain in the workforce, Tsipursky says companies can use the shake-up as an opportunity to rethink culture and values.
After a tech company went through a recent round of layoffs, it “resulted in a more positive and productive work environment for the remaining team members, which in turn led to increased employee retention,” he writes in his latest post.
Make your next move
Laid off or not, regardless of industry, position or title, employee careers are constantly undergoing change and change, writes Career contributor Joseph Liu. It always helps to breathe, slow down and take stock.
“Regardless of the reason, transitions often open up a mix of personal and practical challenges, from figuring out exactly what’s next in line to rewriting your cover letter and resume,” she says.
“Successfully managing any career transition involves first being aware of where things are in your career and then taking specific actions to realize your career aspirations.”
