Laid off — or just worried? Read this.
Layoff headlines are everywhere right now. Even if you weren’t directly impacted, a lot of you may be thinking: Should I be looking? What if something happens? I haven’t updated my resume in years.
Whether you’re actively job searching, recently impacted, or feeling like you need to be in-the-know just in case — this one’s for you.
The Situation
I was impacted by the recent layoffs. I was at Amazon for almost 6 years. I’m overwhelmed and unsure where to start. There’s so much advice out there (apply more, fix my resume, post more, network, ATS scan), and it feels like a lot has changed since I was on the market years ago. What should I focus on?
My Take
ROI matters. Even if you suddenly have more time on your hands, not every job-search activity is worth your time. Some actions create legit momentum. Others are just a waste of your time.
Let’s focus on what actually pays off.
1️⃣ Network First (Most Underrated, Most Avoided, Highest ROI)
This is the most under-invested activity and the one that works. Focus on networking with your EXISTING network - former managers, mentors, old coworkers, college roommates, your parents’ friends. They don’t need to be in the industry/company you’re looking at. They need to know you.
Networking helps you:
• hear about roles earlier
• get warm introductions
• refine how you talk about your value
• get more natural in interviews
Have conversations, not asks. Simple catch-ups. Spent 80% of your time here.
My simple catch-up template: “I just saw [enter something relevant - your LinkedIn post about XYZ, a commercial about ABC, etc] and thought of you. Are you free to catch up [timeframe or date]?”
2️⃣ Pause Before You Apply to a Million Jobs
More applications ≠ more results. Before you apply broadly, spend some time sorting all the thoughts in your head. Understand your:
• target role and function
• stage/type of company
• your priorities and must-haves
• 10–15 target companies
Focus sharpens your story and your outreach.
3️⃣ Resume: Get Back on the Impact Bus
Your resume should read like outcomes and decisions — not a job description. Keep it:
• impact driven
• results focused
• scope, complexity, and change oriented
Quick test: If I removed your name from the top, would this read uniquely yours or generically the job description? If the latter, it’s a rewrite.
4️⃣ LinkedIn: Update + Participate
Two steps:
• Update your profile (and add a photo from this decade).
• Start commenting on relevant posts with real perspective.
Not just “Agree.” Not emojis. Actual thoughts.
Recruiters and hiring managers are using LinkedIn as the first screen.
5️⃣ Fix Your “Tell Me About Yourself” Answer
Most people ramble or walk through their entire resume.
Use this instead:
• 2 sentences summarizing your experience — name-drop the roles, scope, or companies that matter for this job
• 1 sentence connecting your skills directly to what this role needs, how you will add value
• 1 sentence on why you’re excited about this opportunity
Get it down to 45 seconds. Tight = credible. Practice it out loud.
