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.
