"Companies are withdrawing job offers and making cuts." Four tips for recovering from a layoff

Ashton Jackson -

Layoffs at big tech companies have rocked workers, with companies including Meta, Twitter, Lyft, Coinbase and Netflix laying off some of their staff.

Unfortunately they are not the only ones.

Many giants in industries such as banking, real estate, food services, advertising and retail have cut, or plan to cut, the number of employees at their companies amid inflation and a possible looming economic downturn.

According to Fana Yohannes, head of communication for Instagram and founder of Here2Help, a job search and mentoring community, returning to work after a layoff can be difficult at first, but getting into "preparation and planning mode" is a key step to recuperate.

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“Not only are there a lot of talented people who are considered free agents in the tech industry right now.

There are a lot of hiring freezes that people are facing,” Yohannes tells CNBC Make It. “Companies are canceling job offers [in addition to] laying off people.

So it's like, almost everywhere you look, it seems like nowhere is safe."

CNBC Make It spoke with Yohannes to learn her top tips for bouncing back after being laid off, drawing on her insights as the founder of Here2Help:

Find an online community

Losing your job can be very isolating, but there are thousands of people who have gone through – or are going through – the same thing.

Yohannes says that connecting with these people can help you get on the right track.

“During the [2008] recession, the social media tools we have now didn't really exist,” Yohannes explains.

“What I love about Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook is that right now there are a lot of full community spaces on those platforms dedicated to spaces and professional development.

You just have to know where to look for them.”

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By searching for keywords on these platforms, such as “layoffs,” “job search help,” or “

opportunities, ” people can find posts and groups that meet their needs.

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Yohannes points to communities like Here2Help, CCNYC, and Sister Circle as great resources that provide access to career development opportunities, mentorship, and even job postings.

“With social media groups, you have the ability to network, connect with people, and share all sorts of information around things like salary transparency, job openings, or even how to prepare for an interview,” he added.

Don't fall asleep with virtual events

Although many business and professional

events have returned to operating in person, hybrid and remote events are still available, and Yohannes recommends that you take advantage of them.

“What I love about virtual events is that if you really connect with someone, like a speaker, chances are you can message them on LinkedIn or Instagram or follow them and have a closer connection with them,” she says.

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“As we're getting closer to the holidays, when people's travel schedules can be a little tight, I think a virtual event is a really great way to get inspired and learn about different career tracks and opportunities without ever having to go outside. from home," he said.

Be open and honest about your employment situation

Getting fired is not only a huge career blow, but it can also ruin someone's self-esteem.

And since most people choose to share their career highs with their network, Yohannes suggests that people be just as candid about their career lows.

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“LinkedIn is the first platform we turn to when it comes to networking professionally,” explains Yohannes.

“But if you're really dedicated to being open and transparent about where you are currently in your job search, I think it's really important to let people know that you're available for hire on all of your platforms,” he said.

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“Don't be afraid to do things like update your social media stories daily.

Whether it's different memes you see about being available for hire, different resources you've found, or even just an update about your unemployment…those spark the best conversations," she explained.

Take care

Re-entering the job market means opening yourself up to criticism, judgment, and difficult conversations.

And if you haven't taken the time to take care of your mental health, those situations can be even more triggering.

Yohannes thinks it's okay to take some time before looking for a new position.

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“No matter what, but taking care of yourself is still the most important thing during this time.

Take a week or two to grieve or just be frustrated with the outcome of what just happened to you,” he suggested.

Yohannes also wants people recovering from layoffs to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“In any situation, but especially with a layoff, even if it hurts and doesn't really feel good, getting this as a redirect versus a setback is probably going to be most helpful to people.

This moment does not define who you are, but it will define who you are becoming," Yohannes said.