The Perillo Group’s Post

With a lot of layoffs in tech and other sectors, it's hard on both the person laid off as well as the team left behind. Regardless of whether it's layoffs or just a trusted team member moving on, losing quality people from your team is never easy. But, it occurred to me recently that those tough departures -- especially early on in my career -- provided me with new roles and holes to fill ... holes that weren't there before. 👉 One example that comes to mind -- there were furloughs (and eventual layoffs) in 2020 due to the pandemic where I worked at the time, which included the person who managed our Intranet. Now, I'm not going to sit here and suggest that it was fun to take on -- it was not. But in reflection, I learned a lot of random technical skills and because of that additional aspect to my role, I was included in meetings I wouldn't have otherwise been in -- and that gave me more intel and generally, helped me see the forest from the trees in other aspects of my position. 👉 Another example from many MANY moons ago -- the person who led our employee recognition "Shout Out" program left, so I stepped in to take over. At this point I was still pretty junior in my career, and it was during that time that I realized how much celebrating people -- and their quality work -- filled me with purpose and joy. It was a major moment for me in understanding how I'm motivated and what keeps ME going day in and day out. And it led to me eventually taking over the professional development/training efforts for our team too. My point is that while you're "mourning" those losses, also take it as an opportunity to evaluate your strengths and identify areas of growth where you might newly flex -- and/or hone -- a skillset. You might realize you have even more to contribute -- and make yourself that much more valuable and uniquely *capable* in the process. #b2b #tech #communications

Understanding Tech Hiring and Layoffs: Key Takeaways 1. Tech Hiring Dynamics: The Ebb and Flow Tech companies hire and lay off simultaneously as part of a strategic balancing act. Industry reports reveal this cyclical pattern, driven by innovation needs and operational streamlining. 2. Navigating the Tech Rollercoaster: Securing Your Future Strategy: Embrace adaptability as the cornerstone of career resilience. Action Steps: - Cultivate a continuous learning mindset. - Acquire new skills and stay updated on industry trends. - Network actively to stay informed and connected. - Showcase versatility in your role to become indispensable during industry shifts. 3. Rising Stronger from Layoffs: Bouncing Back with Resilience Mindset Shift: See setbacks as setups for comebacks. Action Steps: - Reassess and realign with your passions. - Utilize the support of your professional network. - Explore new opportunities and consider upskilling. - Remember, your skills and potential are not tied to a single job or company. In the tech world, change is constant. Embrace it, adapt, and keep moving forward. Your journey doesn’t end with a layoff; it's a stepping stone to greater heights. 💪 #layoffsupport #adaptandthrive #careerjourney

Have you experienced layoffs? Lets talk about it! 🚀 Over the past year, we've witnessed significant shifts in the tech industry, marked by numerous layoffs that have affected talented professionals across the board. As you know I find myself among those impacted, having recently been laid off. While it's disheartening to face unexpected career changes, I believe in the resilience of our community. These moments challenge us to reassess, adapt, and ultimately grow. 💪 I invite you to share your experiences, insights, and advice in the comments below. Let's foster a supportive space where we can connect, learn from each other, and perhaps even discover new opportunities. 🌐 Here are a few questions to kick off the conversation: 1️⃣ How have you navigated career transitions in the tech industry? 2️⃣ What advice would you give to professionals facing layoffs or contemplating a career change? 3️⃣ Share a success story or a lesson learned from a challenging career moment. Remember, your journey matters, and by sharing our stories, we contribute to a collective narrative that highlights the resilience and strength of the tech community. Let's connect, learn, and support each other on this ever-evolving professional journey. 🤝 #TechCommunity #CareerTransition #ProfessionalResilience

What can you learn in ~120 days or 4 months? That's what I have been reflecting on after my role was impacted in a restructuring late last year. Turns out, that answer is complex. Here it goes: 1. Your Value-Add:  ➞ Layoffs hit hard. You’re stuck questioning yourself and your abilities — why me? Could I have done anything different? What warning signs did I miss, if any? ➞ Take a few days to gather your thoughts, talk to friends or loved ones, and process that loss. That’s what this is, you were just removed from coworkers or projects that you were invested in over a long period of time. ➞ After processing this, write down the projects you completed, actions you took, and take stock of your success, as well as your failures. What went well? What didn’t go well? Most important, realize that you’re human and you’ve grown because of those career experiences. 2. It’s Not You, It’s the Market: ➞ An NPR article this past January suggested that some of these layoffs in tech are a domino effect from other companies imitating what companies are doing. You'll find the title of the story here (NPR, from Jan 28, 2024: Nearly 25,000 tech workers were laid off in the first weeks of 2024. Why is that?). Now, we can't change what we cannot change but we can work to adapt to it and try to uncover niche areas for us to focus our job search efforts on. 3. Trends: ➞ Can you outsmart the market? Not likely but what you can do is look outside of your focus area. For me, that is looking towards public sector work. Taking design strategies beyond a product that is for sale, into our society which needs design strategies to advocate for its people. This seems HUGE in terms of opportunity but it's just finding that right door that is open to walk through. 4. Play to Your Strengths: ➞ I am not a generalist job seeker; I'm trying to be targeted in my skillset and the organizations I'm eager to support. But what I really am is a *networker*. ➞ I’d much rather have quality 1:1 conversations, where one person considers another connection, or I can introduce people together, and so on. I scout roles and openings I’d be a good fit for, message hiring managers or team members, and then go on to other sources of potential leads within my network or support groups. It’s also, in my opinion, much less emotionally draining by being smart with where you can best fit. 5. Take a Minute: ➞ R&R is important. Some days, I don’t have the energy to make it a full 9-5 with applications, job discovery, networking, developing LinkedIn content, and so on. But that’s okay, I’m human. I’d be more concerned if this were repeated behavior, then I’d be getting in the way of my own progress. I am a firm believer that the right opportunity will arrive at the right time but sometimes it’s tough to be in a holding pattern. I hear you, I empathize with you, but know that change is just around the corner. Remember, it's not you, it's the market. I'm rooting for you.

Have you taken a look at the number of layoffs in tech (big tech & startups) in 2024 in the US? In case not, here are the numbers: 89105...and counting! 😯 Compounded with the 430 000 layoffs in 2022 & 2023...it's no wonder people are finding it challenging to secure new roles. It's also no wonder that companies who are hiring are being totally inundated with applications, and taking a lot longer to make hiring decisions. All in all, a COMPLETELY different picture to the talent scarce market we were experiencing during the hiring frenzy just a couple of years ago. My message to job seekers: be prepared, and stay strong. There are jobs out there for sure, but you're going to need to put proper time and effort in, in order to secure your next role. SO: ✔ is your resume ready for both AI and human screening? ✔ is your LinkedIn profile AND other social media in good shape for hiring managers? ✔ are you engaging with and leveraging your full network? ✔ are you interview ready (digital and in-person)? Above all, make sure you're looking after your energy, mindset and morale. This may be a long-ish roller-coaster, so hang in there. 💪 #jobsearchcoaching #thestruggleisreal #fractionalexecutives #edtechjobs

Another week, another round of tech layoffs. It's a familiar tune, isn't it? While we can't control layoffs, we do hold the reins on how we react to them. To those companies who've laid off hundreds, rehired, and then laid off again – what's your strategy here? Such actions not only impact lives but also raise questions about long-term planning and organizational integrity. As someone who has been through this storm myself, I understand the initial shock and the 'what now?' feeling. But let me tell you, the past months have transformed into an incredible sabbatical. They've forged a resilient chip on my shoulder, a badge I'm eager to bring into my next role. It's tough seeing former colleagues and peers face layoffs, but here's my encouraging shout-out: Stay strong, stay optimistic. Keep making those daily strides. Our journey isn't defined by setbacks, but by how we rise from them. To those hit by layoffs for a second time, your resilience is awe-inspiring. Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Let's turn these moments into stepping stones for something greater. We're in this together, and I'm confident that perseverance will lead us all to brighter paths. #Resilience #CareerJourney #StayStrong

Running Before You Can Walk 😢 2023 has been brutal. The number of tech layoffs this year has been eye-watering. And in a depressed market many of us have been out of work for an extended period – often for the first time in our careers. I’m glad to say it seems to be picking up again. I saw more green “Out of Work” banners coming down with the accompanying new role announcements during October than I have all year. 🎇 Congratulations to all who have found a new role. I wish you all the best. But I also bring you a warning. You see there’s a trap that’s all too easy to fall into when starting a new role, especially with the anxiety of coming off a lengthy period of unemployment. 🌟 Having found a new role, you’ll be keen to shine. You want to secure your future and how better, you think, to do that than to deliver real value quickly. But there is a fine line between the desire to succeed and being over eager. Starting a new role means a huge learning curve lies ahead. Not only are you faced with a plethora of new faces and names to (mis-)remember, new working relationships to forge, and a new system to learn, but you may well be facing a wholly new industry. 👨💻 In my field, software development, what your new employer does is not the primary factor when taking a job, being able to understand the tech is. You will need to get to grips with the basics of the industry, but tech is the driver. Absorbing all of this takes time. 🏃♀️ Only you want to show your new boss they made the right decision picking you and there’s a natural desire to want to do so quickly. “O, that way madness lies,” (Bonus points to anyone who knows where the quote comes from - I look forward to your comments.) 🎸🎸 Until you’ve climbed sufficiently up the learning curve and gained understanding of some of the whys of the company’s status quo, making changes can be dangerous. It can backfire. So, take a breath. Discuss a timeline for you taking the lead on your responsibilities with your line manager. With their help, set expectations, build a proper onboarding plan to gain the required knowledge, take time to build the working relationships with your co-workers, and describe your path to success. 🎭 You’re in this for the long term, so set the stage for the long term. Aiming for the quick win often backfires. Of course, there are always times when urgent action is required before you’re really ready. When these happen, lean on those who have history with the company. They bring the background. You bring your knowledge and expertise. Work together. 🛳 Between you, you have a better chance of identifying the right course. #leadership #softwaredevelopment #onboarding #peopleandculture #hiringsuccess #newjob

Did you "buy the talent dip" in 2023? ➡️ Q1, Q2, Q3 saw a bunch of layoffs in the tech sector this year across North America ➡️If you struggled to hire in Q1, Q2, Q3, what strategies did you have in place? ➡️ If you struggled to hire in Q1, Q2, Q3 when a lot of people were on the market- I'm sorry to say but as the market picks up, things are only going to get harder ➡️ The layoffs didn't impact every tech sector the same and there is still a huge shortage of tech talent in specific markets

It’s January ‼️There is likelihood of more layoffs looming especially in big tech 🧐It was around this time last year that senior execs were planning massive transformation initiatives and let go of thousands of talent in Q1 and early Q2. ➡️ Jump ahead of this. ‼️Now is the time to engage with a certified and qualified career coach. Whether you’re someone who got laid off last year and still looking, or someone who may be at risk (whether you know it or not) - the job market is not that open right now. 🌟Career transition and mobility coaching can help you. ➡️ I have been offering free initial coaching consultations for people to help…but I only have so much time allotted to do this. So if you’ve been on the fence or need to get braced and prepared - don’t keep waiting. Message me so that you are poised and ready if layoffs come your way. 💡I can’t stress enough there are things you can and should do to prepare. Shift your thinking. Nobody is indispensable.