How to Support Laid-Off Connections

This week, 14,000 people were laid off at Amazon. Behind that number are 14,000 stories. The parents providing for families. The first-gen professionals who fought hard to get into corporate spaces. People who showed up early, stayed late, built products, supported teams, and gave their best. The dreamers who left everything behind to build a better future. My heart goes out to all of you. To help, here are some things you can do once you’re ready to start your new search: - Take a breath and grieve - Update your story: Refresh your resume and LinkedIn to highlight your wins and the awesome things you’ve done - Ask for help: Reach out to mentors, former coworkers, or this community. Nothing wrong in asking. - Focus on progress, not perfection. Whether it’s learning a new skill, networking weekly, or just staying consistent, small steps add up. - Take a side gig while you’re at it: Bills will need to be paid and so do what you can with what you have. Resources and places to save for your next opportunity: - LinkedIn Jobs – use the “Actively Hiring” filter to find companies still hiring - Levels.fyi – see listings across major companies with compensation insights - Layoffs.fyi – track layoffs and find companies currently hiring - Coursera Free Courses – career certificates from Google, Meta, and IBM - Grow with Google – free resources to learn digital skills and explore new career paths - LinkedIn Learning Free Trial – access thousands of professional development courses For everyone else: How can we can help? Here are some ways: 1. Share your network. If you know someone affected, tag them (with permission), connect them to recruiters, or share open roles. One introduction can truly change someone’s life. 2. Offer support. Help review a resume, offer LinkedIn feedback, or just be a listening ear. Sometimes, empathy matters more than advice. 3. Be empathetic. You never know what people are going through. To everyone impacted by the layoffs or that has been rejected recently, my heart is with you. If I can help review your profile, make an intro, or just listen, my DMs are open. Let’s do this. We’re in this, together. #StephSynergy

Your coworker bestie just got laid off. Here’s how to show up without saying “let me know how to help.” I’ve learned that the best support is specific, human, and consistent. Here are 6 ways to actually be helpful: 1. Offer specific help “Want me to review your resume or LinkedIn?” “Want me to connect you with my recruiter friend?” When you’re specific, they don’t have to carry the emotional labor of figuring out what to ask for. 2. Share job leads thoughtfully Don’t just send random links. Say, “This role made me think of you because it fits your experience in [X].” Tailored is better than volume. 3. Normalize the grief Say, “This sucks and you have every right to feel however you feel.” Before trying to fix it, hold space. 4. Brag about them Write a LinkedIn post about how brilliant they are. Tag them. Highlight their impact and skills. Visibility is support. 5. Send a little joy A meme. A playlist. A coffee gift card. A voice note. It’s not a fix, but it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. 6. Make plans that don’t involve work Go for a walk. Get lunch. Binge a show. Sometimes the most healing thing is being reminded they are more than their job. We rise by showing up for each other. Always. #theBOLDjourney #layoffs #careeradvice #support #jobsearch #microsoftlife #microsoft

If you want to help unemployed people in your network: 1. Check in on them over time When someone first posts about a layoff or looking for their next role, there's often an outpouring of support. A few weeks later, that support is usually gone. If someone in your network announced a layoff a few weeks ago, this could be a good time check in on how things are going and see if you can offer some support. If it's in the budget to buy them a coffee or meal, that's a great idea too! 2. Be a connector You don't have to be in a position to hire someone in order to be helpful. Can you offer a referral at your company? Can you advocate for them to the hiring manager? Can you engage with their posts to give them some visibility? Can you leave a recommendation for a former colleague? Can you offer to make an introduction to someone in your network? 3. See if you can provide practical help Maybe you can provide some resume feedback based on your actual experience hiring, or being hired, for similar roles. Maybe you can do a practice interview with questions you tend to ask when hiring, or have been asked, for similar roles. Maybe you can help them tighten up their portfolio or LinkedIn profile based on your experience in a similar field. Please don't ignore the "based on your experience" component. If you haven't been on the job market in the last decade, if you work in manufacturing and your friend is looking in finance, if you're a software engineer and your friend is looking for project management roles then there's a decent chance your advice won't be super relevant and it's better that you focus on the first two items above as you may cause confusion with advice that isn't relevant to their experience. Also worth noting that nowhere did I say: - try to sell them a job searching course or resume services - spam them with bots pushing career coaching programs - flood their feed with your rage bait disguised as recruiting expertise

So, yesterday sucked because layoffs suck. 🙁 But I'm writing this from the perspective of someone who wants to support those that were directly impacted. I know that it can sometimes be tough to know what to say and/or do when your friends/former coworkers are actively dealing with the news of having loss their employment. And if you're wondering, what could you do to support them, here's what I've found to sometimes be helpful: 1. Understand that not everyone copes or heals the same as you. Some people may be avoidant (and that's OK), some people may want to vent (and that's OK), and some may want advice (and that's also OK). There's no wrong way to deal with this. But as a supportive friend and/or colleague, let the impacted person drive the conversation...NOT you. 2. Mitigate speculating why it happened to "them". I know this one is tough because the rumor mill is working overtime. The only individual(s) who know why they were selected are the decision makers. There's already enough self-doubt floating around in their head. Avoid adding to any false narratives because the weight of feeling worthless or incapable can live inside someone for a very. long. time - even once things turn around for them. 3. Try to avoid asking "what's next" too soon. I know you're curious to know, I get that. But on one hand - it's not our business. And on the other hand, give people room to process what has happened to them. They'll decide when it's the right time to share "what's next". 4. Help someone expand their network by introducing them to people within your network that are actively hiring. 5. Check-in on people periodically to see how they're healing. This doesn't mean you have to reach out daily (unless that's what someone has expressed they'd like). But follow up in 2 weeks and then maybe after 1 month, etc. Check if they need anything - like an intro to someone, a chance to hang out, or just someone to talk to about anything that comes to mind. 6. You'll likely deal with "survivor's guilt" (i.e. feeling guilty or ashamed that you are still employed). And although that's a horrible and valid feeling, avoid centering this moment around yourself. ⬛ If you happen to know of any communities that have formed to support people impacted by tech lay-offs, please share links below. ⬛ If you're a hiring manager or know of open positions with companies, please share them below. ⬛ And if a friend/former-coworker reaches out for support, consider doing whatever you can within your power to assist. I am genuinely so sorry that this has happened. While I can't make any promises about what the future holds, I do have confidence that your talent will shine in wherever life takes those impacted next. ❤️

In times of layoffs, it’s natural to want to help. But sometimes good intentions can miss the mark. Here are a few tips on how to show up with empathy, action, and respect. Let’s lift each other up the right way. ✅ Things to Do When Supporting Someone Who's Been Laid Off: 1. Reach out and check in: A simple “Thinking of you, here if you need anything” can mean a lot. 2. Listen without judgment: Sometimes people just want to vent. Resist the urge to immediately give advice. 3. Offer specific help: “Can I review your resume?” is more helpful than “Let me know if I can help.” 4. Reshare their posts: Amplify their visibility by engaging with and resharing their job search updates. 5. Share job leads or referrals: Even if it’s a small lead, pass it along. You never know what might help. 6. Be patient and inclusive: Invite them to networking events, community meetups, or online groups. 7. Respect their pace: Everyone processes a layoff differently. Some bounce back fast, others need time. ❌ Things Not to Do When Someone's Been Laid Off: 1. Don’t say “Everything happens for a reason.” It can come off dismissive when someone is still processing. 2. Don’t pressure them to be “productive.” Healing and regrouping is also part of the process. 3. Don’t make it about you. “When I was laid off…” can be helpful only if they ask for advice. 4. Don’t treat them like they’re broken. They’re still talented, capable professionals. 5. Don’t assume they’re available for free work. “Want to work on my startup?” without compensation isn’t support. To anyone navigating unexpected changes right now, please know this: a layoff is a chapter, not your story. You are still skilled, still valuable, still needed. Take a deep breath. Take time to grieve. But then, dust off that resume, tap into your network, and remember your worth. If you need eyes on your resume, a mock interview, or just someone to talk to- my inbox is open. You’ve got this. #Layoffs #Support #CareerGrowth

When my client lost their job three months ago, the hardest part wasn’t the layoff itself. They said : It was the silence that followed. No one checked in. No message. Zero support. Losing a job or leaving a toxic workplace is tough. But your support can make all the difference. Here’s how to show up: ✅ Reach out early. ↳ “I’m here if you ever want to talk.” ↳ A simple message can go a long way. ✅ Celebrate their wins. ↳ Write them a LinkedIn recommendation. ↳ Share what they’re great at. ✅ Open doors. ↳ Think of who might be able to help. ↳ Make warm introductions. ✅ Stay in touch. ↳ Set a quick reminder to check-in. ↳ Job searching can feel isolating. ✅ Keep them included. ↳ Virtual coffee? Zoom lunch? ↳ Little moments still matter. ✅ Send leads their way. ↳ Forward relevant roles. ↳ Let them decide what fits. ✅ Be a reference. ↳ Don’t wait for them to ask. ↳ Be ready with examples of their impact. ✅ A coffee invite breaks the silence. ✅ Your words help rebuild their confidence. ✅ A referral could lead to their next opportunity. You don’t need a title to uplift someone. Be the reason someone feels seen and supported. Who showed up for you when you needed it most? ♻️ Repost to spread empathy in your network. 🔔 Follow Fatou Seck Mathon for more.

Stop offering help to your friends who were laid off. 99% of them won’t take you up on the offer. Every day, they lose more and more confidence with each rejection email they receive for jobs they would be perfect for. Every day, they wonder if their years of experience and education even matter. The last thing they have energy for is to be vulnerable enough to ask for help, in fear of hearing another no. Instead of “let me know if you need anything,” replace it with taking action. Here are some things you can proactively do to help: • Send a few job posts that are in line with what they’re looking for • Look through your LinkedIn network and see if anyone is hiring • Check in with some occasional pep talks. • Instead of “how’s it going,” maybe remind them how awesome they are • Share helpful job search articles and videos • Surprise them with lunch delivery • Write a LinkedIn recommendation for them Your actions—no matter how small—can remind them they’re not alone, not forgotten, and not any less valuable because of a layoff. In a time when their world feels uncertain, you can be the steady reminder that they still matter.

If your friends get impacted by layoffs, here’s how you can help in real, tangible ways: No vague “let me know how I can help.” That puts the burden on THEM during an extremely vulnerable time. Try this: • Proactively write a LinkedIn recommendation on their profile (they can approve/deny) • Endorse their top skills - it helps their profile rank higher in searches. • Offer to mock interview, review their resume, or LinkedIn profile. • Ask what roles they’re looking for + curate 2-3 openings from your network where you can get them an intro • Comment on their “I’m open to work” update with a quick note about why they’re exceptional. • Share your company’s openings and offer to be a referral or write the introduction message to the hiring manager. It’s a brutal market.

If you work in advertising or marketing, your LinkedIn feed is probably full of posts from professional contacts announcing that they just got laid off. Your instinct is probably to be supportive. But in the raw few weeks after a layoff, that support can be counterproductive -- no matter how well-meaning you are. I've been through this before both as the person who was laid off and the one trying to help, and I want to share three things you *don't* want to do. 1. Don't tell someone "just take some time to relax and enjoy your time off." You likely don't know what their financial situation is, how much severance they have, or how worried they are about their ability to find work. People over 40 in particular may be wary of what a gap on their resume will look like, and whether they'll be less desirable hires if they're even a few months older. Irrational? Maybe. But when you've been laid off your nervous system isn't operating rationally. 💡 What to do instead: Before offering advice, ask them whether they're looking to take time off, get back to work, or maybe even explore a totally new career. Let them lead this conversation. 2. Don't send job postings or opportunities that you suspect may be too junior. We all want to be helpful, especially when someone has said they want to find work as soon as possible, but sending a VP-level executive a posting for an unpaid internship that could "really turn into something" will almost certainly be an unintended gut punch. When someone has been laid off, self-worth can be at an all-time low. 💡 What to do instead: Again, let them lead. Ask whether they'd like to be sent opportunities, whether they're open to part-time or full-time, and crucially, ask for a preferred salary range. (No, it's not inappropriate to do that.) 3. Don't take a call with someone that you suspect you can't actually help. Nothing is more demoralizing for a recently laid off person than having people from their network reach out and offer to talk to them about job options, only to tell them things like "you've never worked for an agency, so you won't get hired at one at this stage in your career" or "no company is investing in the things you do right now." You may think you're being realistic and upfront, but you may be making the other person feel hopeless. 💡 What to do instead: Before agreeing to take a call with someone, ask for their resume, and really look it over. Think about whether you're actually in a position to help. If you don't think you are, be upfront about this without directly criticizing their work experience and future prospects. Reframe the call as a way to learn about their goals -- but don't inadvertently turn it into a way to shut them down. 👻 And a bonus: If you offer to make an intro, actually do it. Or don't say "I'll introduce you" if what you really mean is "I'll check and see if the other person is open to an introduction." Above all: Don't ghost. Be kind. And do more listening than talking.

Know someone job searching right now? Here’s how to actually support them (not just with words, but with action). Let’s start with what not to say: → “Heard back from any places yet?” → “At least you’ve got some time to relax.” → “Isn’t the job market good right now?” These sound harmless, but they hit hard. Job seekers aren’t sitting around. They are applying nonstop, hearing nothing back, and doubting themselves daily. The silence is brutal. The rejection is exhausting. And most of the time, they’re doing it completely alone. Here’s what you can do instead to genuinely help: → Send a message that doesn’t require an update. “Thinking of you. No pressure to reply, just here if you need to vent or talk.” → Grab lunch. No job talk unless they bring it up. Let them laugh. Let them breathe. Let them feel like a person, not a project. → Offer to review their resume or LinkedIn. Even a second set of eyes can boost clarity and confidence. You don’t need to be an expert to give useful feedback. → Ask, “Who would be helpful for you to meet?” Then scroll your network. Recruiters, hiring managers, people in their target industry. Make intros. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm connection. → Send job leads. Saw a posting that fits? Text it over. Bonus points if you know someone at the company and can make the intro. → Engage on LinkedIn. If they post that they’re looking: → Like it → Comment supportively → Repost with your own endorsement → DM and offer to help however you can → Invite them to events. Know a good networking event, webinar, or professional meetup? Don’t assume they saw it, send the link. → Refer them inside your company. Even if your org isn’t a perfect fit, getting flagged by an internal employee always helps their odds. → Offer to check in weekly. Let them share wins, talk through strategy, or just get a little accountability. → Give them one day where they don’t have to be “on.” That might mean a shared gym session, a movie night, or running errands together. Something real-life. Be the person who makes the grind feel a little lighter. If someone you care about is searching right now, this week, be the reason they feel hopeful again. 🙌 And jobseekers, you’ve got this. ♻️ Repost if this advice could help others in your network.