Let's discuss the possibility of being laid off as well as if you have been laid off already. I wrote a post outlining how to handle a layoff and things you can do to prepare yourself in case you are laid off in the future. You can find that post here. After reviewing that post, please continue reading below for tips on where to start in this challenging market.
With all the recent layoffs in the tech sector and Silicon Valley, the job market for software engineers and architects is extremely flooded. There are absolutely jobs available, but those cherry positions we've gotten used to during the pandemic are becoming harder and harder to find.
If you want 100% remote, great health benefits, and a high starting salary with bonuses from a large Fortune 500 company ... it's almost impossible right now.
So, we need to ask ourselves if we are willing to sacrifice a few - if not all - of those benefits we've been used to getting. Are you willing to work in a hybrid capacity going into the office a few days a week? Are you willing to take a pay cut to become employed again?
Only you can answer those questions. Only you can determine what you are willing to give up. I suggest making a list And considering the pros and cons of each thing and how it helps/hinders your search. Also ask yourself if you are willing to sacrifice temporality to regain employment.
Below are some things you can do to prepare yourself for this job market and hopefully come out on top as a soon-to-be-employed-again candidate.
If you are a laid-off software engineer looking to apply for jobs in a flooded job market, here are some things you should focus on to increase your chances of doing well in interviews:
Update your resume: Make sure your resume is up-to-date, tailored to the job you're applying for, and highlights your skills and experience.
Improve your online presence: Clean up your online presence by removing any inappropriate content and creating professional profiles on LinkedIn, GitHub, and other relevant sites.
Expand your skills: Take online courses, attend webinars, and participate in open-source projects to improve your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry.
Practice coding: Practice coding on coding challenge websites or by working on personal projects to keep your coding skills sharp.
Prepare for interviews: Research the company, practice your answers to common interview questions, and be prepared to discuss your technical skills and experience.
Network: Reach out to your professional network, attend virtual networking events, and connect with recruiters to increase your chances of finding job opportunities.
Be patient: Keep in mind that the job market is flooded, and it may take some time to find the right job. Be patient and persistent in your job search.
Don't give up: Yoy will find a new job. It may take time and it may not be exactly what you want, but it will happen!
By focusing on these areas, you can increase your chances of standing out in a crowded job market and landing a new job as a software engineer.
A few words of wisdom on the other side of the coin while searching:
Don't just take the first job offer without considering the full breadth of the offer being made, not just the salary. I wrote a post detailing what to consider if you want to take a look!
On the other side, make sure you don't get catfished with a "too good to be true" job offer. It may be a bunch of BS. Do you research on the company.
Be aware of "ghost jobs". If a listing has been up awhile, don't expect a reply anytime soon or ever from that company if you apply. Here's a great article detailing the phenomenon. https://archive.ph/HTtBR
Try to take a deep breath and remember, it's tough out there! You are not alone and it's definitely not you. The job market can kill your self esteem, so make sure you practice positive thoughts daily to keep you motivated!! Fill out those applications as much as you can, it will pay off!! If you find yourself needing some help, reach out to me and I'll be happy to do whatever I can for you. If you need a good laugh, check out my Facebook page, it's ridiculous lol
