Layoffs & Transitions

What to tell your network after a layoff

After a layoff the instinct is to go quiet, fix your resume in private, and resurface once you have something figured out. That instinct costs you. Most jobs still come through people, and people can't refer you to something they don't know you're looking for.

Telling your network is uncomfortable for about a day. Then the messages start coming back, and most of them are kind.

Tell people sooner than feels comfortable

You don't need a polished story or a clear plan first. A simple heads-up to former colleagues, managers you trust, and friends in your field is enough to start. The sooner they know, the sooner they think of you when something crosses their desk.

Start with the people who already know your work. A former manager's introduction carries more weight than a hundred cold applications.

Be specific about what you want

"Let me know if you hear of anything" puts the work on them and rarely produces results. Name the roles, the kinds of companies, and the location or remote preference. Specific asks are easy to act on.

If there are particular companies you're targeting, say so. Someone in your network may know someone there, and a warm introduction beats the application portal every time.

The post that actually works

If you announce it publicly, keep it short and direct. What happened, what you're looking for, and one clear ask. Skip the long emotional essay, it buries the part people can act on.

Something like: "I was part of the recent layoffs at X. I'm looking for senior product roles at early-stage startups, ideally remote. If you know of anything or can introduce me to someone, I'd appreciate it." Clear, specific, done.

Quick reference

Timing

Tell people early, before you feel ready

Start with

Former managers and colleagues who know your work

The ask

Name roles, companies, and location, not "anything"

Public post

Short: what happened, what you want, one ask