Tips for Navigating Changes in the Tech Job Market

 📉Yes, the job market is tough for college grads — but here’s the truth: it’s not that there are no entry-level jobs. It’s that those jobs are being reimagined. AI and tech are transforming the workplace — automating tasks that used to be the domain of entry-level hires. That means the bar is higher, the competition is sharper, and “tech-forward” candidates are standing out. But here’s what hasn’t changed: there’s always a market for great talent —especially at the junior level, where flexibility, energy, and fresh ideas can be a secret weapon. I graduated during a recession myself (not the Great Depression, thank you very much 😉), and it was hard—but not impossible. So if you’re trying to land that first job, here are five things that work: ✅ Network like your future depends on it — because it does. You’re far more likely to get hired through a personal referral than a job board. Reach out to professors, alumni, friends, and family. Ask for introductions. Attend events. Real humans open doors. ✅ Say yes to internships. A summer internship can be a foot in the door — or better yet, a live audition for a full-time role. ✅Become a tech-savvy standout. Master AI tools and know how they apply to your field. AI won’t replace you — but someone who knows how to use it might. ✅ Don’t underestimate human skills. Being a great listener, showing empathy, collaborating well with others — these are superpowers in any workplace. Tech gets you noticed. EQ helps you belong. ✅ Be memorable for the right reasons. Show up early. Send thank-you notes. Dress like you care. (Need tips on what not to wear to work? Check out my video below. Yes, I’m officially your #workmom now.) 👏 To all the new grads: keep going. The right opportunity is out there — and you’re closer to it than you think.

Even formal job offers aren’t guarantees anymore. 600+ experienced professionals recently had their onboarding stalled, after accepting confirmed job offers from TCS (today’s ET). Many had already resigned. Some had relocated. Almost all had made personal and financial decisions assuming stability. But this is the new hiring reality. Today’s job market isn’t just unpredictable, it’s volatile, disruptive, and constantly evolving. So how do we navigate it? From my experience coaching professionals through career transitions, here are 3 key lessons that apply now more than ever: 1. Don’t just go by the offer letter; do your due diligence. Before accepting any offer, especially in today’s environment, speak with current employees. Ask: – Are projects stable? – Are there recent onboarding delays? – Is the team expanding or restructuring? Brand names and CTCs are important, but so is clarity on ground reality. 2. Have a contingency mindset, even before you need one. It’s never easy when things don’t go as planned but those who plan for uncertainty recover faster. Maintain a 2–3 month financial buffer. Keep expanding your network even after accepting an offer because as they say- ‘Your network is your net worth’. Think of career moves as chapters, not destinations. 3. Build adaptability like a muscle. The professionals who thrive today aren’t just highly skilled, they’re highly adaptable. Be open to short-term freelance work, upskilling, even temporary pivots. What looks like a detour might open new doors you hadn’t considered. If you’re among those impacted - pause, but don’t panic. This isn’t the end of your journey - just a tough twist in the plot. Use this time to reflect, realign, and rise again - stronger, sharper, and more prepared. #careertransition #adaptability

Your Career Isn’t Over. It’s Just Rebooting 💻🔁 The AI job market right now? It’s a tale of two cities—and one very weird LinkedIn feed. On one side: $100M comp packages, $500M pre-revenue raises, and acquihires that look like tech soap operas. On the other: brilliant, experienced folks—ex-CEOs, Big Tech PMs, startup veterans—struggling to land interviews. Just today, I spoke with: – A former founder/CEO now hunting for an operating role – A career Big Tech PM trying to pivot to startups – A founder who landed a distress sale—saved the team, IP, and customers, but now has to start over All smart. All capable. All hitting the same wall: opportunity and capability aren’t matching up. Here’s the kicker: Companies are moving away from generalists and junior hires, and doubling down on experienced specialists. Translation? The middle is getting hollowed out faster than a startup’s runway after a failed Series B 💸 🎵 It’s like musical chairs—but half the chairs got replaced by AI, and the music keeps changing tempo. If you’re navigating this weird limbo, here’s the advice I’ve been sharing: 1. Cut Yourself Some Slack 🫶 You’re not failing. The market’s just weird and unforgiving right now. 2. Rebuild as an IC 👨💻 People want builders, not managers of managers. Being hands-on is your edge. 3. Startups Can Be Great—If You’re Ready 🚀 They want immediate impact. Try a short-term or trial project first. 4. Try Alternative Paths 🚪 Consulting. Buying a business. Going fractional. There’s more than one way to win. 5. Learn Like Hell 🧠🔥 Try ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, n8n, YouTube, and anything that sparks your curiosity. 6. Reconnect With Recruiters 📞 Don’t expect magic—but do rebuild relationships and stay top of mind. 7. Find Your People 👯♀️ Swap notes. Normalize the chaos. Community helps more than you think. Ultimately, it comes down to two things: humility and curiosity. 💡 Humility to admit the skills that got you here may not get you there. 🧪 Curiosity to dive in and learn like an intern—even if you’ve got VP-level experience. Every tech shift brings a great re-skilling. This isn’t a failure—it’s the cost of admission for what’s next. Take a role that makes you a practitioner. Get your hands dirty. And position yourself to ride the next part of the AI wave. You got this 🙏✌️

🌍 Finding a Job in Today’s Volatile Market – Insights from the Other Side of the Table Having spent over 18 years in the industry—and as someone who’s hired and built teams across functions—I’ve seen the job market go through many cycles. But the current environment feels particularly challenging: roles shifting overnight, priorities changing quickly, and talent pools growing more competitive by the day. Here’s what I tell candidates (and what I look for when hiring) in times like these: ✅ 1. Let your impact shine through. I review countless profiles and résumés, and the ones that stand out clearly show impact. Don’t just list what you’ve done—show me how you moved the needle. Metrics, outcomes, improvements… those catch a hiring manager’s eye instantly. ✅ 2. Connections matter more than ever. Some of the best hires I’ve made came through referrals or meaningful conversations, not cold applications. Reach out, build relationships, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or opportunities. ✅ 3. Keep learning, even while searching. I value curiosity and growth. Whether it’s a certification, a side project, or simply staying updated in your field—it signals resilience and a growth mindset, qualities every leader looks for. ✅ 4. Look beyond traditional paths. Some of the strongest team members I’ve hired weren’t from the “obvious” background. Be open to roles or industries where your skills are transferable—sometimes, those pivots lead to the most exciting careers. ✅ 5. Show up and stay visible. I notice candidates who actively share ideas, comment thoughtfully, or write about their experiences. It shows confidence, expertise, and a willingness to engage with the community. To anyone navigating this market: your worth is not defined by volatility. Keep positioning your strengths, keep reaching out, and keep your momentum going. 💬 I’d love to hear from others—what strategies have helped you (or people you’ve hired) stand out in these times? Let’s build a little playbook together. #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #LeadershipInsights #HiringTips #CareerGrowth #Networking #CareerDevelopment #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalGrowth #Opportunities #CareerSuccess #Recruitment #TeamBuilding #FutureOfWork #JobHunt #ExecutiveLeadership #ResilienceAtWork #CareerTransition #WorkplaceWisdom #Mentorship

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵, 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻. First comes the hiring boom. Companies bring in talent fast, sometimes faster than they need it. Then the downturn hits, and layoffs follow. Eventually, companies realize they cut too deep, and the hiring starts all over again. This is not just a tech trend. It is a business cycle. And it will keep repeating. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. The stronger your skills, the less likely you are to be cut in the first place. And if you are, the faster you will bounce back. During downturns, I doubled down on training. I saw them as the perfect time to build deep capability and prepare for what comes next. That strategy led to promotions, new opportunities, and long-term career stability. If you want a career that lasts, do not ride the wave. Build the engine. Focus on becoming so valuable that no cycle can knock you off course. How have you managed your career through different economic cycles? I would be interested to hear what has worked for you. And follow Michael Gibbs for more. #TechCareers #CareerStrategy #EconomicCycles #ProfessionalResilience

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 Talent is not the problem. Visibility, timing, and strategy are. I have spoken to many strong engineers who are doing everything “right” and still hearing nothing back. What changed is not the bar. It is the game. Here are 𝟭𝟬 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁. 𝟭. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 You do not need a following. Share your past work with context. Visibility creates inbound opportunities. 𝟮. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 ��𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Many recruiters are hiring directly from in person events. Skip massive conferences and focus on smaller meetups where conversations are real and competition is lower. 𝟯. 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 Hiring usually follows funding. Track announcements and apply early. Timing is a major advantage most candidates ignore. 𝟰. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 For every role, message a recruiter. Response rates are low, so volume matters. More conversations create more chances. 𝟱. 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 Versatility hurts right now. Pick one role and tailor your resume strictly for it. Match the job description language and lead with impact. 𝟲. 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 One message is not enough. Track conversations and follow up every one to two weeks. Consistency beats silence. 𝟳. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 One solid project, case study, or technical write up is more powerful than many shallow ones. Proof builds trust faster than credentials. 𝟴. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 Roles older than a week are often already filled. Apply within the first 24 to 48 hours whenever possible. 𝟵. 𝗕𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 You may need to be flexible on title, company size, or work model while protecting skill growth and resume value. Sideways moves are better than standing still. 𝟭𝟬. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆 Do not ask directly. First ask if your background makes sense for the team. Alignment leads to referrals naturally. In this market, it is not about being the smartest candidate. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰, 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻. If you want more such job search tips and resources, you checkout my Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gSN9buQ7

🆘 Let's Talk About the Brutal Tech Job Market📉  Over the last two years, the tech job market, especially for non-technical roles, has been extremely tough. With almost daily layoff announcements, I know many talented folks are sending hundreds of applications without getting interviews. I know this can be demoralizing, but I want to share some actionable strategies that have worked for me and others. 1) Where to find StartUp and Tech Jobs 🔍 -Wellfound -Y Combinator's Work at a Startup -Ben Lang's LinkedIn Posts (he's always dropping gems) -Built In -LinkedIn (best for later stage startups and big tech companies) 2)Make a target list🎯 -Focus on roles that genuinely interest you and where you meet 50%+ of requirements - Quality applications > mass applying 3)Research Company and Key players🕵️♂️ -Use LinkedIn to find team members -Look for hiring managers, founders, and potential teammates -Identify mutual connections for warm intros -Avoid asking strangers for referrals 4) Apply and Follow Up with Strategic Outreach 📧 - Use Juicebox (YC S22) Or Apollo.io to find key players work emails -Right after applying send a concise note to the key players you researched earlier. -LinkedIn messages are worth trying but many decision makers ignore their LinkedIn Inbox Here is an example that helped me land interviews in the past: "Hey I just applied for [role] at [company]. I love what you all are building and the mission aligns perfectly with my goals. Do you have any insight into to the process? I have experience doing xyz and I feel that I could really help [company] achieve [desired result]. I'd love an opportunity to interview. Hope to hear back from you. All the best" I know this takes more work than hitting "Easy Apply" 50 times. But when jobs get thousands of apps, you need to stand out. While you won't shoot 100%, this approach will land you more interviews than the spray and pray method. On the bright side, the market's finally starting to look up. I've got a good feeling about tech hiring in 2025! 📈 What do you all think? Am I off base here? I'd love to hear what job search strategies helped you! #recruiting #startups #techhiring #jobsearch

The job market is slow. Offers are getting deferred. Sometimes even revoked. Major companies are not hiring as well as they did previously. How can one be better suited to face such employment challenges? 1. Upskilling: Continuous learning is the key. Acquiring new skills and staying updated with industry trends can make you a more attractive candidate. A subtle example for instance, in management consulting, mastering data analytics tools like Tableau or gaining proficiency in change management methodologies could set you apart. Stay ahead of industry trends to demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to grow. 2. Networking: Forge and maintain meaningful professional relationships, try to get 1-1 conversations with decision makers. Attend events, webinars, and online forums to connect with industry peers and potential employers. Your network can provide valuable insights, referrals, and opportunities that might not be advertised. I cannot emphasise on how networking helps & I have got x number of offers from amazing firms & folks, who just liked my content on LinkedIn! 3. Synergies: Collaborate and showcase versatility. Highlight how your skills can seamlessly complement various roles or departments within an organization. Emphasize your ability to contribute across functions, making you an asset in different scenarios. One thing I often do before talking to someone regarding a role is: Figuring out where can I add the best value in their organization by doing a deep dive beforehand. 4. Communication: Effective communication sets you apart. Tailor your resume, cover letters, and interviews to showcase your skills and accomplishments clearly. Articulate your value proposition and how you can address specific company needs, displaying your potential impact. These may seem like trivial tasks, but a neat mail and well-conveyed thoughts can make all the difference required between that offer and no offer. Remember, resilience and a proactive attitude are key. Stay persistent, remain open to different avenues, and continue adapting your approach based on market dynamics. Your proactive efforts will increase your chances of success even in challenging times. For everyone affected by the slow job market, stay strong my friends. For everyone, aspiring to sit for placements soon or in a couple of years, be well prepared, there’s a long road ahead! After all, we are in this together :) #Jobs #India

If you’ve been impacted by this week’s layoffs at Microsoft or LinkedIn, I want you to hear this clearly. You are NOT alone. And this moment does not define your worth or your future. I used to believe that staying “hireable” was the key to avoiding stress. That if I could land somewhere else easily, I’d be okay. But the job market has changed, and so has what it takes to feel secure. Today, even junior roles can take 6 months to land. For senior professionals, it’s often 12 to 18 months. Can you afford to go that long without a salary? You can if you build income outside of your paycheck. When I launched my business Data With Serena™️ in 2023, I had 5 income streams. Today, I have 10. That growth wasn’t accidental. It was an intentional mindset shift. Here are five steps to help you take control of your future: 1. Learn AI Skills Now AI is transforming every industry. Employers want people who know how to use it to work smarter, make decisions faster, and stay ahead. Set aside 30 minutes a day to build your AI literacy. Use platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. If you’ve been impacted this week and need access to one of my LinkedIn Learning courses on GenAI (you’ll get verified skill to put on your LI profile), DM me - I am happy to give you free access to help. 2. Start Building Multiple Income Streams One income source is no longer safe, whether you’re with big tech like Microsoft or even the government. You can freelance, consult, offer digital products, teach what you know, or start a service-based business. Start small. Pick one thing you’re good at and turn it into a paid offering. 3. Improve Your Digital Presence At minimum, make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your résumé. Create a headline and summary that clearly explain who you are and what you’re looking for. Be mindful of past posts. Most companies screen them across multiple platforms. 4. Make 3 Connections Every Week Most roles are filled through conversations and referrals, not job boards. Set a goal to reach out to 3 people per week. Networking is back in-person so make sure you carve out time and budget for events too. Some of my coaching clients do this five to seven times a week and land interviews & offers faster than they expected. 5. Shift From Job-Seeking to Freedom-Building This layoff can be a turning point. Instead of just looking for your next job, you can create a new life where no single company controls your livelihood. A layoff is NOT the end. And if the noises in your head start to get loud, let me be the one to remind you that you are NOT your job. You are WORTHY regardless of your employment status. And YOU matter. The world is a better place with YOU in it. If you found this helpful or if you know anyone impacted by layoffs this week, repost for your network. https://lnkd.in/erwcu49p

Lately I’ve been having lots of conversations with early-stage job seekers, who are pursuing various roles in technology. I thought I would summarize a few of my top tips below, if this is helpful for anyone out there. And for my experienced tech professional network, if you have additional top tips of your own, please add them below in the comments! 1. Intentional, continuous networking: I recommend LinkedIn for this because it’s so easy, but use whatever method you like best. The point here is to connect with everyone you come across in a professional or educational setting: internship peers, professors, or interesting people you meet at events. Aside from the opportunity to get immersed in the relevant content they’re engaging in, you never know when you might want to reach out to that person about a job, tips for a certain career, or for an introduction to someone in their network. 2. Look for opportunities to set yourself apart from the crowd: If you are looking for a job in a certain field but you don’t have a lot of past work experience in that area, don’t despair. Seek out experiences that you can use to educate yourself and demonstrate your motivation to a future interviewer. This could mean things like volunteering in a relevant nonprofit position, or taking an online specialty class. 3. Spend serious time perfecting your resume: Your resume is your one-page opportunity to impress a recruiter who is looking at many other qualified candidates too, and getting it right will take time. Don’t just list the things you were responsible for, tell people specifically what you did, how you measured it, and what the results were. Tailor your resume to each position you apply for, showcasing how you are a fit for those specific job requirements. And finally, ask others in your network - and/or AI - to review it and give you feedback! 4. Cold outreach: Done well, cold outreach can be effective! When sending a “cold” note to someone you don’t know, personalize your note with specifics about why you’re contacting that person, how you think they might be able to help you, and what you are asking for. Don’t ask them if they have any jobs open at their company, if a public career site exists. A better approach might be to send a link to a specific open role that looks like it might be a fit with your background, and ask if you can get time on their calendar to discuss something specific, like what it’s like working at that particular company. 5. Don’t stress about finding your “dream job” now: Your first job out of school may not be your dream job, and that’s okay. My advice is to just focus on a job that will give you great experience as a stepping stone for the direction you want to go. Early in your career is a great time to experiment a little with what you think you want to do, and adjust as you learn what you do and don’t enjoy. Good luck out there! #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #JobHunt #CareerTips #JobSearchTips #JobSeeker