#14 It's been a tough week in tech... let's talk about what's still working in this market

If you’ve worked in big tech for any length of time, this week probably hit close to home.

The Amazon layoff news is rippling through teams and communities everywhere — even for those not directly impacted.

It’s heavy.

And it brings up a familiar mix of emotions: relief, worry, guilt, and the quiet question of “what if I’m next?”

If you’re reading this from the other side — maybe you’ve already gone through one of the previous rounds of layoffs, or you left before the cuts — you probably know people who are waking up this week trying to make sense of what’s next.

I’ve been there myself.

Even when you didn’t love the job, it’s still jarring.

So before anything else, I hope you take care of yourself — and extend some care to the folks around you who might be reeling.

If you know someone impacted, feel free to forward this email. The LinkedIn Profile Recruiter-Magnet Masterclass on November 12 is free to attend and packed with practical strategies to help people sharpen their profiles, understand today’s market, and position themselves for what’s next.

There’s a link at the bottom to register - and if it helps someone in your network get back on their feet faster, I’m glad to be a resource.

Moments like these can make your path feel less certain.

And if you’re already on the hunt, it can feel like you’re losing ground to a new wave of job seekers.

But here’s what I remind my clients (and myself): the market isn’t frozen - it’s just more deliberate.

Hiring hasn’t stopped. It’s slowed, stretched, and become more selective.

And in a slower market, clarity and visibility matter more than ever.

Because the people landing roles right now aren’t necessarily the most qualified - they’re the most findable, the most intentional, and the most connected.

With that in mind, here’s what I’m seeing across clients and conversations right now:

1️⃣ The people moving fastest are intentional about their networking.​

They’re not sitting back waiting for the “right” job post, they're building relationships with the right companies.

They’re getting on the radar early: connecting with peers, re-engaging past managers, showing up in industry conversations - both online and in person.

Effectively this effort culminates in them becoming part of the bench - the set of known, trusted people who get called up when a role goes live.

→ If you’re job searching, this is the play:

target 5–10 companies and start building proximity.Visibility and relevance beat timing every time.

2️⃣ More “contract to permanent” roles - and that’s not all bad.​

Companies are risk-averse right now, but they still need experienced operators.

Contract-first or “try before hire” setups are becoming more common, especially in product, marketing, and program leadership.

Sometimes there’s a clear path, e.g.; a six-month contract with an option to convert. Other times it’s more like: “Three months for now, and if the creek don’t rise, we’ll see about extending.” (Translation: no guarantees.)

If you’re offered one, think long-term:

• What’s the scope and does it build a story toward your next next role?

• What will you have to show for your efforts? Will this project give you clear, measurable outcomes you can point to in future interviews?

• What’s your safety net - can you bridge benefits or coverage?

  
  

Handled well, these roles can open doors faster, but make sure they ladder up to your bigger narrative, even if they don’t convert.

And because I’m a realist:

​If you’re feeling the crunch of unemployment and land a contract or temporary role, worry less about “narrative fit” and focus instead on maintaining momentum in your main search while working. You don’t owe anyone an explanation about slinging coffee to pay your bills.

3️⃣ Clarity matters more than ever.​

Hiring teams are smaller, and they’re stretched thin.

They don’t have time to decode vague profiles or guess how your background fits their need.

Your clarity is your advantage. A clear headline, a focused “About,” and language that connects your skills to outcomes do more heavy lifting than a long list of responsibilities.

If your value is obvious at a glance, you’ll rise above the noise.

What it means for you

​This market rewards motion and clarity. If you’re visible, relevant, and clear about the value you bring - opportunities find you faster.

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These trends are exactly why I host the LinkedIn Profile Recruiter-Magnet Masterclass. My goal is to help you overcome the clarity and visibility roadblocks so you can land your next role faster.

The next session is on November 12 — if you’re keen to join, book your seat here.