💙 To my colleagues impacted by Microsoft's layoffs—
This week has been traumatic for so many of us—the ones left behind as well as the ones who are moving on. While words can’t fix this, I hope they can offer a little warmth.
For three years, I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most thoughtful, talented, and generous people I've ever known. I know the world beyond Microsoft will be lucky to have you—and Microsoft has no idea what it's lost.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity and think a connection in my network might help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m more than happy to make introductions, write recommendations, or just be a sounding board.
I spent today using Copilot to help with my transition. Here are a few ways it can support you, too. 💡Turn off web content first!
✍️ Goodbye notes: Ask Copilot to draft personal messages to teammates or managers. Be sure to attach your personal brand voice and style document and Connect printouts or impact documents in PDF or Word format. ✨"Hi Copilot. I have sad news. I was laid off yesterday. I need to say goodbye. First, please review all available sources to find the projects I'm working on now, projects I completed, and people I collaborated closely with since [MONTH YEAR]. Also look for comments from individuals in the attached Connect documents. Then, draft a heartfelt goodbye. Ensure the message is concise, but also warm and appreciative, in accordance with my personal brand voice and style. Use rich text format to format the message, using bold and italic formatting to emphasize important sentiments. Write in a narrative style. Highlight key projects and collaborations, calling out by name people I worked with frequently or whose names appear in my Connects, with a sentence or two for each. Make sure the tone is positive and grateful, reflecting on the good times and expressing hope for future connections. Include a humble request for a recommendation on LinkedIn or to my personal email address, [YOUR ADDRESS]."
🧾 Resume update/Microsoft experience: IN THE SAME CONVERSATION as before (don't start a new chat), enter this prompt: ✨"Hey Copilot, based on everything you know about me, how would you summarize my job duties and impact here at Microsoft? I'm looking for concise bullet points to add to my resume and LinkedIn profile."
🧾 LinkedIn profile/“About Me” section: Again in the same conversation, enter this prompt: ✨"Can you suggest some skills to add to my profile? Please prioritize them for endorsements, draft a summary that weaves these skills together, and draft a headline that ties it all together."
Let’s stay connected. We built something meaningful together—and that doesn’t end here. 💫
#MicrosoftAlumni #LayoffSupport #OpenToWork #CopilotForCareer #Community