Researching Companies After A Layoff

A friend of mine was recently laid off, and he reached out to ask for some advice on how to approach his job hunt. One thing I told him was that this is actually the perfect moment to pause and reassess. A layoff is painful, but it also forces you to confront an important question. What do you really want to do next? Not what is available today. Not what a recruiter happens to send you. What you actually want to do. The type of company you want to be part of. The kind of work that energises you. The teams you enjoy working with. The parts of your previous roles you loved, and the parts you never want to repeat again. Once you have that clarity, the next steps become an exercise in intentional searching instead of just taking the first job that comes along. One thing I have noticed is that many people approach their job hunt in a very passive way. They wait for opportunities that appear on job portals or from recruiters, and they choose from whatever happens to show up in front of them, instead of what they actually want. There is a better and far more intentional way to approach your career. Instead of browsing endlessly on job sites, start with clarity. Here is the approach I would challenge you to try. 1 / 🎯 List five companies you genuinely want to work for Not fantasy dream companies, but realistic ones that excite you. Companies that would hire someone with your skills today. Companies you would be proud to join. 2 / 🧩 Identify the roles that suit you best Look at your skill set, strengths, and experience, and write down the roles in each of these companies that you would be qualified for. Focus on roles you can realistically get now, not ten years from now. 3 / 🤖 Use AI to expand your list of roles Use ChatGPT or any AI tool to help uncover roles in these companies that you may not know exist. Sometimes the best fitting roles are the ones you never thought to search for. 4 / 🔍 Search LinkedIn to check availability Look for these roles on LinkedIn. If they are not open, look for people who currently hold these positions or for hiring managers who oversee these teams. These contacts can give you clarity on timing and requirements. 5 / ☕ Reach out and make your own luck Send a message, ask for a coffee, or ask if their team might be hiring soon. Many opportunities never make it to the job boards, and many people are willing people are to share information or offer guidance. Far too many people jump straight into panic mode and take the first role that appears in front of them. But your next job shapes the next few years of your life. It deserves more thought than that. If you are in a similar situation or considering a change, give yourself the space to be deliberate. Think about the companies that excite you. Think about the roles that fit your strengths. Take ownership of the process and reach out to people. Make your own luck. Build a career you actually want, rather than one that happens by accident.

"When I was laid off with no warning. I spent 4 months: • Sending applications into the void • Getting ghosted after interviews • Watching my savings dwindle • Questioning my entire career Today, I help others avoid that pain. If I was starting my job search over today, here's exactly what I'd do: 1. Create a target list of 15 companies based on values alignment, not just open roles 2. Set up Google alerts for news about these companies 3. Connect with 3 people at each company (not HR, but potential future colleagues) 4. Share valuable insights consistently for 2-3 weeks 5. Request 15-minute conversations about their career journey 6. Follow up every 2-3 weeks with something valuable This approach takes more initial effort but cuts total job search time by 60%.

I wanted to share this prompt I use to research companies when prepping for an interview. It might help someone else in this community. Anyone can use this prompt to suit their use case. Prompt below 👇 I’m applying for a {Job Title} role at {Company Name}. Research the company deeply and provide: 1. Company Overview: What this company does and who their customers are (target audience + key industries). 2. Customer Pain Points: What are the top 3–4 complaints or challenges customers mention in reviews, forums, case studies, customer stories, success stories or social media about this company’s product/service? 3. Customer Experience Opportunities: Any visible challenges or opportunities in their customer experience (based on reviews, case studies, customer stories, or feature updates). 4. Support Philosophy: How does this company approach customer service? Look for: → Response time commitments → Support channels offered (email, live chat, etc.) → Any stated customer service values or tone → CS Tech Stack 5. Recent Developments: Any recent product launches, pivots, leadership changes, or company news in the last 6 months that could affect the support team. 6. Competition Context: Who are their main competitors, and how does their customer experience compare? 7. Positioning Strategy: Based on all this, how could I, as a {Job Title}, position myself as someone who adds value or solves key problems for this company? 8. Interview Preparation: Based on your findings, give me: → 2–3 specific examples of how my customer support experience could solve their current challenges. → 2–3 smart questions I should ask the interviewer. → 2 potential concerns or red flags I should tactfully probe during the interview. 9. Networking Strategy: → Identify 3–5 current employees I could reach out to for networking, ideally in roles like Customer Support, Customer Experience, Operations, or Success Management. Include their names, titles, and short descriptions of what they likely do. → Identify 2–3 past employees (especially those who worked in customer-facing or support roles) who may be open to short informational chats. → Suggest how to approach them — include 1 sample outreach message for a current employee and 1 for a past employee (via LinkedIn or email). → If possible, identify who the Head of Support, CX Lead, or Operations Director is — someone who might influence hiring or strategy. Present the answer in numbered, titled sections, and end with a short “Personal Positioning Strategy” paragraph I can use in interviews or cold outreach. What else would you add to this prompt to make it even stronger for anyone in Support looking for a job? Also thinking of turning this into a free Notion resource for job seekers in this Support community. What else should I include?

Most people walk into interviews having read the company’s website. But researching a company properly means looking beyond the obvious. It’s not just about sounding prepared — it’s about deciding if this is a place you want to build your life in. Start with the basics. Go through the company website, but don’t stop at the About Us page. Read the latest blog posts. Scan the executive bios. Look at what they’ve written recently and what tone they use when speaking about their team, their mission, or their future. Search for recent news on Google. Have they been in the press? Grown recently? Laid people off? These are things that affect your experience before you even arrive. Go on LinkedIn and check their official page — but also look at their employees. How do people describe the company? Are people staying long? Are there familiar names? Is there upward mobility? Look at how the company presents its mission. Not just what it says — but whether it’s actually lived. Are their social media posts aligned with their stated values? If you know who’s interviewing you, search for them on LinkedIn. It gives you a feel for their background and communication style. It also makes it easier to connect authentically in the interview. Check review sites — but read them wisely. One bad review doesn’t mean the place is toxic. But five reviews mentioning poor leadership? That’s a red flag. And if you know someone who works there or has worked there before, ask quietly. “What should I know before I say yes?” It might save you months of regret. An interview is not just about being chosen. It’s about choosing well. You’re not just applying for a job. You’re entering a relationship — with a team, a culture, and a way of life. So research deeply. Ask wisely. And walk in ready — not just to answer questions, but to ask them too.

If I got laid off today, here’s exactly what I’d do to land interviews in the next 30 days (fyi, updating my resume is step #8): 1 - Feel my feelings. Layoffs mess with your money and your head. I’d call a friend (the one who lets me rant without trying to fix) and also make time with my therapist. I’d write a “burn letter” to my employer — the kind you don’t send, but you do read aloud and maybe burn for closure. The goal? Let my anger and sadness have their moment, so I don’t carry it into a conversation or ask the next job to heal what it didn't break. 2 - Detox from my last job. Let’s be honest: there were things about the role I didn’t love, and patterns I don’t want to repeat. So I’d set aside 60 minutes to ask myself: What was draining me?  What lit me up? What do I never want to deal with again? What am I ready for more of? 3 - Narrow it way down. I’d pick 1–2 job titles I’m going after, max 6 companies I’m interested in. That’s it. Being “open to anything” feels like freedom, but it splits and drains your energy and mindspace. Focus builds momentum. 4 - Rehearse my magic. I’d write a short, two-sentence statement that answers: “What’s the specific way I solve problems for these types of companies, and why does it matter right now?” Then I’d practice answering this out loud. Every day, in front of a mirror, to my family, to my friends. Repeat until it rolls off the tongue. 5 - Research every target company like it’s my job. Whether there's an open role listed or not, I’d dig in - the team, who they’ve hired, who’s leading, what skills they have, and what skills show up in similar job postings. If a job is posted, it probably means interviews are already underway, so I’d look for other ways in. 6 - Find my way in. I’d search my 1st-degree connections.  I’d check my college alumni directory. I’d look at 2nd-degree connections and start crafting thoughtful asks for intros. The key is to not to wait for a job posting to get in the game.  Start conversations before there’s a role. 7 - Reach out like a human and express genuine interest. Yes, there's urgency in a job search after a layoff. Yet people still want to connect and be seen and heard before you ask them for a favor. Invite people to chats to share their story. (bonus points if you invite them via video or audio msg.) Listen to how they got into the company, what lights them up in their role, and what they’re learning right now. And when they ask how they can support me? That’s when I’d make a clear, grounded ask. 8 - Now I’d update my resume. By this point, I’m not guessing. I’ve had conversations, I sense what's possible, and I know what resonates when I tell my story. My resume practically writes itself to qualify me for my target role. This isn’t a spray-and-pray job search. Don't have the time or the energy for that. This is strategic, focused, and rooted in relationships. Let me know if you want help making your own plan. ♻️ Feel free to share ♻️

The 3-step playbook I used to get back on my feet after being laid off. Being laid off can feel like the ground’s been pulled out from under you. But taking action can help you regain your footing. Most of us have faced the reality of a layoff. I've been there twice. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘁: 1️⃣ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 '𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲' Who are the 5 people you trust enough to reach out to first? These could be former colleagues, mentors, bosses, or industry partners. Send a simple message:   “Hey, just wanted to let you know I’m looking for my next role. Would love your advice or guidance.” This isn’t about asking for a job right away. It’s about starting conversations with people who can offer insights or point you in the right direction. 2️⃣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 Create a list of companies you’d love to work for. Start with industries you know or explore new ones that excite you. Use tools like LinkedIn to see where your connections work, or search for "Best Places to Work" lists in your city. This gives you a clear focus and helps direct your networking efforts. 3️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 Update your profile (strong headline, updated photo, clear experience). Then, start engaging with content from leaders at your target companies. Comment thoughtfully on their posts. Show your expertise and add value. Building these connections naturally opens doors for conversations. ✨ 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝗽 If you have a skillset or insight, leverage it! Create something valuable. A tool, guide, or resource that showcases your initiative. For example, someone in learning design who was laid off built a job search tracker that aligned with her expertise. Most importantly, she shared it for free here on LinkedIn. It doesn't just help her stay organized. It's going to catch the attention of potential employers. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵. It’s a chapter, not the whole story. Take control, stay proactive, and always be connecting. What’s one step you’ve taken during a career transition that made all the difference? Share in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories. I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker! If you want to become a more confident networker, Do one of these: ✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post ✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more ✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Imagine laying off 80 people in one week. Now imagine hearing them crying on the phone as you deliver the news. It’s something that never leaves you. And you somehow feel personally responsible, even if you were only the person delivering the news.. Layoffs are often talked about like they’re spreadsheets and headcount targets, but behind every “restructure” are real humans who suddenly lose their stability, identity, and confidence in a single conversation. People think the hardest part is delivering the news. The truth? The hardest part is the silence that follows. The messages saying “What do I do now?” The people left behind feeling guilty they still have a job. The fear, the shame, the doubt, on every side of the table. For anyone who’s been laid off recently, here’s some guidance that actually matters in today’s market: 1️⃣ Conversations > applications The hidden job market is real. Informational chats open more doors than mass applying ever will. 2️⃣ Get support from someone who knows today’s job landscape A mentor, a hiring manager, someone who understands how the market actually moves right now, not pre-pandemic. 3️⃣ Make your CV sound like a human, not a robot Hiring managers want to feel your impact, not just read bullet points. Real challenges, real results, real stories. 4️⃣ Research companies like you’re preparing for a first date Look beyond the website. Culture, challenges, direction, leadership style, all of it matters. 5️⃣ Show up in communities Slack groups, LinkedIn groups, niche FMCG circles, that’s where opportunities quietly live. 6️⃣ Keep momentum through small actions Freelance projects, volunteering, helping a founder for a few weeks, it keeps skills warm and confidence alive. 7️⃣ Protect your mental health A layoff says nothing about talent or potential. It’s a moment, not a measurement. 8️⃣ Work with recruiters who actually care Not the ones who blast 20 CVs and disappear. The ones who listen, advise, and treat people like people. Getting laid off is unbelievably tough, emotionally, financially, mentally. But it is not the end of your story. If you're in FMCG and navigating this right now, reach out. No pressure. No expectations. Just support and a real conversation.

I was searching a bit regarding how to navigate in this challenging job market and found an interesting approach - Understanding the Reality Critical Insight: 70-85% of jobs in Canada are filled through the "hidden job market" before they're ever posted publicly. Your competition isn't other applicants—it's your visibility in professional networks. Strategy : The "Reverse Job Search" Method What 99% Do: Wait for job postings, apply, hope for callbacks. What You'll Do: Identify companies BEFORE they hire. Implementation: 1. Create Your Target List (30 Companies) by researching companies experiencing growth indicators: a. Recent funding rounds (check Crunchbase, BetaKit) b. New product launches Office expansions c. Leadership changes (new executives often bring their teams) d. Government contracts awarded 2. The "LinkedIn Intelligence System": a. Follow target companies' executives and hiring managers b. Set Google Alerts for: "[Company Name] + expansion/hiring/growth" c. Monitor their job postings to understand when departments expand d. Unconventional Twist: Engage with their content 2-3 times weekly for 2 weeks BEFORE reaching out 3. The "Coffee Chat Campaign": a. Send 5 personalized LinkedIn messages weekly requesting informational interviews Key Script Framework: Hi [Name], I noticed [specific recent achievement/post]. I'm researching opportunities in [industry] and would love 15 minutes of your insight on [specific topic related to their work]. I'm particularly interested in [demonstrate you've done homework]. Would next Tuesday or Thursday work? Success rate: 20-30% response rate (vs. 2% for cold applications)

Researching a company during your job search goes beyond looking at the “About Us” page of their website. Here are 3 ways you can research a company: 👉🏾 Dig deeper on the company website Get to know the key leaders of the company. Search for information on the company’s mission, values, products, or services offered. Visit the ‘Careers’ page. Look at the current job openings and whether they mention the hiring managers. 💫Pro tip: Pay attention to themes repeated on the website. It will help you assess whether the company's values align with your interests and goals. 👉🏾 Browse the company’s social media accounts This will help you understand the workplace culture, events, and updates on products or services. Browse through comments and reviews posted by their customers. A company’s LinkedIn profile is a good way to dig up relevant information such as key leaders, jobs posted, events, press releases, company statistics, and so much more... 💫 Pro Tip: If you are using LinkedIn for your search, do ensure your own profile is updated and highlights your accomplishments. 👉🏾 Look at the news I like looking at the news and business sites to get information on an organization’s reputation. You will gain insight into recent layoffs, acquisitions, mergers, or new appointments. I often encourage my clients to take note of some of these details for their cover letters or interviews. 💫 Pro tip: Make a list of 10-15 companies you are targeting and set up Google Alerts, so you stay informed on current events at the company. Have you tried any of these strategies? Let me know in the comments 👇🏾 #careers #hiringandpromotion

Yesterday, I explained why you might not want to shut down your job search until January. Today, I'll show you how to find companies that might be hiring NOW. One factor that influences many hiring decisions within a company is money (of course). So, obviously, it's best to try targeting companies when they are most likely to be in a solid financial position to hire. When would that be? For some companies, as they wrap up Q4, they may discover unused funds in their budget that can be applied to securing new talent immediately. For other companies, Q1 might be the best time for them to hire because they've set a new annual budget and are ready to start attacking new company objectives with fresh talent. But not every company operates on the same calendar. Just because your calendar runs from January to December doesn't mean that a company's fiscal year follows the same timeline. For instance, Nike's fiscal year ends on May 31st, so their "new year" starts June 1st, not January 1st. As a job seeker, you can use this information to your advantage to be more intentional with your search. If you know where a company currently stands within their fiscal year, you might better be able to predict their hiring intentions (such as the Q1 and Q4 examples given above). Here's how you can find out when any company's fiscal year ends: 1. Go to the SEC EDGAR database (you can Google this). 2. Use the "Company Filings" search box to enter the name of the company you're researching. 3. In the search results, select recent 10-K or 10-Q reports, where companies generally state the start and end of their fiscal year. 4. In the filing, use the search function (Ctrl + F) to look for "fiscal year," "fiscal year end," or "reporting period" to quickly locate this information. Use this to remove the randomness from your job search and start pursuing companies who have turned on the green light for their talent search!