3 Ways You Can Navigate Recent Layoffs 

By Jennifer Yingling | September 20, 2023

In a media climate where news agencies frequently report on layoffs without delving into what it means for the humans behind the headlines, BioBuzz seeks to shine a spotlight on the true faces and stories of job searchers in this difficult time. As Randy Seiler poignantly asked, what happens to all of the people that get laid off after the news cycle moves on? This question resonates deeply with many, including those who have recently experienced layoffs at Emergent BioSolutions, Catalent, Novavax, and more.

Earlier this month, in collaboration with Randy, an employee of over 12 years at Emergent, BioBuzz facilitated a job fair dedicated to assisting the talented professionals affected by the recent layoffs. This gathering held at City Garage Science and Technology Park became a way to dive back into that job search pool for many, including myself – a seasoned healthcare communications leader and Emergent alumnus.

Walking into that space, you could almost touch the buzz in the air, and feel the resilience and unity of the local biotech community. Conversations were buzzing everywhere – amidst the job seekers in the center of the room, and at the tables with potential employers. It made me stop and think, Randy’s words echoing in my mind. What’s the human side of this story, and what does it really feel like to suddenly find yourself (myself…) job-hunting in the midst of a layoff wave?

As a job seeker, and prior communications business partner for a corporate HR function, I recognize that artificial intelligence-assisted screenings and video submission interviews bring a level of efficiency and innovation to the talent acquisition process. Though, in this digitally dominated market, they can also contribute to a sense of isolation that now accompanies modern job hunting. I’ve personally experienced it. This event, however, reminded me of the power of human connection, a value that stands at the core of our industry.

In my interactions with various colleagues at the event, it became clear that the recent layoffs had caught many off guard – one found out while thousands of feet up in the air during a business trip, another got the news through an unexpected call while vacationing. But some had seen the signs coming for a while. Their stories painted a vivid picture of the current job market’s unpredictability and the emotional toll it takes on all of us. Despite these challenges, their spirit remained unbroken, a testament to the strength and solidarity within our community.

In the spirit of community, connection, and support, and in light of my recent experiences, I offer fellow job seekers a trio of strategies to navigate these challenging times:

1. Ask for help. Hit up your network, let them know what you’re up to and what you need. Just this week, I asked my connections for referrals at a couple of companies and, lo and behold got some fantastic leads!
2. Tell your story. Craft a personal narrative that highlights your strengths and experiences. Use this narrative to build a resume and cover letter where “YOU” jump off of the page, and remember to infuse your unique personality into your networking and interview strategies too.
3. Embrace Networking. Opt for face-to-face interactions wherever possible. Attend local networking events or join professional associations to build connections that could potentially accelerate your job search.

Furthermore, for those in a position to aid job seekers, here are three ways you can lend a helping hand:

1. Offer referrals. Internal referrals can greatly increase a candidate’s chances of securing an interview, and many companies offer incentives to employees who refer successful candidates.
2. Meet up. Join your job-seeking acquaintances at networking events, it will help to ease the nerves that come with attending alone. And, expanding your network can be mutually beneficial!
3. Advocate for candidates. If you come across opportunities that align with the skills of professionals in your network, don’t hold back! Drop their name and help open doors for them.

Being in that room, surrounded by both familiar and new faces, it became clear that despite the range of emotional responses to the layoffs, a common thread united us all: the understanding that, together, we can overcome these challenges and continue to make groundbreaking contributions to our industry. Together, we embrace the human side of this time and place. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering life-changing healthcare innovations, and we stand together as a resilient community ready to embrace the future.

Oh, and by the way, in case you were impressed with this article – yes, I am still available for interviews!

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Jen Yingling

Jen is a seasoned healthcare communications leader and employee engagement expert, bringing over a decade of innovation and strategic communications expertise. She thrives in spaces where she can enhance the human experience through her work while aligning outcomes with business goals and strategies. A bold visionary with an Innovation Engineering Blue Belt, Jen is the go-to advisor for executives seeking growth-focused counsel and communications leadership. Connect with Jen at [email protected] for collaboration and insights.

• 3 Ways You Can Navigate Recent Layoffs