The US labor market continues to grapple with a wave of job cuts, with more than 1.1 million people laid off in 2025, according to recent reports. The trend continued into 2026, with January seeing more job cuts than any January since 2009. As businesses, particularly in the tech sector, navigate economic uncertainty and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, many workers are finding themselves unexpectedly seeking new opportunities. Amidst this challenging landscape, career coaches are offering guidance on how to navigate the job search process effectively – and, crucially, what pitfalls to avoid.
When Amazon announced layoffs earlier this year, tech career coach Kyle Elliott shared advice for those impacted, focusing on immediate steps to take and common mistakes to steer clear of. His insights come at a time when the emotional toll of job loss can easily lead to decisions that hinder, rather than assist, the search for new employment. Understanding these potential missteps is a critical first step for anyone facing unemployment.
The Peril of the Public Vent
Elliott has observed a common reaction among those recently laid off: the urge to publicly express frustration or criticism of their former employer, often on platforms like LinkedIn. While understandable, he cautions against this approach. “Sometimes people just really react from that emotion or wound, instead of waiting until it heals,” he explained. A public display of negativity can be detrimental when recruiters and hiring managers inevitably check a candidate’s social media presence.
The concern is that potential employers may view such posts as a red flag, questioning how a candidate might react in the face of future challenges within their own organization. “People want to work with other positive people, so if they see that you’re venting, they may worry, ‘if we have to conduct layoffs in the future, are you going to then put a hit piece out on us as soon as you get laid off?’” Elliott said. He suggests waiting a month or two before addressing the layoff on LinkedIn, framing it as a learning experience and highlighting accomplishments from the previous role.
The Importance of Discretion with Former Colleagues
Maintaining professional relationships with former colleagues can be a valuable asset during a job search. Elliott advises individuals to reiterate their proudest accomplishments and clearly articulate their desired career path during their final conversations with coworkers. However, he cautions against using these contacts as a sounding board for negative emotions.
Venting to former colleagues, while tempting, could damage perceptions and jeopardize future opportunities. Instead, Elliott recommends confiding in trusted confidants – spouses, close friends, or therapists – to process the emotional impact of the layoff. “A lot of people will remember that last piece, and you don’t want them to be like, ‘oh, they’re bitter,’” he said.
Overcoming the Fear of Networking
Elliott has noticed a reluctance among clients to engage in networking, often stemming from the stigma associated with layoffs and a fear of not being able to contribute meaningfully to conversations while unemployed. He emphasizes that layoffs are increasingly common and shouldn’t be a source of shame.
“Layoffs are normal now,” Elliott said, “so there’s no need to avoid reaching out to people out of fear.” He encourages starting slight, perhaps by reconnecting with a former colleague with whom you had a strong rapport. The initial conversation should focus on simply putting yourself back into the network and taking small steps toward a new role, rather than immediately seeking a job offer. He clarifies that being laid off due to restructuring or cost-cutting measures is generally understood and doesn’t carry the same weight as being fired for performance reasons. “If you were truly just laid off as part of a reorganization or cost-cutting measures, people understand that, and there shouldn’t be shame in that,” he said.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, and the impact of AI on the workforce becomes more pronounced, navigating a job search requires a strategic and mindful approach. Avoiding these common pitfalls – public venting, indiscreet conversations, and networking avoidance – can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of securing their next opportunity. The current climate demands resilience, discretion, and a proactive approach to building and maintaining professional connections.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release its next Employment Situation Summary on March 8, 2026, providing an updated snapshot of the US labor market. More information can be found on the BLS website.
Have you recently experienced a layoff? Share your story and insights in the comments below.
