A Layoff Isn’t The Problem, Silence Is
If you got laid off, silence is the worst strategy.
Your network can’t help what they can’t see.
Rule: pick one role, say it in public, ask for intros.
If your rent is due in 6 weeks and you’re “taking time to reflect,” you’re not being strategic. You’re avoiding the work.
The 30-minute weekly loop (do this first)
This is the whole game:
1 target role (one title, not five)
15 names (friends, ex teammates, “used to know”)
5 DMs (weak ties win)
1 public post
2 follow-ups (last week’s messages)
No spreadsheets. No “rebrand.” Just reps.
(If you're in the first 10 days post-layoff, start here first.)
The 3-message rebound plan
1. The public post (LinkedIn/X)
Your network isn’t a mind reader. Make it easy.
Copy-paste:
Quick update: I’m interviewing for [ROLE] roles in [SPACE].
Strongest in [SKILL 1], [SKILL 2], [SKILL 3].
Targeting teams like [3 COMPANIES or 3 TYPES].
If you know a hiring manager or team lead there, could you intro us? I’ll send a short blurb you can forward.
Sharp line: If you post “open to work,” you’re asking people to guess. Guessing is where help goes to die.
2. The weak-tie DM (the fastest path)
Weak ties get you interviews. Close friends give you sympathy.
Copy-paste:
Hey [Name] quick one: I’m targeting [ROLE] roles in [SPACE].
Are you the right person to talk to at [Company], or who would you point me to?
If helpful I can send a 3-line blurb you can forward.
Sharp line: You’re not “bothering them.” You’re giving them a simple yes/no.
3. The close-friend ask (no story time)
Keep it clean. One ask. One week.
Copy-paste:
Small favor: I’m looking for [ROLE].
If you can think of 1 person who could point me to a hiring manager this week, can you intro us? Even one helps.
Sharp line: Don’t dump feelings on the intro. Nobody forwards therapy.
The cheat code: the forwardable blurb
Write this once. Stop making people write it for you.
Copy-paste:
[Your Name] is targeting [ROLE] roles in [SPACE].
Best at [SKILL 1], [SKILL 2], [SKILL 3].
Proof: [MEASURABLE RESULT].
Open to [LOCATION/REMOTE].
LinkedIn/Resume: [LINK].
Sharp line: If your blurb has no proof, it reads like hope. Hope doesn’t get meetings.
Tiny FAQ
What if I’m not sure which role?
Pick the one you can defend in 10 seconds. You can pivot later. You can’t win vague.
What if I feel awkward asking?
Awkward is cheaper than unemployment.
What if I’m senior?
Senior vague doesn’t read as “open-minded.” It reads as lost.
Paid: The Intro Pack — 9 scenarios, follow-ups, and 2 templates you can use today
Below the paywall, you get:
9 copy-paste examples across 9 scenarios (ghosted, wrong intro, cold outreach, career switch)
The Weekly Tracker (Excel) — shows what normal momentum looks like so you don’t quit in week 2
Interview Debrief Template (PDF) — capture what worked, what didn’t, and what to fix before the next one
Most people wing it. Paid subscribers track it.