Tesla, Other Big Companies Drove Tech Layoffs in April

by Nick Kolakowski May 7, 2024 4 min read

Tech layoffs rose again slightly in April, but we’re still comfortably below January’s spike, according to new data from layoffs.fyi.

As you can see from the following chart, tech layoffs have dipped and leveled off since early 2023, when some of the biggest names in tech cut many thousands of workers in an attempt to make their respective businesses more efficient:

Some of the most well-known companies cutting workers in April included Tesla, Google, TikTok and Apple, according to layoffs.fyi’s crowdsourced data.

Keep in mind that you can take concrete steps to spring back from a layoff, including:

Continuous Skill Development

Embrace lifelong learning: Technology evolves at breakneck speed. Dedicate time each week (or month) to upskilling. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and EdX offer affordable courses on emerging tech trends like AI, blockchain, or cybersecurity.
Target relevant certifications: Earning industry-recognized certifications validates your expertise and makes you a more attractive candidate. Research certifications aligned with your career goals and desired job roles.
Contribute to open-source projects: Dive deep and gain practical experience by contributing to open-source projects. This not only enhances your skills but also showcases your initiative and problem-solving abilities to potential employers.
Network with experts: Attend industry conferences, meetups, or online forums to connect with peers and thought leaders. Engage in discussions, learn from their experiences, and stay abreast of the latest advancements.

Keep That Resume Polished

Tailor your resume for each position: A generic resume gets lost in the pile. Highlight specific skills and experience directly relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the posting throughout your resume.
Quantify your accomplishments: Numbers speak volumes. Showcase the impact of your work by quantifying your achievements. Did you streamline a process, resulting in a 20 percent efficiency gain? Have you used your soft skills to help see projects through to completion? When it comes to resume-writing, it’s all useful.
Action verbs are your allies: Use strong action verbs to describe your past experiences. Instead of "responsible for," use "spearheaded," "implemented," or "managed."
Embrace keywords, but with caution: While incorporating relevant keywords is crucial, keyword stuffing can backfire. Maintain a natural flow while strategically including the right terms.
Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors scream carelessness. Proofread your resume meticulously and consider having a trusted colleague review it for any errors.

Smoothing That Layoff Transition

Network actively: Don't wait for a layoff to start networking. Connect with colleagues, attend industry events, and build relationships within your professional circle. A strong network can be an invaluable resource when seeking new opportunities.
Maintain an online presence: Professional social media platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools. Create a polished profile that highlights your skills and experience. Actively engage with industry discussions to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
Update your resume regularly: Don't wait until you need a job to update your resume. Keep it current with your latest achievements and skills, making it readily deployable when needed.
Explore freelance opportunities: Freelance work can not only supplement your income but also allow you to stay engaged in the field, build your portfolio, and network with potential clients.
Consider a side hustle: Developing a side hustle can provide financial stability during a job search. This could involve freelance work, consulting, or even starting a small online business.

While news of layoffs is always scary, remember that the unemployment rate in tech stood at 3 percent in March, according to CompTIA’s analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you have the right skills, chances are good there’s a position open for you.

Continuous Skill Development

Embrace lifelong learning: Technology evolves at breakneck speed. Dedicate time each week (or month) to upskilling. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and EdX offer affordable courses on emerging tech trends like AI, blockchain, or cybersecurity.

Target relevant certifications: Earning industry-recognized certifications validates your expertise and makes you a more attractive candidate. Research certifications aligned with your career goals and desired job roles.

Contribute to open-source projects: Dive deep and gain practical experience by contributing to open-source projects. This not only enhances your skills but also showcases your initiative and problem-solving abilities to potential employers.

Network with experts: Attend industry conferences, meetups, or online forums to connect with peers and thought leaders. Engage in discussions, learn from their experiences, and stay abreast of the latest advancements.

Keep That Resume Polished

Tailor your resume for each position: A generic resume gets lost in the pile. Highlight specific skills and experience directly relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the posting throughout your resume.

Quantify your accomplishments: Numbers speak volumes. Showcase the impact of your work by quantifying your achievements. Did you streamline a process, resulting in a 20 percent efficiency gain? Have you used your soft skills to help see projects through to completion? When it comes to resume-writing, it’s all useful.

Action verbs are your allies: Use strong action verbs to describe your past experiences. Instead of "responsible for," use "spearheaded," "implemented," or "managed."

Embrace keywords, but with caution: While incorporating relevant keywords is crucial, keyword stuffing can backfire. Maintain a natural flow while strategically including the right terms.

Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors scream carelessness. Proofread your resume meticulously and consider having a trusted colleague review it for any errors.

Smoothing That Layoff Transition

Network actively: Don't wait for a layoff to start networking. Connect with colleagues, attend industry events, and build relationships within your professional circle. A strong network can be an invaluable resource when seeking new opportunities.

Maintain an online presence: Professional social media platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools. Create a polished profile that highlights your skills and experience. Actively engage with industry discussions to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

Update your resume regularly: Don't wait until you need a job to update your resume. Keep it current with your latest achievements and skills, making it readily deployable when needed.

Explore freelance opportunities: Freelance work can not only supplement your income but also allow you to stay engaged in the field, build your portfolio, and network with potential clients.

Consider a side hustle: Developing a side hustle can provide financial stability during a job search. This could involve freelance work, consulting, or even starting a small online business.