2023 Big Tech Layoffs – Tips for Talent Seekers and the Talented (from Ex Googlers!) //
This year already has seen record numbers of layoffs in the tech sector. Even for those not directly affected, the news can be alarming. Millions of small and medium-sized businesses depend on tech giants such as Google and Microsoft for their digital advertisement.
We shared our insights on What big tech layoffs mean for small businesses and PPC last month. While many experts have different views on how these layoffs might impact the industry, I contributed to the post. Nearly everyone agreed that the influx of talent leaving Google or Microsoft could be a blessing to companies that are smart enough to hire them to reenter the workforce.
We’re going to share a different perspective with this expert roundup. We interviewed several experts from Microsoft and Google who were recently laid off and asked them for their tips on how to help hiring managers attract and hire talent.
These experts include:
- Brendan Jacobson, former Senior Strategic Partner Development Manager at Google.
- Freddy Martinez, former Director for Partner Development at Microsoft.
- Parimala Ramdas, former Senior Partner Technology Strategist at Microsoft.
- Andrea St. Pierre is a former Head of Industry and Sales Leader at Google.
Big Tech employees enjoy small business benefits
Big Tech is well-known for their lengthy and tedious interview and screening procedures. There are many applicants for almost every job posting. Brendan said that Google hires the brightest people and provides tools for continued development after they have been hired. Google free agents can be a great asset for any company.
These large organizations have highly technical products and work with millions of businesses and partners.
These are just a few Microsoft partners.
Parimala stated that Microsoft requires you to “understand the business” and connect the dots between people and technology.
Many teams within Google or Microsoft have been set up to be startups within an international conglomerate, despite the size of their companies. This unique experience allows alumni to have a unique perspective on navigating within large companies while remaining agile enough to meet the needs of smaller teams.
Microsoft Advertising team members are used to enduring long, difficult battles against Google peers. Freddy said that it was always exciting to work with the Microsoft Advertising teams. We were always the smaller dogs trying to disrupt the industry every day. Although it was always a difficult battle, it was worth it when we won with our partners.
How can employers locate recently laid off talent at Google?
Easy. Log on to LinkedIn, and your feed will automatically be loaded with many smart people searching for new opportunities. Andrea identified some areas where you can find recent laid-off Google talent.
- https://xoogler.co/ A group of Googlers and alumni that aims to share their experiences, connections, and support one another.
- Xoogler Job Network – This LinkedIn group has over 1,700 ex Googlers who were affected by the recent layoffs.
- Recent laid-off Google talent posts to social media using the hashtags #GoogleLayoffs, #Golden12k
Resource for hiring and finding top talent
Attracting and retaining the best employees for your agency involves many factors, including job posting and onboarding, employer branding, and even employer branding. These are our top resources to assist you in this process.
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How to Overcome Hiring & Recruiting Challenges Like a Pro
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How to Hire the Right People
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Make your job posting stand out
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6 Tips to Enhance the Candidate Experience
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Recruitment Marketing 2023: 10 Strategies To Attract Top Talent
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13 Strategies for Attracting the Right Candidates
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With examples, how to build an employer branding strategy )
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4 Tips for Creating Diversity in Your Workforce
What advice would you give to your peers who are reentering the job market?
This unexpected transition is not for everyone. Andrea reminded her peers to “Keep positive!” Reach out to your network and send messages, even if you aren’t keeping up with people. People will generally help if they have made a positive impression on you in the past. Be sure to do your research first. Be curious and open-minded in your conversations.
We have many email templates that will help you!
Brendan also echoes this sentiment. This is your chance to grow professionally and personally. If you have the means to do so, I recommend taking time for you and only then begin actively looking when you feel ready to get back in.
Here are some resources to help you find the perfect job
These posts can help you build your brand and prepare to impress your boss at the new job.
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3 (Really Good Work Habits Your Boss Will Note
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How to use LinkedIn to build your personal brand
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5 Social media strategies to be a thought leader in your niche
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16 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Keep a Remote Job
Are you looking to hire? Expert spotlight
These experts have worked with many advertisers, partners and peers during their tenures at Google or Microsoft. They are currently seeking new opportunities and will be a valuable part of any company that is fortunate enough to have them. Personal note: I have worked with many of these Xooglers as well as former Microsoft employees and would be happy to share my references and experiences to a potential employer.
Brendan Jacobson
Former Senior Strategic Partner Development Manager at Google
Background: Brendan has 20+ years experience in sales/business development/partnerships with the last 11+ years at Google. Most recently, he was a member of Google’s Channel Partner Team supporting 3P partners. His partnership with partners was crucial to Google’s efforts to acquire and enable “new-to-Google” advertisers on its platforms.
You were proud to have been part of this project: BigCommerce recently integrated its product catalog with Google Merchant Center, Google Ads. The integration allows merchants to sync their product catalogs directly with Google, which simplifies the process of making products searchable via Ads and Free Listings.
What I want in my next job: I love strategic partnerships/sales positions that allow me to work with outside partners and lead cross functional internal teams. While I’m interested in health tech and AI, I’m open to exploring other areas.
Where can I find you: Contact Brendan Jacobson via LinkedIn.
Andrea St. Pierre
Former Head Of Industry at Google
Background: Andrea was the most recent Head of Industry at Google. She led a team that included account executives, account managers, and supported large client sales accounts. Her past 7.5 years were spent building client partnerships and in Digital Advertising (previously at Amazon before joining Google). Her career before these roles was dominated by marketing and business analytics/insights.
A project that you are proud to have been a part of: In my first five months, joined a relatively new sales team. Three of the five were either new to Google Ads Business or were new to Google.
I’m looking to move up in my role. I want to be a leader who can help me grow my career and use the skills that I have: relationship building; thoughtful leadership; coaching, data-driven decision making, strategic planning, and coaching. I’m open to any role in ad-sales, either adjacent to ad-sales or something else.
Where can I find you: Contact Andrea St. Pierre via LinkedIn.
Amanda Golden
Former News Communication Manager at Google
Background Amanda is an experienced journalist who was previously a producer and on-air reporter for political news. She joined Google in order to manage communications and media strategy for Google News Initiative.
One project you are proud to have been part of: I launched the News Equity Fund to provide resources for news organizations that focus on journalism from underrepresented groups.
What I want in my next job: Relevant work to support news industry.
Where can I be found: Contact Amanda Golden via LinkedIn or , and follow her on Twitter.
Freddy Martinez
Former Director for Partner Development at Microsoft
Background: Freddy, a tech professional with more than 13 years’ experience, has also held multiple positions in academia for the past 5+ years. He holds a master’s degree in business analytics, and seven years of experience in people management in adtech companies. His most recent position at Microsoft saw him start a new pod with very limited resources and no inbound leads. With the support of his amazing teammates, he was responsible for customer satisfaction from beginning to end.
You were proud to have been part of The pod that generated $0, with very limited resources, went on to generate over $25 million per year by the time I was done.
Where can I find you: Contact Freddy Martinez via LinkedIn.
Parimala Ramdas
Former Senior Technology Specialist at Microsoft
Background Parimala worked as a technology strategist to enable global partners to create custom client solutions and grow revenue.
One project you are proud to have been part of: I was the one who led the adoption and creation of Microsoft Viva, the Global Partner.
I’m looking to fill a new role. Use technology to solve business problems, increase revenue.
Where can I find you: Get in touch with Parimala Ramda via LinkedIn.
Take advantage of the 2023 Big Tech Layoffs
There is a lot of opportunity in the Big Tech Layoffs 2023, both for individuals and agencies. It’s “Big Tech” for a reason. However, there are niches and small communities within this space. It all boils down to the relationships between people. You can’t go wrong if you stick to your core value.
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