three weeks post-layoff. i've updated my profile four different ways and keep second-guessing myself. sharing what seems to actually be working.
first thing: don't write 'open to work' in your headline immediately. i know that sounds counterintuitive but the green badge gets... mixed reactions. some recruiters target it. some hiring managers see it and wonder why you haven't already landed somewhere. i waited two weeks, turned it on for recruiters only (not the public badge), and my inbound went up.
what i changed in my about section: old: fluffy mission statement that meant nothing new: what i've shipped, the scale i operated at, the type of team i want next. three short paragraphs, no buzzwords.
on whether to announce the layoff: i did. not a weepy post, just factual. 'i was part of the recent restructuring at [company], excited to find what's next.' got 40+ messages in 48 hours from former colleagues, acquaintances, and a couple recruiters who specifically reached out after seeing it. worth it.
what i'm NOT doing: updating every day so i stay in the algorithm, reacting to every post, that weird practice of commenting 'great post' on things. it feels hollow and i don't think it converts.
the thing that's actually moved the needle is direct outreach. i made a list of 25 people i've worked with over 8 years, sent personalized notes, not asking for jobs just reconnecting. three of those conversations have turned into active referrals.
layoff job search feels different from employed-and-looking. the timeline pressure is real (cobra is $800/month for me, that's a quiet clock ticking). but burning energy on LinkedIn theater isn't the move.