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85% of Jobs are Filled Through Networks - Come Leverage Offboard’s

Layoff updates, networking secrets, career tools, and why Offboard’s Slack community is your new unfair advantage.

June 05, 2025

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👋 Welcome, Jobseekers

"Practice until you get it right, and you'll need perfect conditions.

Practice until you can't get it wrong, and conditions no longer matter."

This week, we're diving into some wild networking stats, covering the latest layoff news from Microsoft to LinkedIn, dissecting April’s surprising job market uptick, and hooking you up with tools like AI therapy and interview prep platforms. Time to level up your job search game and maybe even become an Offboard Ambassador—because job searching doesn't have to be a solo sport.

  • 📉 Layoff Report: Microsoft, Hims, LinkedIn, EA, Ebay making cuts

  • 🧑‍✈️ Career CoPilot: 85% of Jobs are Filled Through Networks - Come Leverage Offboard’s

  • 📈 Trends & Data: April’s Job Market: A Surprising Uptick or Just a Temporary Boost?

  • 🔧 Jobseeker Tools: Abby AI Therapy, Career io Interview Prep, SkillUp

Your career will thank you.

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85% of Jobs are Filled Through Networks - Come Leverage Offboard’s

85% of jobs are filled through networking. That’s an INSANE statistic. And most roles never even make it to LinkedIn or other job sites. How about another one? Referrals account for only 7% of applications but lead to 40% of hires. WHAT is this sorcery 🤯? Connecting through your network, even through casual acquaintances or "weak ties", significantly boosts your job-search success.

But job searching solo is tough. Especially after being laid off from a tech role. But you don't have to go through this alone.

That's where the Offboard Community comes in. We operate in a Slack workspace because that’s what most of us tech professionals are used to. The community is for those who've experienced layoffs, or are job seeking in some capacity in tech. Whether you're in engineering, product management, design, marketing, or sales, you'll find the resources, connections, and opportunities you need to get back in the game.

Inside Offboard, you'll discover:

  • Peer support: A safe space to share stories, job leads, encouragement, and advice with people who genuinely understand your situation.

  • Private company channels: Stay connected privately with your former colleagues in exclusive, invite-only channels specific to a company and designed for trust and comfort.

  • Curated expert resources: Access high-quality tools, guides, and practical tips from seasoned hiring professionals.

  • Hidden job opportunities: Gain early and exclusive access to roles shared directly by our community members.

Become an Ambassador

It’s not always easy to stay in touch with those that you were laid off with. As an ambassador, you can create a private Slack channel specific to the company you were at, and invite those that you worked with. Your team can choose to keep comms private, or you can branch out into the public parts of the community and help other job seekers by sharing your experiences.

  • Create and manage private channels for their former colleagues or industry peers.

  • Invite and welcome new members from their networks.

  • Actively participate in broader community discussions and provide valuable insights.

Ambassador perks include:

  • Lifetime early access to upcoming Offboard app features.

  • Exclusive community swag.

  • A résumé badge highlighting your leadership in the tech community.

Overall, finding a job shouldn’t have to be a solo pursuit. Jump in and let the community take some of the weight off your shoulders!

↗️ April’s Job Market: A Surprising Uptick or Just a Temporary Boost?

Overview

Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, April 2025 saw an unexpected rise in U.S. job openings, suggesting a resilient labor market—but questions remain about how long this momentum can last.

The Details

  • Job Openings: Increased to 7.4 million in April from 7.2 million in March, surpassing expectations.

  • Hiring: Remained steady at 5.6 million, with a hiring rate of 3.5%.

  • Quits Rate: Held steady at 2.0%, indicating consistent worker confidence.

  • Layoffs: Slightly increased to 1.8 million, with a layoff rate of 1.1%.

  • Sector Highlights: Growth in professional and business services, education, and healthcare; declines in accommodation and food services.

Why It Matters

The unexpected rise in job openings suggests that employers maintained hiring confidence in April, even amid economic headwinds like trade policy uncertainties. However, the slight increase in layoffs and sector-specific declines point to underlying vulnerabilities. For job seekers, this means opportunities are still available, particularly in sectors showing growth, but caution is advised as the market's resilience may be tested in the coming months.

Abby - AI Therapy

AI Therapy In Your Pocket

Experience round-the-clock support and guidance with a 24/7 AI therapist, always at your fingertips to help you navigate life’s challenges.

Career.io - Interview Prep

Interview Prep. Real Questions. Real Employers.

Employer designed training with expert feedback and personal guidance.

SkillUp

Your Career Journey Starts Here

Our nonprofit reviews careers, training, and jobs so you don't have to. We help you find the best jobs that don't require a degree and guide you from start to finish!

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