How We Helped Laid-Off Engineers Land Jobs at Big Tech and MNCs

March 11, 2025

In 2024, the technology sector faced unprecedented challenges, leading to significant layoffs across various companies. According to TechCrunch, over 150,000 jobs were cut across 542 companies during this period. This wave of layoffs left many skilled engineers seeking new opportunities, often competing in a saturated job market.

Amidst this challenging landscape, Nerdii emerged as a beacon of hope for many displaced engineers. By leveraging advanced AI technology and personalized support, Nerdii assisted numerous professionals in securing positions at leading tech firms and multinational corporations (MNCs). This article delves into how Nerdii’s innovative approach facilitated successful career transitions for laid-off engineers.

The 2024 Tech Layoffs

The year 2024 proved to be one of the most volatile periods for the global tech industry. As economic uncertainties, inflation concerns, and restructuring efforts took hold, some of the world’s largest tech giants, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and others, announced large-scale layoffs.

According to Layoffs.fyi, over 150,000 tech employees were let go from 549 companies in 2024 alone. This followed the mass layoffs of 2023, during which companies attempted to scale down after the pandemic-driven hiring boom. By early 2025, tech job cuts showed no sign of slowing, with major firms continuing to restructure in response to shifting business needs.

So far, 22,692 tech employees layoffs have been seen across 81 tech companies in 2025.

Why Were So Many Engineers Laid Off in 2024?

The layoffs stemmed from several key factors:

  1. Overhiring During the Pandemic – Many tech firms experienced unprecedented growth during the pandemic and aggressively hired talent. As demand normalized, companies found themselves with bloated workforces that were no longer sustainable.
  2. Economic Slowdowns and Cost-Cutting Measures – Global economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and reduced consumer spending forced companies to tighten budgets, with workforce reductions being a primary cost-cutting measure.
  3. Shifts in AI and Automation – With the rise of AI and automation, companies reevaluated their workforce needs. Many roles became redundant as AI-powered solutions took over tasks that previously required large engineering teams.
  4. Tech Market Saturation and Investment Pullbacks – The startup ecosystem also took a hit, with venture capital funding slowing down. Many tech startups, which had expanded rapidly, struggled to secure new funding, leading to mass layoffs.

Which Engineers Were Affected the Most by Layoffs?

While layoffs impacted professionals across the board, certain groups bore the brunt more than others:

  • Mid-Level Engineers – Engineers with 5–10 years of experience found themselves in a difficult position, as companies prioritized either retaining senior employees or hiring fresh talent at lower salaries.
  • Software Developers in Non-AI Roles – Engineers specializing in traditional software development faced challenges as companies prioritized AI-driven innovation.
  • H-1B Visa Holders – Many foreign workers on temporary work visas had limited time to secure a new job before facing deportation, making the job search even more urgent.

The Psychological and Financial Toll of Layoffs

For many engineers, these layoffs were more than just a career setback. They had significant emotional and financial consequences. The uncertainty of the job market left many professionals struggling with anxiety and stress, especially those who had built their lives around stable tech careers.

With thousands of highly skilled professionals suddenly looking for work, competition became fiercer than ever. Many job seekers found themselves applying to hundreds of positions without receiving any responses, leading to frustration and discouragement.

Why the Job Market is More Competitive Than Ever

The hiring landscape is undergoing a major transformation, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in employer expectations, and the growing role of artificial intelligence. As companies continue to refine their hiring processes, job seekers (especially those in tech) are facing a hyper-competitive job market where automated systems, AI-powered evaluations, and skill-based hiring determine success. Mass applications don’t work anymore.

An Oversupply of Skilled Talent

With mass layoffs in the tech industry, thousands of highly experienced professionals are competing for fewer job openings. In 2024 alone, over 150,000 tech workers lost their jobs, intensifying competition across all levels. Even candidates with strong technical backgrounds and years of experience are struggling to differentiate themselves in a crowded job market.

AI-Powered Screening and ATS Challenges

Companies now rely heavily on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-powered recruitment tools to sift through thousands of applications. These systems automatically filter candidates based on keywords, formatting, and experience, often rejecting 75% of resumes before a human even sees them. Candidates who fail to optimize their resumes for ATS compliance risk being overlooked, no matter how qualified they are.

Skill-Based Hiring Is Replacing Traditional Degrees 

Employers are moving away from degree-based hiring and prioritizing practical skills, certifications, and technical assessments instead. A computer science degree alone is no longer enough. Candidates must demonstrate hands-on expertise through coding tests, GitHub projects, and real-world applications of AI, cloud computing, and software engineering.

The Rise of AI and Automation in Hiring

AI isn’t just screening resumes; it’s now conducting initial interview rounds, analyzing behavioral patterns, and predicting a candidate’s likelihood of success in a role. Job seekers must learn how to navigate these AI-driven hiring processes by optimizing responses, demonstrating adaptability, and standing out in automated evaluations.

Remote Work Has Made Competition Global

While remote work offers more flexibility, it also means candidates aren’t just competing locally anymore; they’re up against skilled engineers from around the world. Companies can now source talent from lower-cost regions, making it even harder for job seekers to stand out in traditional hiring pools.

Nerdii’s Mission: Empowering Engineers

With hiring becoming more data-driven and AI-dominated, job seekers need a smarter, more strategic approach, and that’s where Nerdii comes in.

  • ATS-Optimized Resumes: Nerdii’s AI-powered resume builder ensures that candidates pass ATS screenings, making it easier to get noticed by hiring managers.
  • AI-Powered Copilots for Job Search: Instead of blindly applying to hundreds of jobs, Nerdii helps candidates target the right roles based on their skills, experience, and career goals.
  • Real-World Interview Prep: With AI-driven mock interviews, behavioral coaching, and technical assessments, Nerdii prepares candidates for the modern hiring process, ensuring they excel in AI-evaluated interviews.

As the hiring process continues to evolve, job seekers must adapt. With Nerdii’s expertise, they can stay ahead of the competition and land roles at top tech companies and MNCs.

Recognizing the challenges faced by laid-off engineers, Nerdii set out with a clear mission: to streamline the job search process and enhance employability through technological innovation and expert guidance. Central to Nerdii’s approach are several key strategies:

  1. AI-Powered Application Automation: Nerdii’s platform automates the job application process, ensuring that applications are tailored and optimized for each position. This reduces the manual burden on job seekers and increases the likelihood of securing interviews.
  2. Personalized Career Support: Beyond automation, Nerdii offers individualized support, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and career counseling. This holistic approach addresses both the technical and personal aspects of job searching.
  3. Strategic Networking Opportunities: Leveraging an extensive network within the tech industry, Nerdii connects engineers with potential employers, mentors, and peers, facilitating valuable relationships that can lead to job placements.

The Broader Impact of Nerdii’s Initiatives

Nerdii’s contributions extend beyond individual success stories. By addressing the challenges posed by mass layoffs, Nerdii plays a pivotal role in:

  • Reducing Unemployment Rates: Facilitating swift re-employment helps stabilize the job market and reduces the economic impact of layoffs.
  • Promoting Skill Development: Offering resources for continuous learning ensures that engineers remain competitive and adaptable to industry changes.
  • Fostering Industry Innovation: By enabling experienced engineers to re-enter the workforce, Nerdii contributes to the ongoing innovation and growth within the tech sector.

Conclusion

The tech industry’s volatility in 2024 underscored the need for adaptive solutions to employment challenges. Nerdii’s blend of AI technology and personalized support has proven instrumental in helping laid-off engineers secure positions at top tech companies and MNCs. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms like Nerdii will remain essential in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring that skilled professionals can navigate their career paths with confidence and resilience.

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