Laid Off by Microsoft? Nerdii Is Helping Tech Professionals Land Interviews

Understanding the Microsoft Layoffs: A Shift Towards AI

In May 2025, Microsoft announced a significant workforce reduction, laying off approximately 6,000 employees, which accounts for about 3% of its global staff. This move is part of the company’s strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence (AI) and streamlining operations.

The layoffs impacted various roles, including software engineers, product managers, and AI specialists. Notably, Gabriela de Queiroz, the Director of AI at Microsoft for Startups, was among those affected. She shared her experience on social media, highlighting the emotional toll and the collective nature of the layoffs.

It is important to know that tech jobs in 2025 are not being taken stolen by AI – you just need to focus on the right skills and adopt a sensible job searching strategy (spoiler alert: mass applying is no longer a viable option).

Why Do Layoffs Happen? The Broader Tech Industry Context

Layoffs in the tech industry are not uncommon and can result from various factors:

• Post-Pandemic Market Correction and Over-Hiring: As the world returned to a more normal state post-pandemic, the accelerated growth in digital demand slowed down. Companies found themselves with “bloated” payrolls that were unsustainable for current market realities, leading to a “correction” in their workforce size.
• Economic Uncertainty and Headwinds: Rising inflation has increased operating costs for businesses, while higher interest rates have made borrowing money more expensive. Couple that with concerns about a potential global economic slowdown and pressure from investors, companies’ first move is to reduce expenses and optimize operations to meet financial targets and boost stock prices. Payroll is typically one of the largest expenses, making layoffs a common cost-cutting measure.
• Strategic Shifts and Business Re-prioritization: After years of prioritizing growth at all costs, many tech companies, especially publicly traded ones, are now shifting their focus towards profitability and efficiency. Companies are reallocating resources and talent towards AI initiatives, which can lead to layoffs in other departments or roles.
• Restructuring and Reorganization: Companies frequently restructure their teams and departments to align with new strategic priorities, consolidate roles, or eliminate layers of management. These reorganizations often result in job cuts as they aim for greater efficiency and agility.

In Microsoft’s case, the company is focusing on flattening its organizational structure, reducing layers of middle management to boost efficiency and agility.

The Impact on Tech Professionals

The recent layoffs have left many skilled professionals seeking new opportunities. The tech industry’s competitive nature means that finding a new role can be challenging, especially when many are vying for similar positions.

Professionals are now required to adapt quickly, upskill, and navigate a job market that increasingly values versatility and continuous learning. While it is easy to slip into a pessimistic view of the job market, engineers and developers (and anyone really) can choose to position themselves as a high-demand professionals and get noticed by more and more companies.

Moving On: Finding Work After Lay Offs

Nerdii is a platform dedicated to assisting tech professionals in transitioning back into the workforce. By leveraging advanced AI technology and personalized support, Nerdii has helped numerous individuals secure positions at leading tech firms and multinational corporations.

How Nerdii Makes a Difference

1. Personalized Job Matching: Nerdii uses AI to match candidates with roles that align with their skills and experience, increasing the chances of securing interviews.

2. Resume and LinkedIn Optimization: The platform assists in crafting compelling resumes and LinkedIn profiles that stand out to recruiters.

3. Interview Preparation: Nerdii offers resources and coaching to help candidates prepare for interviews, including mock interviews and feedback sessions. These are based off of current trends and HR strategies in the market.

4. Continuous Support: Beyond job placement, Nerdii provides ongoing support to ensure professionals are equipped to thrive in their new roles.

By focusing on these areas, Nerdii addresses the common pitfalls that many job seekers face, such as the inefficacy of mass applications and the lack of personalized guidance.

Navigating the Future with Confidence

Look, the job market is changing, but it is possible to stay relevant. Layoffs, while challenging, can serve as a catalyst for growth and new opportunities. With platforms like Nerdii, tech professionals are not alone in their job search journey. By offering personalized support, AI-driven job matching, and continuous guidance, we empower individuals to navigate the job market confidently and secure roles that align with their aspirations. 

Many of our clients have landed jobs with big tech and MNCs in the past year alone!

FAQs

1. What is Nerdii?

Nerdii is a platform that assists tech professionals land interviews and finding new job opportunities by combining AI-powered application support with real recruiter and HR expertise drawn straight from today’s job market.

2. How does Nerdii help with job applications?

Nerdii provides personalized support in CV Optimization for ATS, build a strategic and targeted application strategy, and interview preparation and coaching based on what is currently working in the market. And…guaranteed interviews.

3. Can Nerdii help if I’ve been out of the job market for a while?

Yes, Nerdii offers resources and coaching to help individuals re-enter the job market, regardless of how long they’ve been away.

4. Is Nerdii suitable for professionals outside the tech industry?

While Nerdii specializes in tech roles, many of its resources and support systems are applicable to various associated industries.

5. How can I get started with Nerdii?

Visit our website to learn more and sign up for their services.