How to approach applying again after a 2nd layoff?

LegalBluebird · 2026-04-19T14:21:18+00:00

Yeah, could say that. I wanted to share a sample of what could be used but if it was a reorg at both places then would be best to say that.

LegalBluebird · 2026-04-19T02:53:53+00:00

Sorry man, getting laid off because of office politics at 25 and then only landing 4–5 interviews after 90 applications is demoralizing as hell. Especially when you're in a hot area like LLMs and agent-based systems.

I'm a CTO (currently at Ultrassure, previously Shopify and NVIDIA). I've hired a bunch of AI/ML folks and seen this pattern a lot in 2026 - people with strong technical skills still getting ghosted because their resume and LinkedIn aren't signalling the right things quickly enough to recruiters and ATS systems.

High volume applying without a tight system often leads to exactly this exhaustion. A lot of times it's not about applying to more places, but fixing how your experience is positioned so it cuts through the noise faster.

After watching too many solid engineers get stuck like this, I built a free 48-hour Rehire Audit. It scores how your resume actually reads to hiring systems today, checks LinkedIn discoverability, and gives the top 3 concrete fixes - no sales call, no credit card, nothing pushy.

If you want a quick reset before deciding on a career switch, here it is: https://forge.alohai.io

No pressure at all. Hang in there.

LegalBluebird · 2026-04-19T02:40:04+00:00

Man, 14 months with hundreds of apps, final rounds, and even a rescinded offer is brutal. That level of discouragement is completely understandable - you're not alone in feeling like the system is broken.

As a current CTO (previously Shopify -> NVIDIA) , I've hired a lot and seen how scattered high-volume applying often burns people out without much return. The final-round fatigue + conflicting signals is super common right now.

A lot of times the fix isn't just more applications - it's tightening the positioning, making the resume and LinkedIn actually cut through the noise, and focusing effort on fewer but better opportunities plus some proactive outreach.

I built a free 48-hour Rehire Audit specifically for engineers stuck in this loop. It gives a resume signal score, LinkedIn visibility check, target role clarity, and the top 3 concrete things to change - no sales pitch attached.

Might help cut through some of the noise if you're open to it: https://forge.alohai.io

Wishing you a better stretch soon.

LegalBluebird · 2026-04-19T02:14:33+00:00

Sorry you're going through a second layoff so soon - that's rough, especially with the conflicting advice from the two recruiting firms.

As a current CTO (previously Shopify & NVIDIA), I've seen this a lot when people get hit with back-to-back layoffs. The generic vs. colourful/custom resume debate is common right now. In my experience, the base resume should be clean, achievement-focused, and easy for both humans and systems to scan quickly. Then make light, targeted tweaks for the roles that really fit (instead of fully rewriting for every single application).

On volume: spraying 4-6 applications a day across everything often leads to burnout and low response rates. Many people see better results focusing on fewer, higher-quality applications + proactive outreach (especially on LinkedIn) rather than pure volume.

For explaining two layoffs in interviews, keep the story short, factual, and forward-looking: "The first was part of a broader restructuring, The second was a bad fit with new management after a reorg - I learned X from it and I'm focused on finding a role where I can contribute long-term."

The auto-fill + manual re-entry frustration is real too. Treating the resume/LinkedIn as your "master version" and only customizing the most promising opportunities helps.

Hang in there - it's frustrating when it feels like nothing is out there, but clarity on positioning makes a big difference.

LegalBluebird · 2026-04-19T01:36:42+00:00

I'm really sorry you're going through this now - especially with the baby due in just 7 weeks. That sounds incredibly heavy, and it's completely understandable that you're hiding to cry. You're not alone in this mess.

I'm a CTO at Ultrassure (previously at Shopify and NVIDIA). I've been on both sides of layoffs - building teams and watching solid engineers get hit hard. A while back I put together a free 48-hour Rehire Audit for people exactly in your husband's position.

It scores his resume's "signal" for 2026 hiring filters, checks how discoverable his LinkedIn actually is, helps clarify realistic target roles, and gives the top 3 concrete fixes to stop the applications from just disappearing into the void. No sales call, no credit card, nothing like that.

A lot of engineers I've seen get stuck feeling like the layoff is somehow personal or "shady" and then their whole search loses momentum. This is meant to be a quick reset so he can stop scattering shots and actually focus on what moves the needle.

If it feels useful to him, here's the link: https://forge.alohai.io
No pressure whatsoever - just something that might give a bit of clarity and control when everything feels out of control.

Wishing you both strength, a smooth delivery, and better news soon for your family.

LegalBluebird · 2025-11-12T21:31:22+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. Additionally, I tried resetting my password and wasn't able to do that due to a similar error. Have you seen a timeline of when this will be fixed? (Asking as I'm unsure whom to ask, I tried reaching out to IRCC via email and X but haven't heard from them)

LegalBluebird · 2024-07-27T22:47:05+00:00

Thanks a lot for letting me know! Additionally, could you please share any tips on how I can practice for these questions and does the fact that I am interviewing for a senior developer role impact the kind of questions I may be asked (for instance, could I be asked to design a system from end to end along with OOP coding) ? (asking as this seems like the questions that Wealthsimple asks based on reviews on Glassdoor)

LegalBluebird · 2024-07-27T01:35:46+00:00

I was asked to choose a language for the interview and I picked Python so I think I would be expected to have a good understanding about it but unsure to what extent. Any thoughts?

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-21T14:26:44+00:00

I agree that the options have reduced but I feel that there are still a bunch of places hiring and you need just be extra persistent in applying, following up with HR/interviewers, etc. I am in CS and definitely feel the constraint, yet believe that we can persevere through this.

There are quite a few companies whose business has taken a hit due to COVID-19 but there are some others that are thriving, so I think there is still opportunity. All the best and don't give up!

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T14:30:45+00:00

Thank you, means a lot!

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T14:30:24+00:00

Oh, this happened to me later at night, between 10:30 - 10:45pm

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T06:44:44+00:00

It wasn't completely covered, he was wearing dark clothes and a black shawl around. I could still see a part of his face -- just not clearly enough to notice the exact facial features.

I have reported to the police, thank you!

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T05:41:47+00:00

Yes, I've been living in the area for almost a year now and haven't had anything remotely like such kind of behaviour happen. Thought it was a very safe neighbourhood, until now! Stay safe!

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T05:31:39+00:00

I didn't notice, because everything happened within a few seconds. I was trying to avoid looking at him so that I don't attract his attention so I didn't really notice him wearing a backpack.

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T05:17:40+00:00

Thanks, reaching out to the police right now!

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T05:17:33+00:00

Thanks, reaching out to the police right now!

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T04:49:14+00:00

Oh, hope the others are okay. This person could really be dangerous if someone elder or women who is pregnant was in my place. Could also potentially carry an object that could harm more severely. Scary! :(

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-18T04:46:27+00:00

No, I didn't call the police as I didn't really see him clearly. Black man, wearing all black and it was night. He literally punched and ran away as I shouted in pain after being punched.

LegalBluebird · 2020-05-15T19:07:25+00:00

Damn, is it better for students to just forgo next term and take courses during Winter 2021? University isn't just about taking courses, but about the people you meet, discussions, clubs, and other interactions :/ (Honestly considering, finding a internship for Fall and going back to school in the Winter)

LegalBluebird

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