What do you do if your gaming industry network can help you bounce back after a layoff?
Being laid off from your job can be a challenging experience, especially in the dynamic gaming industry. However, your professional network can be a lifesaver in such times, offering support, information, and potential job leads. This article will explore how you can leverage your gaming industry network to bounce back after a layoff, ensuring that you're back in the game as quickly as possible.
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Mallikarjun Reddy2 x LinkedIn Top Voice Esports & Gaming | Thought Leader & Speaker | Multipreneur | Fullstack Digital Marketing | Sales…
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Maria PentinenPublishing&Regional relations and Co-Lead of Rainbow Rioters EMEA+ at Riot Games
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Matthew SheraSenior Game Designer | Poker Player & Coach | Storyteller
When you've been laid off, the first step is to reach out to your contacts. Send personalized messages to former colleagues, mentors, and industry acquaintances to let them know about your situation. Be honest about your layoff, but also express your eagerness to find new opportunities. This can open doors as your network may know of job openings or can refer you to others who might help. Maintaining a positive attitude during these interactions is key.
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Maria Pentinen
Publishing&Regional relations and Co-Lead of Rainbow Rioters EMEA+ at Riot Games
Many companies offer referral bonuses, making it beneficial for your contacts to refer you. Don't feel bad about asking for referrals—it's a win-win situation. While LinkedIn is a great place to start, prioritize personal outreach to those you speak with regularly for more immediate support
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Siddhesh Narvekar
We make brands playable and make them an immersive online experience
If your gaming industry network can help you bounce back after a layoff, the first step is to reconnect. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to let them know about your situation and express your interest in new opportunities. Update your LinkedIn profile and share a thoughtful post about your availability and what you’re looking for next. Attend industry events, both virtual and in-person, to re-engage with your network and meet new contacts. By actively reconnecting and leveraging your network, you can uncover job leads, gain valuable advice, and find support that can help you swiftly navigate your next career move in the gaming industry.
Ensure that your online presence reflects your current situation and future ambitions. Update your LinkedIn profile, your online portfolio, and any other professional sites that showcase your work. Highlight your skills, experiences, and any recent projects you've worked on. Make it easy for potential employers to see your talents and understand how you could fit into their organization. A well-maintained online profile can act as a beacon for opportunities.
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Maria Pentinen
Publishing&Regional relations and Co-Lead of Rainbow Rioters EMEA+ at Riot Games
Don’t wait until you need to look for a job to update your profile. Make sure your CV and social profiles are always up to date; this will ensure you are not missing any important details. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile helps with networking, and the more active you are, the more likely you are to build valuable connections that can be leveraged if you are laid off.
Active participation in online communities related to the gaming industry can increase your visibility and demonstrate your expertise. Join discussions on forums, comment on industry news, and share your insights on social media platforms. This engagement shows that you're keeping up with industry trends and are passionate about your field. It can also lead to new connections who might offer job leads or valuable advice.
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Siddhesh Narvekar
We make brands playable and make them an immersive online experience
If your gaming industry network can help you bounce back after a layoff, engaging online is crucial. Start by updating your LinkedIn profile and sharing a post about your current situation and what roles you’re seeking. Join relevant gaming industry groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, and Discord to stay connected and informed about job opportunities. Participate in discussions, offer insights, and share your expertise to remain visible and demonstrate your value. Attend virtual industry events, webinars, and meetups to expand your connections. By actively engaging online, you can leverage your network to discover new opportunities and support as you transition to your next role in the gaming industry.
Networking is a two-way street. Offer your skills and assistance to others in your network. By helping with a project, providing feedback, or sharing resources, you are not only contributing to the community but also reminding others of your expertise and willingness to collaborate. This generosity often comes full circle, with others more likely to assist you in return when they know you're seeking new opportunities.
Attending industry events, whether virtual or in-person, can be a powerful way to connect with peers and potential employers. Workshops, conferences, and meetups are great places to network and learn about job openings. Prepare an elevator pitch about your skills and what you're looking for in your next role. Face-to-face interactions can leave a lasting impression and may lead to follow-up conversations that could result in job offers.
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Siddhesh Narvekar
We make brands playable and make them an immersive online experience
If your gaming industry network can help you bounce back after a layoff, attending events is a key strategy. You can start by identifying upcoming industry conferences, meetups, and webinars that align with your career goals. These events provide excellent opportunities to reconnect with old contacts and make new ones. Prepare by updating your resume and having an elevator pitch ready about your skills and experiences. Engage in conversations, attend panel discussions, and participate in networking sessions to make a positive impression. By being active and visible at these events, you can leverage your network for job leads, advice, and support, helping you to quickly find new opportunities in the gaming industry.
After networking events and conversations, always follow up with new contacts. Send a thank-you message for their time or for sharing insights and express your interest in staying in touch. If someone has offered to help, gently remind them after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Persistent yet courteous follow-up can keep you on the radar of potential employers and maintain the momentum of your job search.
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Mallikarjun Reddy
2 x LinkedIn Top Voice Esports & Gaming | Thought Leader & Speaker | Multipreneur | Fullstack Digital Marketing | Sales Pundit | GenAI Enthusiast | 0-1 Expert | Edtech | $40M in sales revenue | $4M Marketing spent
If you lose your job in the gaming industry, your network of friends and colleagues can help you get back on your feet. Reach out to them for support, advice, and potential job leads. Attend industry events and join online forums to expand your network and find new opportunities. Having a strong network can make a big difference in getting you back to work quickly.
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Matthew Shera
Senior Game Designer | Poker Player & Coach | Storyteller
Give yourself time to heal, and then treat finding work like your main job. Healing and recuperating your confidence will be worth it in spades, especially when it comes to interviews. Consistency is key when looking for jobs, so treat it like a job. Wake up, get ready, spend quality time improving yourself or your portfolio, sleep, and repeat. Maybe a few hades breaks in the middle haha.