The year the Big Tech job market cracked

Core Insights - The tech job market has become increasingly challenging, with many professionals struggling to find employment after layoffs, particularly those from major companies like Microsoft and Amazon [1][2][3] Group 1: Layoffs and Job Market Dynamics - US tech companies have announced approximately 154,000 layoffs through November, marking a 17% increase from the previous year, with major firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Tesla each cutting at least 10,000 jobs [2][8] - The job market for tech professionals is particularly competitive, with candidates facing a growing pool of laid-off workers, recent graduates, and employed individuals seeking new roles [3][4] - Tech job postings on Indeed have decreased by 33% from early 2020 levels, indicating a significant decline in available openings following a pandemic-era hiring spree [4] Group 2: Candidate Experiences and Strategies - Many laid-off tech workers express anxiety over competition, with the average job opening receiving 242 applications, nearly triple the number from 2017 [9] - Some candidates have shifted their job search focus away from Big Tech to other industries, finding roles that offer better compensation and impact [12][13] - Despite the challenges, a few individuals have successfully secured positions in Big Tech through networking and referrals, highlighting the importance of connections in the current job market [13][14]