Should I post about being laid off on LinkedIn?

Most career coaches say yes. A layoff is common and carries little stigma, and a post turns your network into people who know what to look out for. The post works best when it states a target and one clear ask.

How long should the post be?

Under 150 words. People read it on a phone between meetings. State what happened in one line, give one proud result, say what you want and how to help.

Should I mention the company by name?

Yes, if the layoff was announced or reported. Naming it helps former coworkers find and tag you. Leave out anything about severance, management or the reasons behind the decision.

Should I tag former coworkers?

A short thank-you to a few named colleagues helps the post travel. Tag people who would be glad to be mentioned, and leave out anyone still at the company who might not want attention.

Laid off LinkedIn post template

A post that says plainly what happened and exactly what help you want gets far more useful replies than a vague one. Fill in the blanks and copy it.

My role as [your job title] at [company you were laid off from] was recently eliminated in a layoff.

After [time there] there, I am grateful for the people I worked with, and proud that we [one thing you are proud of].

I am now looking for [what you want next] in [where (city or remote)].

If you can help, this is what would make the biggest difference: [the specific help you want]. A message or a comment here is all it takes.

Thank you to everyone who has already reached out.

How to get it right

Post within a week while the news is fresh and people want to help. Waiting a month makes it feel like an announcement instead of a request.
Name one specific kind of help. “Introductions to people hiring in supply chain” gets answers; “let me know if you hear of anything” does not.
Say what you are proud of in a result, not a trait. A number or an outcome gives readers something to repeat when they recommend you.
Turn on LinkedIn’s “Open to work” setting for recruiters only if you do not want a public banner. The banner is visible to everyone; the recruiter-only setting is not.
Do not criticize the company. Prospective employers read the post and think about how you would talk about them.

Questions about this message

Should I post about being laid off on LinkedIn?: Most career coaches say yes. A layoff is common and carries little stigma, and a post turns your network into people who know what to look out for. The post works best when it states a target and one clear ask.
How long should the post be?: Under 150 words. People read it on a phone between meetings. State what happened in one line, give one proud result, say what you want and how to help.
Should I mention the company by name?: Yes, if the layoff was announced or reported. Naming it helps former coworkers find and tag you. Leave out anything about severance, management or the reasons behind the decision.
Should I tag former coworkers?: A short thank-you to a few named colleagues helps the post travel. Tag people who would be glad to be mentioned, and leave out anyone still at the company who might not want attention.

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