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  • đź“° Who’s getting laid off in 2025 and how to stay off that list

📰 Who’s getting laid off in 2025 and how to stay off that list

Weird cuts, AI excuses, and what recruiters are really paying attention to

👋 Hey y’all, it’s Nicole

Every time I open LinkedIn, it’s another round of layoffs. Tech, government, nonprofits, even schools. And now we’re seeing companies blame AI for cuts that feel more like budget trimming than anything futuristic.

But not every job cut means doom. Some of it’s strategy. Some of it’s noise. This week, I’m breaking down what’s really going on, how to spot the difference, and what you can do to stay sharp while others scramble.

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đź’Ą Main Story

AI Isn’t Taking Your Job But It’s Changing the Game

CrowdStrike, a big cybersecurity firm, just let go of 500 workers. Their reason? AI helped them work faster.

Dell’s doing something similar. They’ve cut 12,000 jobs this year to flatten their team structure and invest more in automation.

Here’s what’s really happening:

  • Jobs that don’t show clear value are on the chopping block

  • Middle management is getting squeezed the hardest

  • People who adapt and learn how to use AI in their work are actually getting promoted

Now’s the time to get curious. You don’t need to become a tech expert, but understanding how AI plays into your role is going to matter.

đź”— CrowdStrike source
đź”— Dell source

đź‘€ Article Spotlight

The Weirdest Layoffs Are Coming from DOGE

No, not the crypto. This DOGE stands for the Department of Government Efficiency.

It’s led to more than 280,000 federal layoffs in 2025, which is wild. But here’s the kicker — housing listings in D.C. jumped over 25 percent right after. These job cuts aren’t just about work, they’re hitting entire communities.

If you’re working in or around public sector jobs, now’s the time to pay attention and prep.

đź”— Redfin source
đź”— Challenger report

🎤 From the Field

What Recruiters Are Saying

“We’re not just looking for keywords anymore. If I see ten AI-polished resumes, I’m calling the one that shows they actually cared to read the job description.”
— Talent Acquisition Lead, Tech Industry

Recruiters are getting really good at spotting fake or formulaic applications. If you’ve been using AI tools to help you apply, great. But make sure your personality and effort still come through.

âś… What to Do Now

  • Refresh your resume with real, measurable wins

  • Spend 15 minutes this week trying one new AI tool that relates to your work

  • Message someone you admire before you need a referral

  • Set up job alerts that actually reflect your goals, not just the word “remote”

🎯 Final Thought

Layoffs make headlines. Strategy builds careers. Keep learning. Keep connecting. And make your next move something you’ve already prepared for.