Thread regarding Cisco Systems Inc. layoffs

This last round cut deep and hard.

Yes, I saw an email from my local non-US subsidiary which listed a bunch of people who'd been let go and it was actually quite shocking.
Lots of 10-25 year veteran performers. Brutal.

Companies are known to post jobs without funding. Just because there is a job listing doesn't mean it has funding. During times with budget restrictions you need a VPs final approval. HR, Management... are not aware of these budgetary issues when interviewing.

Other times HR is aware a posting has no funding and at Cisco used to place an S in the req number. Not sure they do that anymore

@goa+1sh3lNha - we don't need no stinking badges. The company is full of those types that should have been terminated years ago. In csco woke fashion, most are participation trophies that the narcissists pat themselves on the back for. Just check out the directory photos, you know the types.

@2etj+1sh3lNha This is not true. In this last round I've seen good people go that were very much capable and productive employees. I saw some poor productivity people go, yes, but the majority were not. This last round cut deep and hard.

So far most applying are not qualified for the roles. This means those on the LR list probably should be there or they did nothing to expand their talents. Cold, hard truth. It explains a lot about the technical competence of a lot of teams but the SIAs/SEs have been an absolute disappointment. Talk a bunch without saying a word and expect that to fly for teams that want results. A lot found out how much that talking was worth on the 15th.

They have already paid for that.

Mate, with business units chock full and tech companies downsizing their workforce, it's easy to forget a couple of key points. During the peak of Covid, the job market was booming because companies were uncertain about the future. They went all out to keep their staff happy and retain them, playing the game to stay afloat. Mate, everyone knows these days that the tech industry is just as unpredictable as the stock market. Anything can happen overnight. Just look at how quickly the AI trend took off. You could be pouring your heart and soul into a project for years, and then BAM! Everything could flip on its head. Now, for someone who isn't tech-savvy and works in HR, this constant flux can be a real challenge to navigate. If you're looking to stay in the tech industry, listen up to my advice. Focus on building your technical skills, even if they don't directly match your career goals or if you don't particularly enjoy it. Remember, knowledge is key, and the more you know, the more doors will open for you. Also, keep in mind that the tech field is fiercely competitive. There are numerous small tech companies out there doing the same work for less. Adaptability and continuous learning will be crucial for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.It's true that older businesses sometimes decline—it's just the natural cycle of things. For those who have been laid off and spent over a decade at the company, it's important to acknowledge and appreciate your hard work. Remember that you have played a significant role in building a strong foundation for the company. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, mates from Australia. Cheers!

You get a new job via your network not applying to postings. There is less than a 2% chance you will get hired by applying to a job blind. If you don't have a strong external network you will be looking for a long, long time.

You're smart to look while you have a job. Many companies have tech orgs that need skills (insurance, medical, manufacturing) Try to parlay your Cisco experience into another sector with which are are familiar.

My take on some of what's happening out there (you aren't alone in non-response...)

1. ATS / Algorithms - machine learning ... is not learning...
2. Harvesting resumes for the future -- but not the present.
3. Companies are in the process of finding cheap labor in the form of interns and new grads hitting the market soon.

I've applied for 9 jobs so far. I'm very experienced and have the badges, but I cannot even get an interview. The industry is completely sc--wed. I can't believe that I've not even spoken to someone.

I feel that the roles advertised are probably being soaked up with LRed people

I'm not redundant, thank god, but I do worry that if I were how the he-l would I pay my bills and feed my family longer term. I really need to get out of this industry, it's totally fubar.

Working on your backfill - top grading. Very normal. Very real.

To add:

5. Give LR people hope to keep applying and keeping busy while being hopeful.
6. Give the impression company is hiring and growing.
7. Test posted site for posting/receiving resumes when real demand picks up.
8. Test how LR people are responding to jobs posted or taking it easy. This allows companies to decrease severance in future LRs.
9. Train departments and HR resources to test their Requisition contents to draw bigger crowd.

AND the top 10th reason for companies to keep posting jobs….. drum roll please…

10. Where are all the jobs gone?

You’re welcome ☺️.

I've heard alot about it online, seems like its at least one of the following:

1. keeping HR busy when the positions don't actually exist
2. appeasing those workers picking up slack of laid-off employees (oops.... Limited Restructured. My bad.)
3. Department finds that the overworked people (see option 2) will probably just keep working and cancel the position.
4. Making the company seem more successful in this trying time.

I would love to hear from an HR worker on this, though.