I was also laid off last year after 20 plus years at Mattel. Mattel soured my interest in continuing in the toy industry so I looked outside the industry where I could still use my current skill set. Did not use the outplacement service as I was bitter about how things ended. I also knew I wanted to find new career on my terms and work with people who already knew me and already appreciated me. I simply networked with past peers and within a couple of months was offered a new (better) position than I had at Mattel. Wow, what a difference working in an environment were you are appreciated an treated like a human again. After being treated like sh&t for so long, it's so refreshing to be in a positive culture again. I check into this site every now and then just to remind myself how bad things were (are) and how good I have it now that I'm out! Good luck everyone!
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Has it really been 7 years, BM? We miss you!
I did not use a head hunter. Never be afraid to network. That is probably the most important tool. Get your resume re-written by a professional. Use any programs they offer you after the fact. They are extremely helpful and definitely help you with networking and resume. And most importantly- in a few months, you will probably look at this as a gift. I know I did.
Is anyone using a headhunter? Any referrals? Looking in the ny area. Just let go. :(
Laid off last year and had a job within a month at another toy company. The culture is much healthier and, maybe I'm sheltered somehow but, I've not run into the politics that exist at Mattel/FP. I see management in the trenches with me and I'm treated like a valued member of a working team. Don't be afraid to look around NOW.
I was laid off last year too - found a job at another toy company within a few months. Having Mattel on your resume is a good thing.
Yes last year
Getting a new job is a climb use the resources AKA Right Managment
That you get with your package
They help you navigate unemployment / resume writing
If your like me older 50+ and have been at mattel a while it's a new world out there and you need every advantage posssible
Yes I was laid off last year. Landed at a much better toy company with a healthy culture and bright financial future!
7 years ago. Laid off. Went ti Jakks, still there, not ideal, politics, but less drama
Yes, I was laid off last year and found a job in a much smaller toy company. It isn't as 'glitzy' as Mattel but it is stable. Mattel on the resume piques a lot of interest from prospective employers and they always were curious about it on interviews.