Layoffs create an environment ripe with good people suddenly much more open to new opportunities. These people weren’t planning on being active, but now, due to circumstances outside their control, they need to start exploring. Even the top 10% who may feel less vulnerable to the layoff are unlikely to be overjoyed to be part of a company downsizing. It’s nerve-wracking at best. As a recruiter, this is your moment to position yourself as the solution.

One of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve is by monitoring WARN notices. When large companies are preparing for layoffs, they are required to file a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN). This gives you a head start, allowing you to be proactive in contacting potential candidates even before the layoffs take full effect.

Find your local WARN listings through a Google search, and then automate the strings in Google Alerts.

The key to connecting with these candidates is all about timing and messaging. When sending that first email, leverage the uncertainty they’re facing. People respond to urgency, especially when it’s framed around their own career security.

A subject line like “Uncertainty amidst layoffs at [Company Name]” immediately grabs attention. You’re speaking directly to the fear they’re feeling, and offering a way out. It’s human nature to want stability, especially when everything around you seems shaky. FOMO also plays a big role here—these candidates don’t want to miss their next big move while everyone else is scrambling to land on their feet.

Once they open your email, keep the tone empathetic but direct. Acknowledge what they’re going through, then swiftly transition to how you can help:

•     Position yourself as their career advocate: Let them know you’re here to help them navigate the market.
•     Highlight (but don’t disclose) opportunities they might not know about: Create a sense of exclusivity around the roles you’re representing.
•     Move quickly: Time is of the essence, and those affected by layoffs often want to move fast. Be ready to facilitate interviews and discussions with hiring companies immediately.

Hesitation can cost a candidate their next role. Your messaging should emphasize the urgency to act now. A line like, “We’re currently seeing a surge in interest for candidates from your industry, and I’d love to discuss how you can secure your next role before the competition heats up,” can be enough to spark action.

The fear of being left behind is real, and when candidates know others are also in transition, they’ll be more likely to jump on an opportunity before someone else does. Use this to your advantage.

This isn’t just about filling a role quickly; it’s about building long-term relationships. Candidates who experience layoffs tend to remember the recruiters who reached out and helped them in their time of need. By offering guidance, even if the initial role you’re pitching isn’t a fit, you’re laying the groundwork for future opportunities.

•     Stay in touch with these candidates: Whether they land a role through you or not, follow up. They may know others affected by the layoffs or keep you in mind for their next transition.
•     Be the trusted advisor: Layoffs create confusion and uncertainty. Your role is to cut through that noise and provide clarity. The more you show candidates you’re not just there for a quick fee but genuinely invested in their success, the more they’ll trust you down the road.

Keeping a close eye on industries prone to layoffs is crucial. When tech, retail, or even healthcare sectors begin to show signs of downsizing, you should be the first to know. Be prepared to jump into action when those WARN notices hit or when you hear rumblings of changes. The quicker you act, the more likely you are to scoop up high-quality candidates before your competitors even notice.

Layoffs are inevitable, but for headhunters like us, they create a window of opportunity. By staying alert to market changes, acting swiftly, and leveraging the emotions candidates feel during these uncertain times, you’ll not only fill your roles but also build a pipeline of top-tier talent eager to take the next step.

Remember, every layoff announcement is a chance for you to be the solution.