Thousands of Microsoft workers, including Mike Kostersitz, face layoffs amid industry-wide job cuts. Kostersitz, a 31-year veteran at Microsoft, was blindsided by the news. Companies like Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet have also trimmed their workforces, citing AI automation. The tech industry announced 33,281 job cuts in October 2025.

Kostersitz is now navigating an unfamiliar job market reshaped by automation and AI. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, sharing on LinkedIn that “something exciting is brewing.” Layoffs in the tech sector are on the rise, with 141,159 job cuts announced in 2025, up 17% from the same period in 2024.

Facing a layoff can be financially and emotionally challenging. Kostersitz advises taking time to reset before launching into the job search. Utilize resources like career advisors and online training to enhance your skills and make your resume more appealing to potential employers. Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and crafting compelling stories that showcase your abilities.

Networking and referrals can be crucial in a competitive job market. Kostersitz landed an interview at Nvidia through a referral. Even if they can’t hire you, reaching out to old colleagues and industry peers can lead to valuable connections. As layoffs continue to rise, it’s wise to prepare financially and professionally for potential job changes.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Washington man spent 31 years at Microsoft only to be fired on a call with 120 others. Here’s how he’s rebuilding at 60