Navigating the hiring process amid mass layoffs

Question

I've been casually applying for new roles for the past couple of weeks, and have a few opportunities that look like they could pan out. I worry that if I were to accept one of these offers I would, as a very new hire, be one of the first to be let go in the event of a mass layoff.

I've considered the possibility of negotiating a contractual agreement that guarantees job security for a time, say six months. Is this a reasonable ask? Is there a precedent for this type of agreement?

Matt syp · Accepted Answer

I would say it depends on the company. But in the end, I don't think most companies will do that. You can negotiate a signing bonus which usually doesn't get clawed back during a layoff.

It's a risky time so just take that into account when you make a decision. Discuss runway with the company. Ask about profitability and get a feel for financial stability. That will cut some of the risk.

8xgqiU · Answer

Maybe you can design what the terms of the contract are with milestones... but what company is going to go through all the work of making sure those terms are legal and at the end of the day, benefit them? Unless you're an executive or super special, I highly doubt any company is going to bother when there's 10-100 others that would take the job no questions asked.

omegamail · Answer

I would think it's possible to negotiate severance in the case they do layoffs. That might be just as good as the guarantee you're looking for. If they already have clearly defined severance, ask for it and maybe see if they are open to extending that so you have a runway.

delacnu · Answer

In general, i dont think that exists. Too much liability for an employer.

In India, there is a employment guarantee program called MG-NREGA but it is for people in rural areas. They provide at least 100 days of employment to at least one member of every household whose adult members "volunteer" to do unskilled manual work. Not what you're looking for but an example of how rare it is imo.

SamSqualor · Answer

If you can, ask about product market fit during the interview. Are you working on a new product or an existing one? What’s the performance look like for the past year? What are the projections looking like for the next quarter or two? What does churn look like at the org? Was someone in this role prior? If so, why did they leave?

Navigating the hiring process amid mass layoffs

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