Peter Silva covers security for F5’s Technical Marketing Team. Bringing the slightly theatrical and fairly technical together, he covers training, writing, speaking, along with overall product direction and evangelism for F5’s security line.
Today on Top Tech Talent Reemployment Project, we’re diving into another Reddit recording—this time, a nightmare interview experience shared on r/Accounting. Here’s the story of Anna Bella T.W., who endured a passive-aggressive interviewer that left her questioning her worth.
From scoffing at answers to undermining her confidence at every turn, this interviewer crossed the line. The post details how a promising candidate with a university degree and internships was made to feel small, despite her qualifications. She even had to pull over on the freeway, overwhelmed with emotion after the interview.
We unpack her experience, share some of the supportive comments from Reddit, and discuss how to handle situations like these in the job hunt. No one deserves to feel this way, and we hope this story reminds everyone to stay resilient.
If you’ve ever had a terrible interview or want to hear more stories like this, stick around for more Reddit recordings. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly content to support job seekers and tech professionals!
Read her story and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/interviews/comments/1g3xoi7/nightmare_of_an_interview/
#JobInterviews#RedditStories#Accounting#JobHunting#InterviewTips#WorkplaceStories#CareerAdvice#EmploymentJourney#TopTechTalent#ReemploymentProject
In this episode, host Peter dives into the challenges of the tech job market in 2023 and 2024 and introduces us to Julia, a dynamic writer and content strategist with a fascinating background in computational cognitive neuroscience.
Julia shares insights on:
The art of connecting products and services with customers in meaningful ways.
A unique go-to-market project blending creativity and marketing lessons.
Advice for navigating today’s job market with hope and resilience.
The unexpected ways her marketing expertise supports her independent wrestling promotion.
This conversation offers valuable tips for job seekers, from leveraging personal connections to writing cover letters for maximum impact. Julia’s inspiring journey and creative energy are sure to resonate with anyone looking to make their next career move.
📌 Connect with Julia: Check out her LinkedIn profile for opportunities to collaborate with this highly creative and versatile professional!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-high-8030825/
👩💻 Are you a tech talent looking for a platform to share your story? Drop a comment to join the show! Recruiters, don’t miss out on these amazing candidates featured in our Reemployment Series.
🎥 Enjoyed this video? Like, share, and subscribe to support the project and discover more incredible tech talent.
0:00 Intro
0:33 Meet Julia
1:30 Julia's Background & Process
2:47 Highlights of a Project Failure (With Learnings!!)
5:30 Brand Feeling or Attachment
6:08 Marketing Sports Teams
7:40 What Do You Miss About Work?
8:39 What Have You Learned?
9:12 What Have You Been Surprised By?
11:20 What Are You Doing to Stay Hopeful?
12:05 What Would You Do if You Knew You Could Not Fail?
14:30 Wrap and Close
#TechReemployment#JobSearchTips#TopTechTalent#CreativeMarketing#CareerJourney
Welcome to the Top Tech Talent Reemployment Project, where we help professionals impacted by layoffs find meaningful roles at companies they love. 🌟
In this episode, I’m joined by my career coach, Hector McLaughlin, a former HR executive now with LHH, to discuss insider tips for job seekers. From understanding the significance of January 15th in workforce planning (aka the “hockey stick date”) to mastering interviews with goal-focused strategies, Hector shares invaluable insights to supercharge your job search.
🔑 Key takeaways:
Why January 15th marks the beginning of the most active hiring season.
How workforce planning impacts job creation and layoffs.
The importance of aligning your skills with a company’s goals during interviews.
How to stand out as a candidate by researching and addressing company objectives.
Why hidden job opportunities exist, even if they're not posted.
Whether you're navigating layoffs or seeking a career change, Hector’s expertise will help you position yourself for success.
🔥 Don’t miss this essential guide for job seekers—watch, like, and subscribe for more!
#JobSearchTips#CareerAdvice#WorkforcePlanning#TopTechTalent#Reemployment#layoffs
Literal convoy of Oregon and N. California Fire Fighters heading to Los Angeles to help with LA Fires. Recorded near Oregon-California border, Jan 9, 2024 approx. 6:00pm. #LAFires
Aloha! Welcome to the Top Tech Talent Reemployment Project. I'm Peter, and today we're diving into the world of ATS (Applicant Tracking System) resumes. If you've been job hunting, you know the struggle of ensuring your resume passes through those automated filters.
In this video, I test out some top-rated ATS resume checkers, including JobScan, Resume Worded, and LiveCareer. Watch as I tweak my resume, learn from these tools, and uncover tips to optimize your resume for ATS compatibility. From matching keywords to improving bullet points and action verbs, I’ll show you how to make your resume stand out.
If you're navigating your own job search, follow along, and don’t forget to adjust your resume for each job application! These tips can make all the difference in getting past the initial screening and into the hands of a hiring manager.
🔗 Featured Tools:
JobScan
Resume Worded
LiveCareer
📌 Helpful Tips:
Optimize for keywords from the job description.
Use a clean, ATS-friendly format.
Adjust your resume for every application.
👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more job search insights and tips. Good luck out there!
#JobSearchTips#ATSResume#ResumeOptimization#JobHunting2024#CareerDevelopment
2024 Job Hunt: Why It's Harder Than Ever to Land a Role!
Taken from: r/careerguidance
https://www.reddit.com/r/careerguidance/comments/1c1yp7h/2024_job_hunt_hits_different_whats_going_on/
In 2023, landing a job as a Director in a tech company took roughly 3 months, 100 applications, and 9 interviews. Fast forward to 2024, the job market feels like a completely different landscape. Despite having a stronger resume, more experience, and an improved personal brand, this professional's current job search has spanned 5 months, 210 applications, and resulted in only 2 interviews.
🌟 What’s Changed?
This video explores the dramatic shift in the 2024 job market and shares insights about:
The drop in interview success rates, from 10% to less than 1%.
Challenges transitioning from mid-stage companies to enterprise roles.
Community-sourced advice on tackling today’s job search obstacles.
🚀 Key Takeaways for Job Seekers:
Ensure resumes are optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—avoid design embellishments.
Consider applying to roles where qualifications don’t perfectly align.
Crafting a concise, impactful 1-page resume can make a difference.
Networking and leveraging second-degree connections are more crucial than ever.
🎯 Join the discussion: What strategies are helping you navigate the 2024 job market? Share your tips in the comments!
#JobHunting2024#CareerAdvice#ATSResumeTips#NetworkingTips#ProductMarketing#B2BSaaSJobs#JobSearchJourney#JobMarket
The numbers are staggering—2024 has seen over 200,000 layoffs across 1,200 companies, with 82% coming from the tech industry. Welcome to the Top Tech Talent Reemployment Project! I'm Peter, and this initiative is all about supporting those affected by layoffs and helping them find fulfilling roles.
In our first episode, I’m joined by my friend Alex Ryan, a talented professional I worked with before both of us were laid off. Alex shares her inspiring journey, from building trusted customer relationships and excelling in threat intelligence to her new approach to job hunting and staying positive.
Key insights from Alex include:
The power of leveraging your network and working with recruiters.
Highlights of impactful projects in threat detection and intelligence.
Staying mentally strong through challenges with stoic philosophy.
This episode is packed with tips, motivation, and a reminder that layoffs don't have to define your journey—they can be the start of something better.
If you’re in tech and want to share your story on the show, reach out to us. Let’s rebuild together!
Connect with Alex Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkinryan/
Remember to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and resources for navigating the tech job market. Aloha!
After being let go from F5 in May 2023, I started thinking about how to support job seekers during tough times. That’s when I came up with the Top Tech Talent Reemployment Project—a video series featuring professionals who have been impacted by layoffs. The idea is simple: I host 5-7 minute interviews where we discuss your experience, skills, career goals, and even a fun hobby.
These video resumes are designed to give job seekers a platform to shine. Whether you want to share them with recruiters, post on LinkedIn, or use them as personal introductions, I’ll record, produce, and send you the final file for free.
This project isn’t just about creating content; it’s about building confidence, sharing stories, and connecting talent with opportunity. With the tech industry making headlines for layoffs, this could also become a go-to resource for recruiters looking for quality candidates.
🎥 Interested in being featured? Let’s collaborate and create something meaningful together. Drop me a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
📺 Welcome to the Top Tech Talent Reemployment Project. Let’s turn challenges into opportunities and build something great together.
🔗 Subscribe to my channel for more inspiring stories: https://www.youtube.com/@TopTechTalent/
Friday's with the Threat Intelligence Team as we take a look at some of the security announcements over the past week and the things that might impact you in the coming weeks. A couple little quick stories that, Alex and Threat Intelligence team came up with and we hope to give you a little insight into these. Maybe added to your weekend reading or to your Monday list of things to do if this impacts you directly.
This is Episode 4 of Threat Intelligence Hot Shots. Sr. Threat Intelligence Analyst, Alex Ryan, and Peter discuss the recent shutdown of breach forums by the FDI, the increasing pace of advanced techniques and target scope of Russian state-sponsored threat actors, and two new vulnerabilities for Dealing routers. They advise limiting access to these devices and keeping them up to date with patches and admin password changes. They also mention a competition to name a movie.
This week we looked at:
Russian state sponsored threat actors.
Vulnerabilities in KEV and D-LinkThis is Episode 5 of Threat Intelligence Hot Shots, Senior threat intelligence analyst, Alex Ryan, discusses a critical vulnerability in Chromium that allows exploit codes to escape the isolation mechanism of the browser. The vulnerability can be exploited through a carefully crafted HTML page, which can be delivered through phishing links, search engine optimization, or ads on trusted platforms. Ryan provides tips on how to detect the attack and establish persistence.The focus for Episode 6 is on attacks on water utilities by Chinese and Russian state-sponsored actors, targeting PLC and HMI devices with weak passwords and known vulnerabilities. The threat is increasing, with advisories from government entities warning about the attacks. The threat actors are using living off the land techniques, such as power show commands and PS exec, and data exfiltration over unencrypted channels like FTP. The solution is to use a zero-trust architecture and isolate the systems.In this Episode 7 of Threat Intelligence Hot shots, featuring senior analyst Alex Ryan. They discuss the emergence of a new ransomware group called RansomHub, which has quickly become a major player in the ransomware landscape due to its veteran operators and fast expansion. The malware is highly obfuscated and difficult to detect, and its advanced features include rebooting devices into safe mode to avoid detection by host-based detections and EDRs. The best defense is to patch active directory servers and use browser isolation to prevent initial access.In Episode 8 of Threat Intelligence Hot Shots Weekly, featuring Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst Alex Ryan. This week's focus is on info stealers, which have become a major concern due to their ability to steal data and credentials. The impact of an info stealer is demonstrated through the recent Snowflake incident, where data was stolen and sold on breached forums. The summary provides insights on how info stealers work and how to protect against them.Episode 9, Alex Ryan discusses the idea of data consolidation and mining of breached data, which can be used by threat actors for social engineering and pretexting. The data can be used for credential theft, extortion, and malicious insider attacks. AI can be used to strip out usernames and passwords, and to create authentic emails to target individuals. Users are becoming more susceptible to social engineering, and it is important to remove automatic logins from profiles.Episode 10 we look at the top three ransomware players for the past week and the past couple of weeks are discussed, along with a new botnet named Zergeca that is made for denial of service attacks. Denial of service attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and are being used to target the financial sector and healthcare facilities associated with military support. The Olympics, World Cup, and political gatherings like NATO and G2 summit may also be targeted. Defenses against these attacks are discussed.Episode 11, we discuss the recent AT&T data breach, which exposed metadata about telephone calls and text messages for about 110 million people. The breach occurred on April 19th, but the FBI requested that the reporting be delayed to give people time to change their numbers. The breach could put people in danger, especially those in espionage, politics, or journalism. The summary also covers a critical vulnerability in the legacy authentication protocol, RADIUS, which could have a huge impact on network devices.
Friday's with the Threat Intelligence Team as we take a look at some of the security announcements over the past week and the things that might impact you in the coming weeks. A couple little quick stories that, Alex and Threat Intelligence team came up with and we hope to give you a little insight into these. Maybe added to your weekend reading or to your Monday list of things to do if this impacts you directly.
Friday's with the Threat Intelligence Team as we take a look at some of the security announcements over the past week and the things that might impact you in the coming weeks. A couple little quick stories that, Alex and Threat Intelligence team came up with and we hope to give you a little insight into these. Maybe added to your weekend reading or to your Monday list of things to do if this impacts you directly.
As we close out 2024, I'm smiling and reflecting on the year in Episode 8 of The Unemployed: My Laid Off Life. Despite one unforgettable "dumpster fire" day, this year has been pretty decent. I've learned so many new technologies and grown in ways I never expected—grateful for the lessons and for all of YOU who have engaged with my content.
Being laid off (again) was one of those defining life moments that opened my eyes to new perspectives. It’s shaped my character and inspired what’s coming next: a special Reemployment Project I’ll unveil next week! I’m excited to share it with you and get your involvement.
For now, as we head into the New Year, stay safe out there—no unnecessary risks! (Yes, I’m a security person at heart.) Thank you for your incredible support, encouragement, and engagement this year. And, If 2024 wasn’t your year, here’s to lighting the wick, flicking the match and walking away without a glance Bruckheimer style!
Happy New Year! Aloha 🌟
Welcome to Episode 7 of The Unemployed: My Laid-Off Life! It's Christmas Eve, and if you're a job seeker, take a deep breath and let go of some of that stress and anxiety for the next few days. 🎁 Nothing major is likely to change this week, so focus on what keeps you going.
For me, I’ve been thinking about passions and ideas, and I’m starting to pursue something new. I’ll share more details with you right after the New Year—and I hope to get you involved if you're on the job hunt. It’s exciting, and I can’t wait to tell you about it!
This holiday season, remember to be kind, generous, and helpful, and most importantly, have fun. 🌟 Let’s brighten the season together! Episode 7 is in the books, and I’ll see you next week—on New Year’s Eve. 🎉
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄✨ Aloha.
#TheUnemployed#LaidOffLife#JobSeekerSupport#MerryChristmas#HappyHolidays
I had rehearsed a whole opening for Episode 6 of The Unemployed: My Laid-Off Life but alas, I did not get the gig. This week, I share how I came close to landing a role through an internal referral—only to face rejection. But it’s not all bad news! I received some helpful feedback that I’m passing on:
1️⃣ Match the Experience: They chose someone with deep partner/reseller experience, which made sense for the role.
2️⃣ Know Your Audience: Adjusting tone and formality for different regions and teams is crucial.
3️⃣ Keep It Concise: Stay focused on answering interview questions clearly and directly.
While this one didn’t work out, I’m now on their "warm list" for future openings. That’s how I landed a great role in the past, so I’m staying optimistic!
Resources to Help You:
Howard Holton’s LinkedIn posts (resume tips and ChatGPT prompts).
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/howardholton_in-my-life-ive-been-lucky-enough-to-hire-activity-7274525692598362113-Prgt/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/howardholton_chatgpt-resume-feedback-wizard-activity-7274816349879635971-aZcM/
Podcasts and posts like Kingfisher’s for job openings and advice.
https://kingfisher.substack.com/p/kingfisher-issue-6-curated-cybersecurity
I’m also considering launching a project to help others—quick 3-5 minute video interviews for those laid off, highlighting their skills and goals. Interested? Drop me a DM or comment!
Remember: visualize, believe, and show up to receive. It worked for Bruce Lee, and it can work for us too! See you next week. Aloha!
It’s Episode 5 of The Unemployed: My Laid-Off Life, and I’m keeping hope alive! Last week, I went through eight interviews, spanning early mornings to afternoon meetings with VPs. The process felt great, with positive chemistry all around. Meanwhile, I faced rejection for another role but was quickly contacted by a recruiter for a new, different opportunity. In job search news, remember: interviews mean companies are investing in you—time and resources matter so stay confident. Also, a fun business tip: if meeting costs exceed the budget you’re discussing, call it the "over-meeting rule!" Sending good vibes your way—keep smiling and stay hopeful! Aloha!
Episode 4: The Unemployed Chronicles: A Lesson from My Laid Off Life
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/psilvas_the-unemployed-chronicles-a-lesson-from-activity-7269854916968407042-K6re/
Episode 3: Thanksgiving Gratitude & Job Hunt Updates for Episode 3 of, The Unemployed
https://lnkd.in/grzZezCD
Episode 2: Week Two of Unemployment'ville: Stay Positive & Patient
https://lnkd.in/gBByea_E
Episode 1: Axed from Ericsson? Taking Control of Your Post-Layoff Journey
https://lnkd.in/ggKiW2wz
Welcome to Episode 4 of 'The Unemployed: My Laid-Off Life.' We’ve officially got a title for this journey! Today, I have a confession. Most of the time, I’m optimistic and try to stay chill. But yesterday? Not so much.
I had scheduled a meeting with a career coach to discuss resumes, job placements, and opportunities. The meeting was set for 1:30 PM—or so I thought. I logged in, waited for ten minutes… and nothing. Frustrated but thinking I might’ve mixed up the time, I tried again at 3:30 PM after a follow-up email. Still, no show.
At first, I was upset—disappointed and a little annoyed. But instead of letting it ruin my day, I decided to send a polite note: “Hey, sorry we missed each other! Hope everything’s okay.” This morning, I got a response. Turns out, the coach doesn’t even schedule on those days! A simple misunderstanding cleared up with a call today.
The takeaway? Stay positive and give others the benefit of the doubt. Stress and anxiety can cloud your perspective, but a little patience goes a long way.
On the job front: This week, I submitted four more applications, two with internal referrals (a big help). And the highlight? I got a call about a top-choice role and scheduled a follow-up for tomorrow morning. Good vibes!
So, if you’re on a similar journey, remember to stay grateful. Frustrations happen, but there’s always a way forward. Thanks for following along, and I’ll see you in Episode 5. Aloha!
Welcome to Week 3 of my Joblessness Journey—if you're in the same boat, come on over! It's Thanksgiving week, so take a moment to relax and focus on gratitude. Remember, gratitude is one of the best antidotes to anxiety and worry.
This week, I’m incredibly thankful for my family, health, and all of you—your support, comments, and job recommendations mean the world. And, if you're job-hunting, take it easy this week; most companies are likely slowing down for the holiday. Think of it as a free week to recharge.
A quick warning: scams are still floating around. I got a bogus message from “Bonanza” (not the TV reboot!). Always stay vigilant about these.
As for my job search, over the last two weeks, take me to the stats!! I’ve applied to seven or eight roles at companies I admire. So far, two polite rejections came in, but the rest are still in play. The big news? I’m moving forward with one recruiter from last week for an incredible role! Fingers crossed for the next steps.
This week, let go of the pressure. Spend time with loved ones, enjoy Thanksgiving, and be thankful for the good things in your life. Good luck with your search, and see you next week! Happy Thanksgiving!
It’s Day 12 of unemployment for me—and maybe for you if you were recently impacted too. As the initial reactions and support taper off, it’s crucial to stay patient and positive. Here’s what I’ve been up to:
Applied for Unemployment Benefits: Don’t feel embarrassed about using what’s rightfully yours. Ensure you meet requirements: being ready, willing, and able to work.
Updated My Résumé: This is a great first step. I also sent it to trusted connections for feedback and targeted three perfect-fit roles.
Recruiter Chat: Had my first conversation in 20 years with a recruiter about one of these opportunities. Patience is key, as they have multiple priorities.
Life Goes On: Celebrated 21 wonderful years with my wife last week. Here’s to keeping perspective amidst the job search.
If you're in the same boat, focus on targeted applications, be patient, and don’t lose hope. Best of luck to all of us navigating this journey. Aloha!
I'm sharing my personal story of being laid off, along with 199 other Ericsson employees. It's an anxiety-inducing experience, but I want to take you through what happened and how I'm dealing with it. From receiving the dreaded email to the long wait for that meeting, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. But through it all, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support from my network of technologists—thank you all so much.
This is my second layoff experience, and just like the first time, the uncertainty and waiting were the hardest parts. I’ll talk about the reality of being laid off in corporate America, the kind support from my colleagues, and how I plan to move forward. I’ve already posted my open-for-work status on LinkedIn and learned a valuable lesson: revenge-job-hunting isn’t the answer.
If you’re in the same boat as me, remember: stay positive, use your network, and take this as a new opportunity. I’ll be chronicling my job search journey, so stay tuned for more updates.
Thanks for watching and for all your kind words. We’ll see each other on a screen somewhere soon. Aloha!
