NSN #8 | How to Tackle Corporate Layoffs & More

Katie
Apr 25
2 min read

Hey there,

Welcome to this week’s edition of The North Star Newsletter!

This one’s a little extra special—I’m featuring a recent Q&A I did with journalist Ryan Beckwith on how to navigate corporate layoffs.

We covered practical, real-world strategies that I know you’ll find valuable—whether you’re currently job searching or just staying prepared.

Let’s dive in. 🥳

🏢 Corporate Hack of the Week: The “Reply & Delay” Trick

This one small email strategy might help you get a raise.

I call it the Reply & Delay Hack—and here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Draft your email response as soon as you receive the message.

2️⃣ Don’t send it right away.

3️⃣ Schedule it to go out the next morning.

Let’s say you receive a message at 6 p.m. and don’t know what to say—draft your response, let it sit, revisit it in the morning with fresh eyes, make any edits, and then send.

This does two things:

✔ Makes you look responsive.

✔ Buys you time to think and craft a better message.

Try this for the next month and watch how it sharpens your communication (and maybe even your reputation).

😓 Q&A: How to Respond to Layoffs

Last week, I had the chance to chat with Ryan Beckwith, a respected journalist, about layoffs—and what to do if you find yourself facing one.

Here’s a quick snapshot of our conversation:

Ryan: “If your HR informs you that you are a part of the layoff, What’s the first thing you would do?”

Me: “Try not to panic. First, quietly gather essential documents—pay stubs, health insurance info, tax forms, access credentials, etc.”

Ryan: “After a day or two of processing, what’s next?”

Me: “Before job hunting, map out your finances. Know how long your savings will last. Build a realistic 12-month plan. This will shape your next move.”

Ryan: “What should people not do after being laid off?”

Me: “Don’t post about it on LinkedIn right away. It might feel productive, but it rarely helps. Instead, reach out directly to your network.”

Curious to read the full conversation?

👉 Click here to read the full Q&A

🌟 Quote of the Week

This one’s for all the recent grads and job seekers:

"You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate."– Chester Karras

In the corporate world, your value isn’t automatically recognized—it’s up to you to define it and advocate for it.

🥳 Free Resource of the Week: 60 ?'s to Ask Your Interviewer

Most job seekers prepare for what the recruiter might ask.

But the smart ones? They prepare for what they should ask.

That’s why I created a powerful list of 60 must-ask questions that will help you: