Seasoned engineering manager here. I have big-tech on my resume along with two startups. I resigned in 2023 at a wrong time just when mass layoffs had started. I have been working at a startup but funds are running out. I am trying to get an interview but so far I did not have any luck.

I am fairly good with system design and a bit rusty with code. AI certainly helps but doing leetcode is another battle.

I don't know what's going on but I am seeing mostly auto-rejects from ATS. So far only one recruiter said no because I did not meet the citizenship criteria. Most people from my network are laid off or are not responding. So much for the coworker friendship.

I am considering reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn. But, I imagine everyone else is reaching out and they are bombarded. It's also very awkward for me to reach out and ask for something like this.

So I have a question for those of you who are managers and landed a job recently. What worked for you?