How to Go From Pink-Slipped to Parties

When the dot-com bubble burst back in 2000, Allison Hemming was one of the many laid-off employees. At the time, she planned a get together and networking event with fellow-laid off employees to swap career advice, commiserate, and meet with recruiters, and this meetings turned into what she dubbed “pink slip parties.”

Now, as more than 100,000 employees in the tech and media industries have faced layoffs over the past year, we talk to Allison Hemming, CEO of The Hired Guns, a tech-recruiting firm, about pink slip parties, advice for people facing layoffs, and how companies and CEOs can make these difficult moments better for their employees.

We also share that The Takeaway team has also been pink-slipped. The Takeaway will broadcast our last episode on June 2nd.

The Backstory on the Pink Slip Parties…

- By Allison Hemming, CEO, The Hired Guns

When the Dotcom Bubble burst in the Spring of 2000, Allison Hemming had the bright idea to bring newly unemployed digital media and tech workers face to face with recruiters and hiring managers. But not through some stuffy networking event—she threw a series of fun-filled bashes she dubbed Pink Slip Parties. 

Bear in mind that the 2000 Dotcom Meltdown happened pre-social media (the only TikTok was the sound of your alarm clock). There was no LinkedIn (founded 2003), Facebook (2004), Twitter (2006) or Instagram (2010). Back then, Pink Slippers were being sent home into isolation with limited ability to network and connect. Some of them hadn’t even had time to grab their Rolodexes. 

It helped that Allison was the newly minted founder of The Hired Guns, a digital and tech recruiting firm. And even more than matchmaking employers with jobseekers, she knew how devastating unemployment could be and she wanted people to see they didn’t have to go it alone. So, along with hiring managers, she also invited career coaches and the “left behinds” — former colleagues who hadn’t gotten the ax from the companies that had layoffs and wanted to lend support. 

The typical Pink Slip attendees back then were high tech and internet professionals, running the gamut from Engineers and Developers to Product Managers, UXers, Designers, Marketers and Content Strategists and sales. 

Instead of being handed a sad “my name is” sticker tag at the door, attendees were given color-coded glow bracelets: job seekers got hot pink, recruiters and hiring managers were given green, and supportive pals wrapped glowing blue bands around their wrists. These parties soon became a light during a dark time and were written about by outlets including New York Magazine, The New York Times and CNN. They even inspired a Pink Slip Party etiquette piece in Computerworld.  

Soon, Pink Slip Parties started popping up all around in tech hubs around the the world from Silicon Valley to Tokyo, London and Berlin. 

At the time, Hemming said, “The message of solidarity is clear; people want to step out from behind their computers and search for answers together – live and in person.”

Today, in the wake of recent Tech layoffs, Hemming still strongly believes that human connection is even more essential than ever – especially when compounded by hybrid work and our gradual recovery from the Pandemic. Millennial and Gen Z tech workers are really feeling the burn since most have only experienced an employee-driven job market where they could pitch and choose their opportunities. So the entire concept of mass layoffs is new to them.

HOW TO THROW A PINK SLIP PARTY

If you’ve been laid off or “pink slipped” – instead of waiting for someone else to throw a Pink Slip Party – consider throwing your own. Here’s how. 

As the Pink Slip Party host, you need to be findable and connected. Rather than noodling over fonts on your resume, update your LinkedIn Profile immediately instead – and be sure to set it to “open to work.” Then, quickly connect with all of your fellow laid off coworkers and also colleagues from past jobs—the ones you liked anyway.  

Recruit a few former colleagues to co-host. Going it alone in a job hunt is never fun, and the same is true for throwing a party. ID a few reliable work friends and start delegating. 

Set the Date. One of the worst things about being fired is having a big empty calendar in front of you. People want something to look forward to, and your Pink Slip Party will be it. Be bold and pull it together quickly – time is the enemy of good ideas. 

Select your Pink Slip Party format. These events can be as simple as monthly get-togethers designed for your immediate team, colleagues across your company, or even potential colleagues across your industry. Do you want a party that’s open to everyone or one that’s focused by discipline or sector? (eg. UX Designers only vs. All Tech companies?  

Location, Location, Location.  Vibe is everything. If you want an intimate affair, pick a local watering hole in an accessible neighborhood. Bushwick may be cool, but colleagues from the Bronx or Westchester will probably give it a pass.  Instead, pick a place near a transit hub. The point is to actually have a conversation, so consider volume and timing. Clubs can be great because they usually don’t have a happy hour crowd and are thrilled to book an early event. 

Build a killer invite list. The alchemy of a great Pink Slip Party requires that you have a mix of interesting people at the event. Obviously the “Pink Slippers” will be the guests of honor. Along with inviting those who were hit by the most recent layoffs, invite colleagues who might’ve gotten the heave-ho before you. Even former colleagues who still work at your last employer are good to have around for support—and future references. Recruiters and hiring managers with open roles at their companies will be the true VIPs of the event. 

Market Your Pink Slip Party. Facebook Groups were made for just this moment. They’re a great place to share job opportunities, and you can build one in minutes and start inviting people right away. You’ll be amazed at how fast your group  will grow. 

And don’t forget to figure out your own unique way to ID guests!  Back when Pink Slip Parties launched, there were no nametags allowed. Instead, attendees ID’ed themselves via glowing color-coded glow bracelets. You can swipe that idea or come up with a creative way of your own. But just say no to “my name is” stickers!

The most important thing Pink Slip Parties did was help form a community of supportive job seekers and the people who were willing and able to help them. After all, nearly 40% of us will depart from our jobs unwillingly (aka, fall victim to layoffs), and there’s no shame in that game! Instead of throwing yourself a Pity Party, host yourself a Pink Slip Party instead.