Life After Layoffs: The Reality of Finding a Job in Tech Today
Lessons from people who’ve been through it, and insights from the recruiter’s side.
The tech job market has changed. Layoffs, tougher competition and longer hiring processes have made finding a new role more challenging than ever. But what actually happens after a redundancy? How do you rebuild your confidence, navigate the job search and figure out what comes next?
Join London Tech Community for an honest and practical conversation with women in tech who have experienced redundancy themselves, rebuilt their careers and come out stronger, alongside an experienced tech recruiter who knows what companies are really looking for.
This isn’t another conversation about perfect CVs or generic job-search advice. We want to talk about the reality: the uncertainty, the setbacks, the lessons learned and what genuinely helps you move forward.
Meet our speakers
Stephanie Irwin | Senior UX Designer at Tesco
Stephanie has worked across health, fashion and marketplaces, with experience at Numan, Depop and FARFETCH. Alongside product design, she teaches UX at BrainStation and mentors emerging designers. Named one of Drapers' 30 Under 30 in 2025, Stephanie experienced redundancy earlier this year and has since secured a new role. She’ll share what the journey really looked like, from navigating uncertainty to rebuilding confidence and finding the next opportunity.
Miren Ortigosa | UK Marketing Lead at Vantage Markets
With over 14 years of experience in growth and marketing across international businesses, Miren has held regional marketing roles at IG Group and Kaplan International. Having experienced redundancy during maternity leave, she knows first-hand how challenging a job search can become when you’re also navigating the realities of becoming a parent. She’ll share her perspective on career resilience, returning to the market and finding your next opportunity.
Maryna Nikitchuk | Global Head of Business Development at Nasdaq
Maryna brings 15 years of experience in B2B sales and business development across international technology companies. She leads global teams and builds revenue strategies across multiple markets, with a focus on AI, data and scalable growth. Having been laid off during her first job in the UK and since progressed into senior leadership, she has a particularly valuable perspective on navigating career setbacks and building long-term success in tech.
Viktoriia Prydatko | Founder and CEO of VP Team
With 23 years in tech and recruitment, Viktoriia has helped more than 100 companies and 10,000 people grow. Through VP Team, her recruitment company specialising in complex technical and management roles, she has worked with companies including Vimeo, Wix, Grammarly, monobank, LetyShops and MacPaw.
Viktoriia will bring the recruiter's perspective: what happens behind the scenes, what makes candidates stand out, what employers are looking for today and how to approach a competitive market strategically.
Your moderator
Diana Kocheva | Founder of London Tech Community
Diana founded London Tech Community in 2022 to support Ukrainians rebuilding their careers and lives in the UK. Since then, the community has helped more than 1,300 people find jobs in tech and organised hundreds of free events.
As a founder who has spent years working across technology, business development and community building, Diana will lead the conversation, bringing together personal experiences and practical insights from the hiring side.
What we'll talk about
Life after redundancy: the emotional and practical realities nobody prepares you for.
Finding a job in today's tech market: what works, what doesn't and what has changed.
Getting noticed by recruiters and standing out when competition is high.
Career setbacks, confidence and knowing how to position your experience.
Navigating redundancy during major life changes, including maternity leave.
What recruiters and hiring managers actually look for, especially in challenging and senior roles.
Turning an unexpected career break into your next opportunity.
Expect an honest discussion, actionable advice and the opportunity to connect with people who understand what you're going through.
Event details
18:30 — Doors open and networking
19:00 — Panel discussion starts
20:30 — Event ends
Registration is mandatory. Please register via Luma to secure your place.
About London Tech Community
London Tech Community is a free community supporting Ukrainians in the UK with career development, networking and social integration through technology. We bring people together to share knowledge, build connections and help each other move forward.
Whether you've recently been laid off, are looking for your next role, are navigating a career change or simply want to understand today's job market better, you're welcome.
Come for the insights. Stay for the community.