Introduction
January 2026 has opened with a series of high-profile layoffs, cutting across industries from gaming to fintech. Companies such as Playtika, Angi, Ubisoft, Cloudhead Games, eToro, and Hailo have announced reductions, ranging from small team changes to more substantial cuts. According to InterviewPal's report, these layoffs are part of a continued trend of corporate restructuring amid economic uncertainty, shifting market priorities, and intensifying competition.
For job seekers, the immediate concern is clear: fewer roles, more applicants, and changing expectations in the hiring pipeline. Yet, hidden behind the headline numbers are important signals about where the job market is heading — and how candidates can position themselves to thrive instead of panic.
Why These Layoffs Are Happening
While the surface narrative often centers on cost-cutting, the underlying causes vary:
Industry volatility: Gaming firms like Ubisoft and Cloudhead Games are adapting to fluctuating player demand and the high costs of developing next-generation experiences.
Platform shifts: Playtika and Angi are confronting evolving digital consumption habits that require leaner, more agile teams.
Macroeconomic pressures: eToro and Hailo are impacted by tightening investment climates and shifts in hardware adoption cycles.
AI disruption: Automation and AI-driven processes, including virtual interview screening, are compressing traditional staffing needs in multiple sectors.
This mixed causality means that layoffs are not just about struggling companies — they're also about structural change.
The Impact on Job Seekers
The obvious first impact is intensified competition. Highly skilled professionals are flooding the market, applying for similar roles, which forces recruiters to rely on tighter screening signals.
Equally important is the shift in interview dynamics: many layoffs are happening in industries where AI-assisted screening is already normalized. This means candidates must now be prepared not only for human-led interviews but also for algorithmic evaluation — often as the first hurdle.
In such an environment, the difference between shortlisted and rejected candidates increasingly comes down to adaptability, preparation, and the ability to demonstrate role-specific impact clearly. Early and targeted preparation — such as using tools that offer real-time interview support tailored to the company and role — can provide a crucial edge.
Implications for Career Planning
These layoffs signal several shifts:
Shorter hiring cycles – Companies are streamlining interviews to reduce cost and time-to-fill.
Hybrid skills demand – Technical roles now often require strong communication and problem-solving in multi-disciplinary contexts.
Greater reliance on remote evaluation – Remote technical tests, coding challenges, and case studies are conducted under timed, monitored conditions.
Spotlight on resilience and adaptability – Recruiters seek evidence of candidates thriving in disrupted industries.
For job seekers, this means you can no longer rely solely on your resume’s “list of experiences” — you must show competitive readiness for both traditional and modern screening formats.
Practical Actions to Take Right Now
1. Refocus Your Application Strategy
Instead of applying broadly, target companies and roles that align with both your core competencies and emerging growth sectors (e.g., clean tech, AI/ML services, cybersecurity). Tailor each application to show awareness of that company’s immediate challenges.
2. Upgrade Your Interview Readiness
Expect interviews to test your ability to respond under pressure in different modes:
Behavioral interviews evaluating your adaptability
Technical and coding challenges under live observation
Case studies focused on strategic thinking
By practicing with adaptive platforms that simulate both human and AI interview styles, you can avoid common fatal mistakes like monotone responses or rigid problem-solving approaches. Using an AI copilot for handling live technical questions can train you to think clearly while under time pressure.
3. Prepare for AI Screening
Many companies — especially in gaming, tech, and fintech — employ AI-powered applicant tracking and early-stage interviews. This often involves:
Recorded video responses scored by a model
Automated coding assessments
Gamified problem-solving environments
Understanding how these systems score for clarity, structure, and technical accuracy can help you frame your answers to meet both human and machine expectations.
How to Navigate the Emotional Side of Layoffs
Layoffs, even when they don’t affect you directly, create psychological pressure. Seeing entire teams dismantled can trigger doubt and urgency.
To keep this emotional turbulence from compromising performance:
Understand that layoffs can be unrelated to personal performance
Treat this as an opportunity to re-evaluate your career trajectory
Maintain a clear schedule for job search and interview practice
Use live, adaptive coaching to rebuild poise before entering formal interviews
Tools offering guidance for staying composed during behavioral interviews can help manage anxiety and keep responses confident and controlled.
Continuous Adaptation and Learning
The job market will not revert to 2019 norms. Virtual evaluations, compressed hiring processes, and global candidate pools are now standard. To stay competitive:
Refresh your portfolio with tangible post-2025 projects
Maintain fluency in remote collaboration technologies
Get familiar with industry-specific AI screening formats
Schedule regular mock interviews for new roles and formats
By adopting a mindset of continuous readiness rather than scrambles after layoffs, you stand to turn disruption into opportunity.
Conclusion
The layoffs of January 2026 are a stark reminder that industries are evolving faster than their workforces. Job seekers who cling to older preparation methods will likely get filtered out early. Those who adapt — by targeting growth sectors, mastering multi-modal interviews, and preparing for both human and AI evaluation — will differentiate themselves in an overcrowded market.
The reality is simple: the competition is here, the changes are here, and the technology shaping hiring is here. The sooner you align your preparation with these realities, the better positioned you’ll be to not just survive — but to lead.
FAQ
1. Are these layoffs a sign the economy is entering a recession?
Not necessarily. While some sectors are contracting, others are hiring aggressively. The layoffs suggest structural changes more than universal decline.
2. Should I avoid applying to companies that recently laid off staff?
No. In many cases, layoffs are part of strategic pivots, and companies may be hiring in different departments soon after.
3. How do AI screening tools affect my job search?
They require you to tailor responses for clarity, conciseness, and relevance, ensuring you score well with both human and machine reviewers.
4. What’s the best way to prepare for mixed interview formats?
Practice across behavioral, technical, and case formats using adaptive mock interviews that simulate different interviewer styles.
5. Is it worth investing time in portfolio updates now?
Yes. A refreshed portfolio with recent, relevant projects signals adaptability and current expertise — attributes in high demand across industries.
