5 Key Takeaways
- Former Microsoft employee claims the company is filtering out laid-off workers from rehire opportunities despite promises to the contrary.
- The ex-employee, a self-described 'strong top performer,' says all their rehire applications have been rejected.
- Reddit users advise laid-off workers not to waste time reapplying at Microsoft, suggesting rehiring is unlikely after a layoff.
- Other commenters note it's common for HR to make rehire difficult for recently laid-off employees, even if internal applications are allowed.
- Microsoft has cut over 15,000 jobs in 2025, with CEO Satya Nadella acknowledging the strain layoffs have caused but stating overall headcount remains 'basically flat.'
Laid Off from Microsoft? Ex-Employee Says Rehire Promises May Not Be What They Seem
Losing your job is tough, but what if you’re told you can reapply—only to find out that’s not really the case? That’s exactly what one former Microsoft employee claims happened to them, and their story is sparking a lot of conversation online.
The ex-employee, who shared their experience on Reddit, said they were let go from Microsoft about four months ago. They described themselves as a “strong top performer,” so the layoff came as a complete shock. During their exit, they were told there was “no cool-off period” and that they could apply for other jobs at Microsoft right away.
But here’s the catch: every single application they submitted was rejected. “It’s clear Microsoft is filtering candidates that they let go, while they keep opening up positions,” the former employee wrote. In other words, even though the company says laid-off workers can come back, it seems like those applications aren’t really being considered.
Other Reddit users chimed in with their own advice and experiences. One person bluntly said, “You are gone! Do not waste your time applying to other positions at the same firm.” Another suggested waiting until there’s a change in management or HR before trying again. Several people agreed that it’s common for big companies to quietly block recently laid-off employees from being rehired, even if they say otherwise.
This discussion is happening as Microsoft continues to make big cuts to its workforce. In 2025 alone, the company has laid off more than 15,000 employees, with 9,000 of those cuts announced just in July. CEO Satya Nadella even sent a memo to staff acknowledging how hard these layoffs have been for everyone.
As of June 2024, Microsoft had about 228,000 employees worldwide. The company hasn’t shared updated numbers since the latest round of layoffs, but Nadella says the total headcount is “basically flat.”
It’s important to note that this story is based on one person’s post on Reddit, and the claims haven’t been independently verified. Still, it’s a reminder that promises made during layoffs—like being able to reapply—might not always match what actually happens behind the scenes.
If you’ve been laid off, it might be worth looking for new opportunities elsewhere, rather than waiting for your old company to take you back. Sometimes, moving forward is the best way to bounce back.