It seems that among those laid off, managers and directors have gotten other jobs fairly easily, but a lot of front line workers have struggled to find jobs.
Anyone else notice this?
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There are 2 sides to this
A front line worker AKA a lower paid lower responsibility employee will have more options for getting a similar paying job, the interviews to get a lower paying job are often fairly quick.
A manager or higher paid employee will have fewer options and the interviews are often going to involve more people or more interviews as companies don't want to make a mistake when hiring a manager (Allstate seems to miss this one).
Higher up employees do tend to be better networked, but that only goes so far.
It just s—s all around.
This is true: "Managers and directors tend to network much more often...". When you talk to people at other carriers have a conversation. They're not the enemy. Don't be negative about your situation, maybe that person knows of an opportunity there or somewhere else. When allowed by your state, get involved in industry meetings and training. When there don't sit with people you work with, introduce yourself to people from other companies who you don't know. Present yourself as a professional. Dress well, don't talk badly about your employer, hand out your cards and tell people to call you if they ever need anything. Volunteer to get involved as an officer, or help with the charity golf tournament. You may not be able to help them when that day comes but you may know someone who can help them. Ever tried to get someone at another carrier's claim department to talk to you? Well, if you have an acquaintance you can ask them directly to poke their colleague and get them to contact you. If you know of an opening at a place, and someone needs a position, call them and tell them of it. This is all an investment in yourself and an exit strategy should you need it. There is no conflict of interest if you're following the anti-trust rules which are not hard to follow. You can look them up.
Employment nowadays is more networking than just putting in applications. At least for professional jobs. Managers and directors tend to network much more often and more effectively than grunts. In fact as a manager I know many of my fellow managers that already have one foot in the door with other companies and competitors in the event something happens with Allstate. Even deep enough in where it could be deemed a conflict of interest as ideas are often openly shared about each other's company. The managers and directors based on their personal efforts and who they know from their level of role helps get a big leg up on the networking.