Job seeker lands dream role ‘after jumping out of plane’

A daredevil job seeker has landed his dream role after jumping out of a plane with a cardboard sign asking for work.

Chris Serrano, a creative director living in Florida, filmed himself skydiving whilst holding a piece of cardboard reading “Open4Work”. He posted the clip on LinkedIn with the caption: “I got laid off last week. So I will be freefalling until I find a new gig – literally. If you’re looking for an award-winning creative that works hard, takes risks, and knows how to pack a parachute, reach out.”

The post went viral, with more than 47,000 likes on the professional social media platform. Chris explained: “I was hoping for the best, but I had no idea this little stunt would go on to be seen by so many people.”

Serrano’s post caught the eye of Manchester-based entrepreneur Jack Peagam, 28, the Co-founder and CEO of Linkup, who responded to the freefalling creative with a job offer. But in a twist from the usual email or letter, Peagam posted a video of himself skydiving, mimicking the cardboard, which read: “Hey Chris, sorry 2 see you got laid off. We’ve got work 4 U”.

The video blew up, with over 11,000 likes and comments.

Linkup launched in February 2023 with a mission to be the first major real life social app that connects users to meet new friends with similar interests, hobbies and passions, in real life. Initially growing a strong user base in Manchester, Peagam says the next stop will be launching in the capital: “Manchester’s growth has been phenomenal, so the next step will be taking it to London. So many people tell me they are desperate to find new mates and have adventures. Who knows, Chris and I might find a linkup with another skydiving maniac.

“Our mission is to be the big solution for people who want to connect in the real world, meet like-minded people and create new friendships, all doing what they love in real life.”