Foreseeing Unemployment

Preparing for a Layoff

Apr 15, 2009 Sharon Chapman

Layoffs are an unwanted but unavoidable part of working. Being prepared for a layoff can make transitioning easier and help with re-employment as well.

Being employed by someone other than yourself means that there is always the possibility of being laid off, especially during times of widespread economic hardship. If the signs are in place that layoffs are inevitable it is better to be prepared and ready to move than to get caught with no idea of how to proceed.

The signs are typically the same: business slows down, morale goes down, 401-K programs are cut and then the dreaded closed door speeches begin. No one, not even the company executives enjoy these speeches; however, being prepared and keeping an open mind is the first step to surviving a layoff.

Network

If the atmosphere in the office is already one of doom and gloom and the horizon looks a little bleak, start networking. Talk to other people in the same field to see if there are openings in the field, start searching the classifieds and on-line listings. Typically, someone with a job is more likely to land an interview than someone who isn’t. Employers see being employed and being proactive as preferred to someone who is not employed.

Educate and Brush Up

Begin brushing up on interview skills and other soft skills if necessary. Take a refresher course in any software that is lacking. Become multi-talented by learning new programs before they are needed. Find courses that further offer further education in the field of choice.

Update Resume

An updated resume is vital to standing out among other applicants. Be sure the current resume reflects all aspects of the job being left. Point out any advancements or improvements brought to the company and offer an explanation of why other employment is being sought only when asked. Leave some room for the interviewer to ask questions.

Personal Files

If an impending layoff appears evident make sure the PC used is clean of all personal files. No one wants to know about bills, kids, or bank statements that don’t pertain to them. Some of those files should not be on the work PC at all.

Organize

Although it might be tempting to leave an unorganized mess if laid off, resist the temptation. The only thing accomplished is a tarnished professional reputation. If a layoff is foreseen, take time to update and organize any work related materials. The person who has to pick up extra duties will appreciate it and if the layoff doesn’t occur spring cleaning files is always a good idea.

No one wants to lose their job, but it does happen. The best way to approach it is to be prepared at all times to move forward. Small steps can be taken to insure that should a layoff occur it won’t be a total catastrophe.

The copyright of the article Foreseeing Unemployment in Workplace Culture is owned by Sharon Chapman. Permission to republish Foreseeing Unemployment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Layoffs Can Cause Financial Challenges.