Even though the media talking heads are declaring the recession over, more and more Americans are losing their jobs every month. This is the second recession that I have been through as a member of the workforce, and boy I hate them. They are scary and hurt millions of people. But, you don't have to sit around and just worry. Start preparing for a layoff today by following these 10 ways to prepare for a layoff.
10 Ways To Prepare For A Layoff
1. Get Your Resume Ready - While this not new information, I do feel compelled to list this as step number 1 for you to do. Too often people miss out on job opportunities because they procrastinate on preparing their resumes. Whether you are looking for a job or not, you need to have your resume up-to-date. This will remove one of the biggest obstacles for applying for new jobs.
2. Network With Former Co-Workers - This is one of my favorite ways to network and it is great for finding a new job. When your co-workers leave your place of employment, keep in touch with them. These are the perfect people to help you to find a new job. They probably have a good feeling for the job market because they were recently looking to make a move, they are at a new company that might be a fit for you and they know the quality of your work.
3. Sign up for Linkedin.com - Of all of the social sites on the Internet, Linkedin.com is the best place for professional networking. Start working on your profile their. Make sure that you present yourself in a professional manner.
4. Starting Researching Online Job Search Engines- Online job search engines are a great way to find out about job openings. These search engines help to give you a broad picture of what types of jobs are in demand in your area. Also, if you are thinking about moving to a new place to live, these job search engines are very handy to see what jobs are available in your desired location. My favorite job search engine is Indeed.com.
5. Join Related Career Associations - Being an in-house attorney I belong to the Association of Corporate Counsel. This is an excellent organization for improving my legal skills and networking opportunities. But, better than the national Association of Corporate Counsel, I belong to my local chapter. This local chapter is a great way to network with other in-house corporate attorneys in my area. These local associations are great ways to hear about job opportunities within your profession in you local area.
6. Participate in Local Civic Organizations - Did you notice that I said participate and not just join? You need to participate in these organizations. Local civic organizations are great for helping you to get to know other people in your community. When looking for a job, everyone says it is who you know, not what you know. So, if that is the case, you need to get to know more people. So become and active member in your local Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, etc.
7. Think Beyond Your Current Position - Do a little brainstorming regarding what other types of jobs you would like to do and whether you have the skills to perform that job. There is no better of a time to pursue a career change than when you have been laid off work. Maybe this is you opportunity to do something you are passionate about? Turn lemons into lemonade.
8. Take Advantage of Educational and Work Experience Opportunities - One of the best ways to obtain more education and experience is through your current job. My employer offers tons of opportunities for me to improve my skills and gain more experience. My employer pays for me to attend continuing legal education classes. These classes are great to learn new areas of the law. Someday, I would like to become a General Counsel of a corporation. I have a lot of experience in technology transactions, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, securities laws, and intellectual property issues. But, for me to become a General Counsel, I need to improve my knowledge and experience in litigation, bankruptcy, employment law, and antitrust matters. The best way for me to gain this knowledge and experience is through my current employer. Make sure you are taking advantage of the opportunities provided by your employer.
9. Read 48 Days to the Work You Love - 48 Days To The Work You Love
10. Focus on Improving Your Current Job Performance - The number one way to prepare for a layoff is to prevent it from happening to you. While you can't always avoid a layoff, in my experience great workers don't get laid off. So, focus on being the best at your job. Make yourself indispensable, have a great attitude and make your fellow co-workers jobs easier. This can be the best way to prepare for a layoff.
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Good advice. I think these days, social media sites like LinkedIn (you can even throw Twitter and Facebook in the conversation) are very important for networking and finding other career opportunities.
Great advice – hopefully I won’t have to use it anytime soon!
Good article!