How to Be Prepared for a Layoff

If you are concerned that your company might be planning a layoff, your best course of action is to be prepared. Employees often see warning signs that their jobs may be at risk. Such signs could include poor company performance, earlier rounds of layoffs, conflicts with their manager, increased manager intervention and involvement, and poor performance reviews. Employees see the signs, but aren't as proactive as they should be in looking out for their future. Here are steps you can take to be prepared for a layoff.

Update your resume. Start complying a list of your accomplishments in your present job. In particular, focus on quantifiable achievements. Bring home a copy of the position description your human resources department has developed for your job. Use this position description to check the content of your resume. If you need help, get it from the Internet, resume writing books, or a professional resume writer.

Create a portfolio. Make copies of positive letters you have received from customers and letters of recognition you have received from your employer. If you have a job where you create materials that are not company confidential such as brochures or operating manuals, make copies of your work to show to potential employers during future job interviews.

Develop your list of references. Contact the people you would like to use as references to ask their permission to be used as a reference. Obtain their current contact information and type up your reference list.

Check job postings. See what the market need is for someone with your background and experience. Consider applying for jobs now if the market is weak and you feel the probability of being laid off in the near future is high. Also use job postings as a means of checking the content of your resume to see if you omitted key points or focused on items that aren't being emphasized by employers.

Sign up for a personal e-mail account. Include this personal e-mail address on your resume rather than your business e-mail address. If you lose your job, your business e-mail account will no longer be valid. If you decide to pursue a new job while still employed, use your personal e-mail account to transmit your resume to employers.

Research outplacement services. Outplacement services are career transition services that employers pay for to help you with your job search. To be prepared in case of a layoff, research the services provided by various outplacement firms to determine what would be of most value to you. Would you want an outplacement firm that would write your resume and cover letter for you? Do you value one-on-one time with a career transition consultant? Or are you interested in attending group workshops to learn how to prepare your own marketing materials? If you are laid off, be prepared to negotiate for the outplacement services that you feel will benefit you. The best time to negotiate is when you have the most leverage, prior to signing your separation letter.

Ask for a letter of recommendation. If you are laid off, ask for a letter of recommendation from your former employer. Reach agreement with your employer on this request prior to signing your separation letter.

Negotiate your severance package. If you are downsized, negotiate the terms of the severance package you are offered. Again, the best time to negotiate is when you have the most leverage, prior to signing your separation letter.

By following these tips, you can prepare yourself to recover as quickly as possible should you be laid off.

Copyright 2004 Quest Career Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

About Ann Hackett:

Ann Hackett is the President of Quest Career Services, LLC (http://www.questcareer.com). Quest Career Services provides outplacement services to clients nationwide, specializing in offering affordable one-on-one outplacement services. To receive via e-mail a brochure summarizing the outplacement packages Quest Career Services provides, send an e-mail to outplacementbrochure@questcareer.com

---

Advantages of Mobile Oil Changes; A Potential Small Business for You?

Mobile oil change and mobile lubes are great for fleet... Read More

Writing A Great Resume, Part 2

TIP: Update your resume often. Be sure to add details... Read More

Make Your Career Offshore Proof

There has been a lot of talk recently about American... Read More

How to Work Effectively With Recruiters

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T / find out what it means to me" is... Read More

Interviewing Over Lunch: Are You at Risk?

Sometimes a hiring process will include having lunch with the... Read More

Resume Writing - Get That Job

Looking for a new job, whether it is with a... Read More

How to Create a Great Electronic Resume

After creating the perfect resume, you then need to distribute... Read More

Seriously Impress at Your Interview With These 7 Hot Tips

So you've managed to secure a job interview for a... Read More

What to Do if You are Over 40 and Have Lost Your Job

Unexpectedly loosing your job can be a very traumatic and... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More

8 Steps to Getting On-Track When You Start a New Job

Starting a new job can feel like moving to a... Read More

Students Searching for a Job

Searching for a job has become easier than ever for... Read More

Writing Resumes That Attract Your Perfect Job

Let me introduce you to Ben. He made it happenBen... Read More

How to Reach Your Next Job Faster with Fewer Potholes, Roadblocks

Complacency damages your career more than lack of qualifications. The... Read More

How To Write A Résumé

Figure out what you want to do.You can't write an... Read More

Ideal Job and Handling Criticism

How many times have you been asked, "What is your... Read More

Job or no Job: The Certainty of Uncertainty

Headline from AP via Yahoo News! January 11, 2005: "Chrysler... Read More

4 Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth.... Read More

A Career With The FBI

Do you have what it takes to become an FBI... Read More

How To Type A Resume For Employers

Learning how to type a resume may feel like a... Read More

Drive Your Career Change ? A Direct Approach

If your career has gone off the road, take control... Read More

Independent RN Contractors Are Taking The Nursing Profession

Nurses wake up and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.... Read More

How to Write a Resume That Stands Out From The Crowd

Today's job market is competitive. Many companies receive hundreds of... Read More

80,000 Americans Work in the Oil Change Industry

There is a huge shortage, which effects franchises costs in... Read More

What Exactly Online Recruitment Agencies Do?

Any online recruitment agency can help you to submit for... Read More

Writing CVs and Resumes for Professionals with Examples

Tips on writing your Skills and Achievement Based CV (ABCV)... Read More

Career Moves: Take Charge of Your Life

Every day millions of people let their inner fears stop... Read More

What To Do When A Co-Worker Turns Nasty

A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More

Active Listening Skill Tips for Interviews

During a job interview, a potential employer asks, "Can you... Read More

5 Ways to Profit From No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child... Read More

How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

About four years ago a friend told me one night... Read More

American Idol Syndrome

I like Simon, one of three judges on... Read More

Is Pursuing a Career in Patent Law the Right Move for You?

What's It All About? The field of patent law is... Read More