Think You Might Be Next on the Layoff List?

By Julie Bauke

These days, anything is possible, even for the best performers.

Most of us have at least a trace of anxiety over whether the dreaded layoff list will contain our names. Here are some ways to get prepared, so that if you are the next to go, you can move forward as effortlessly as possible.

Pay close attention. Have people who are normally friendly gone silent? Are people averting their eyes when you walk past? Are you being excluded from meetings and decisions? If yes to any of those questions, your hunch is probably right on.

Gather all of the info you have access to that documents your accomplishments. You will need them for your resume and they will be hard to get once you have left the building.

Start thinking about what will best help you move forward Is it benefits continuation? Extended severance? Outplacement? Use of your company car? Equipment? Office? Partial bonus payout? True, such options aren't typically offered, but many clients successfully negotiate their departure package. The problem is most don't even realize it till it's too late.

And if you are let go

DO

Take advantage of all that is offered to you...including outplacement. And resist the temptation to negotiate for cash in it's place. Outplacement is not for losers. In fact, the more senior you are, the more likely it is that your company will let you "shop around"- and choose the career coaching option that is right for you, and let you apply those outplacement dollars where you choose. Remember, they want you to be happy, not criticize them in the market and most importantly, to find your next opportunity quickly.

Take the high road. Always. (Beyond just "don't criticize your employer") Because 2/3 of people land their next job through networking, you may very well need your former colleagues. It may feel good to "let 'em know what you really think", but that temporary satisfaction is greatly outweighed by going out with your head held high. Fall apart when you get home, around those who care most about you.

Be willing to learn new skills Job search can be frustrating, maddening, depressing, and confidence busting. Get over it. But done the right way, you will learn how to conduct an effective job search, you will meet new people and you will learn so much about yourself. How bad can that be?

DON'T

Panic. Easier said than done. So many people pick up the phone, call everyone they know, dust off their old resume and blanket the market with it- and do it way before they are ready. It feels productive, but is actually just the opposite. Serious mistakes are made by confusing any action with positive action.

Try to analyze or understand the company's decision You can drive yourself crazy with the "why me's?" And once you've arrived at crazy, you still won't have the answer. It may not be fair, but what is? Look forward.

Hibernate endlessly in your PJ's You may be hurting, and a few days or a week of moping, licking your wounds and sticking pins in the voodoo doll that looks suspiciously like your old boss can be very cathartic. But when the week turns in to a month, you need to seek some help.

Think you can do it alone. Two thirds of people find their next job through other people. As you feared, targeted networking is a huge part of an effective job search strategy Those people are not going to knock on your door. And if they did, would you in your month old pajamas really be what they want to see?

job, jobs, career