Getting laid off from your job is stressful. Sometimes, you don’t know when a layoff is coming, but if you have advance warning, take seven preparative steps.
- Update Your Resume
If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume, make time to do it now. Add any job responsibilities, new skills and other employment details that showcase your current professional abilities.
- Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Many employers use LinkedIn to check the job qualifications of prospective employees. Update your profile so that it complements your resume, and add any links, work samples or other materials that support your professional experience and qualifications. You should also connect with colleagues and managers from your current job so that you can contact them for job recommendations or referrals later.
- Improve Your Professional Skills
Now’s a great time to improve your marketability and expand your skills. Finish any certification classes or skill-training programs in your field or take an online course and become skilled at marketing, Excel, Photoshop or other skills that can help you land a new job.
- Negotiate
Even though you face a layoff, you could have room to negotiate. Read your company handbook or employee agreement to find information about severance packages and negotiate a beneficial financial payout. You may also be able to negotiate for a partial paycheck or to retain other benefits even though you’re no longer working.
- Continue to Work Hard
You may be tempted to complain and rant against your employer because of the upcoming layoff, but choose to work hard, cooperate with others and remain professional. Your attitude could help you find favor with your bosses, postpone your layoff, land you a different position or paves the way for a good referral for a new job.
- Increase Emergency Savings
Because you won’t have a regular income, boost your emergency fund savings now. Set up automatic transfers from your paycheck into your savings account, sell anything you don’t need, stop using your credit cards and don’t make any major purchases. You can also examine your family’s budget and cut as many expenses as possible.
- Stay Positive During Your Job Search
When you face a layoff, you may feel yourself becoming angry, stressed or depressed. Give yourself permission to mourn your job loss then focus on your skills and experience as you stay positive while filling out applications, preparing for interviews and looking for a new position.
A layoff is challenging, but you can successfully navigate the challenge with these seven tips. Discuss additional options with your Human Resources manager before you are laid off.
