Facing a Layoff 7 Tips to Prepare for the Job Search Ahead

Facing a Layoff 7 Tips to Prepare for the Job Search AheadFacing a Layoff 7 Tips to Prepare for the Job Search AheadIf layoffs are on the horizon, take the necessary steps to operate at your best and prepare for the worst.If youre concerned that layoffs may be in your companys future, its in your best interest to prepare for the job search ahead of time not after youve received the pink slip and youre suddenly in a panic mode.Kick it up a notch.When layoffs are on the horizon, it can be difficult to feel positive or motivated in the workplace. However, this is exactly when you need to shine Take a deep breath each morning and mentally prepare for the day. I dont believe in face time, but I think its important to not cut corners. Show up on time and stay until youve handled the work that needs to be done. Consider postponing your vacation, if you had one planned. If youve been putting off certain tasks or projects, revisit them and add the important ones back on to your to-do list. D ont give management a reason to put you on the pink slip list.Get noticed for the right reasons.Now is the time to ramp up your personal brand strategy. Take initiative and find opportunities to market your value. Volunteer to present to other groups in the company and actively participate in department or companywide meetings when you can add value. Also, take credit for your achievements. While its important to be a team player, dont be afraid to let others know how you played a role in the companys success.Continue developing your expertise. Seek out professional development opportunities in the form of webinars, networking events, online group discussions and so forth that are focused on your line of work and specialty. You want to remain on the cutting edge of your field. elend only will this elevate your brand, should you need to find another job, but youll also be able to bring this knowledge back to your organization, which makes you even more valuable. Its hard to lay off s omeone whos considered the go-to person in your industry or line of work.Update your resume.Edit your resume to include your most recent work and accomplishments, and is positioned to support your current career goals. You probably shouldnt post it on websites yet, but you want to have it ready to go at a moments notice. Consider a professional resume rewrite to bolster your efforts.Clean up your online presence.Make aya your personal profiles (like Facebook) are secure so recruiters (and frankly your current manager) cant see them. I recommend changing your name to FirstName MiddleName or something to that effect to keep your personal profiles private.Identify which social media channels you want to use for your job search and make sure they are current and in alignment with your resume and career goals. If youre planning to update your profile on LinkedIn, first change your account settings so the changes you make wont show up in your activity feed (this will prevent any red flags getting raised at your current employment).Build (or reconnect) with your network.If you havent been in touch with your contacts lately, nows the time to reach out and catch up over coffee. This helps you from feeling like youre asking for a job youre not, youre just reconnecting with those who were once a bigger part of your social or professional life. That way, should you want to conduct an informational interview with them in the future, your request will not be coming out of left field.Check out the prospects.Go to websites such as Ladders, LinkedIn or Indeed to see what opportunities are currently available. If youve worked with recruiters in the past that have been helpful, this is be a good time to reach out to them to see if they have any open positions that would be a good fit.As a rule of thumb, dont do any of your job-search activities in the schreibstube or on company equipment. Dont post your company phone number or email address for your contact information on your resume or public profiles. Its essential to prepare for a potential job search without jeopardizing your current position especially during a time when your employer may be looking for a reason to let people goFollow the steps mentioned above to help you take control of your destiny and prepare for whatever may come your way.