How to Get Ahead of a Layoff

Don't get caught up in the hysterics

Susan Ricker

During the Great Recession, it felt like every company in every industry
was experiencing drastic layoffs and reducing its headcount. Though the
economy is recovering, layoffs are still a concern as companies merge,
business changes or markets fluctuate.



Cheryl E. Palmer, owner of Call to Career,
says frequent closed door meetings with executives, budget shortfalls,
reassignment of tasks and company mergers are some examples of red
flags, which can indicate that a layoff may be imminent.



But, if you think it's a hopeless situation when talks of layoffs start
circulating in the break room, think again. There are measures you can
take to get ahead of a layoff, and also steps to take if you
unfortunately are let go.



Securing your current position

If you're concerned you may be an employee getting laid off, there are
steps to take that may help. "Align yourself with the direction of the
company," Palmer recommends. "Having worked in outplacement for a number
of years, I have found that it is not necessarily the unproductive
workers who are most vulnerable to layoffs and downsizings, but rather
those who are not in sync with the vision of management for the company.
My advice to employees is, pay attention to what is said in company
meetings, and even what is not said. This kind of information can help
you determine where management is trying to take the company."



In addition, Palmer recommends showing your contribution to the bottom
line. She says, "Even if you are not in sales, you should still be able
to articulate how the work that you do is valuable to the company. As
far as possible you should be able to quantify how much money you saved,
what time-saving measures you instituted, and how you improved
processes. Management tends to cut those positions that do not have a
direct relationship to the bottom line."



If you are laid off

If these measures haven't been enough to prevent you from getting laid
off, there are still steps to take to make this career transition go
smoothly. "Distribute your resume to people in your network and tell
them what you are looking for," Palmer says. "Particularly for people
who you may have worked with a few years ago, you need to give them a
resume so that they can see what you have done most recently. This is
also critical for references so that they can speak knowledgeably on
your behalf."



Beyond that, expand your network. "Join or become involved in a
professional association," Palmer adds. "A professional association is
the best place to find people who are already in your field who have
connections to organizations that hire people in your field of
expertise. You can raise your visibility in an association by taking on a
leadership role. Virtually all associations are looking for people to
volunteer to serve on committees. Taking on such a task gives you deeper
connections with others in the association that go beyond merely
passing out a business card at a monthly meeting. People have an
opportunity to see your work ethic and will be more inclined to
recommend you for openings that they know of."



When it comes to your future job interviews, it may seem embarrassing or
negative to say that you were laid off from your previous job. However,
employers will likely understand. Palmer says, "Put it in perspective.
You should let the employer know that you were one of 100 people who
were laid off. You should also tell the employer that it was a business
decision. You never want to leave the employer with the impression that
there was a layoff, and you were the only person laid off. That is an
indication that the company was just trying to get rid of you."



When a company is reviewing and possibly reducing its headcount, it can
be easy to get swept up in hysterics and make matters worse for your
job. But by staying level headed, taking preventative measures and
keeping things in perspective, you can come out of a layoff fine, or
even better than before.