Position yourself to Survive Downsizing

Many laid off workers lament, "I had no idea - I never saw it coming." This hindsight bias reflects the common tendency of many workers to look the other way and hope that corporate cutbacks and downsizing will hit someone else. Now is the time to assess your risk of sudden, unexpected layoff, before the rumors of downsizing begin to circulate at your workplace. By acting now you can be prepared for when, or if, you find yourself unemployed. The following recommendations will help to position you for a quick recovery from sudden job loss.   1. Profile your position: Look at your position on the company's organizational chart. When personnel reductions are necessary, employees and departments directly responsible for generating revenue are the most secure. On the other hand, departments and staff responsible for administrative and support functions are often the most vulnerable. If your position is not in line with production, sales, or another revenue source for the company, your position may become a target for elimination or downsizing. If possible, you may consider transferring to a more secure position within your company and avoid a personnel cut. If this is not possible, browse outside of your current firm for a more secure position.       2. Update your resume: Maintain a current, high-impact, resume and several cover letters that can be quickly modified to target a specific job posting. Equally important is a current list of references and a 30 to 60 second "Tell Me About Yourself" statement summarizing your education, work history, and qualifications. I am often amazed by how many job seekers have not updated their resumes for several years, and by the suddenly unemployed who do not have a resume at all. While you may not have previously needed a resume, having a resume can open doors to additional employment opportunities. Those who do not strategically position themselves during early signs of an economic slowdown are already behind when a sudden layoff thrusts them back into the job market.     3. Maintain a network: Stay connected with others while you are employed by joining an association or networking group. These organizations provide a safety net to call upon should you lose your job. Keep a listing of names, phone numbers, and emails of coworkers, supervisors, colleagues, and customers that you can call when looking for work. Establishing these connections while you are employed will simplify networking and enhance an employment search. Additionally, you may find yourself able to assist other group members looking for work. The mutual support and information sources available through these groups will be a great asset to you.      4. Become cross-functional: Make yourself the one employee the boss and the company cannot due without. Learn new skills and work to gain experience in other functional areas. Seek out formal and informal training opportunities, college classes, or certifications to gain new skill sets. Your versatility in the workplace will identify you as a value-added employee and may allow the option of transferring to anther department should your current position be eliminated. Gaining experience in a variety of cross functional areas should be a continuing goal of your long term career plans.   Sudden unemployment can be a traumatic experience. New job seekers must quickly develop a job search strategy and a self marketing plan to get back into the hunt for employment. Foresight and preparation are vital for you to quickly recover and find another position. A job loss  also presents new career and self improvement opportunities. You may decide to gain an advanced degree, change career fields, pursue volunteer opportunities or start your own small business. Preparation and awareness can reduce your chances of layoff, but finding yourself back in the job market does not necessarily have to be a negative experience.