Protect Your Job
With so much talk about layoffs, it is very reasonable for you to be concerned that your job may be at risk. For this reason, it is also a good idea to start taking steps to protect your job.
Become indispensible
One of the best ways to do this is to become indispensible to your bosses(take on more job duties and responsibility). When it comes time for the axe to fall, managers will often be asked who to layoff. Be sure you are not on this list by showing that you do good work and that they need you. The best way to do this is to take on more job duties and more work.
Transition to recession resistant jobs
However, regardless of how well you prove yourself to your current manager, the writing may already be on the wall that your job will be laid off. In these situations, it is smarter to start transitioning to more recession resistant jobs in your company. Many companies will have areas that are growing or less likely to see layoffs until later stages. For example, sales forces will often increase jobs during recessions as the businesses are looking for ways to keep more revenue coming in. Also, look to other areas where the company is increasing hiring in. You can normally find this information by word of mouth and talking to HR personnel for your company. The key is to see if you can transition into these roles as they are less likely to be laid off. In contrast to these areas, recognize support services will often be one of the first areas that are cut back on when these services can be centralized. Therefore, you should make a quick inventory to see whether you job can truly be justified as indispensable job. If it is not, recognize that your company may also institute certain transfer freezes or other impediments that may require you to start looking for a job with another company.
Network for new jobs with other companies
If you need to start looking outside the company, look to shift to other recession proof jobs. The best ways to find work fast will be through networking. How successful you are at meeting people and asking for help will go a long way towards finding out about hiring opportunities. We recommend you focus your attention more on informal hiring attempts rather than standard internet application processes. Since your skills will most likely not be a direct fit, it will be even more important for you to find ways to bypass the formal recruiting process. The single best way to do this is through making contacts who can get you an “in”. Beyond this mindset, there are plenty of books and guides to show you how to fine tune your resume and prepare for interviews. One additional tip we would recommend is consider starting up a website in the area you want to work. This can be a tool you can use to help show your worthiness as a job candidate. It is something that is a little different than the norm and will allow you to stand out. Plus, it can be very easy to put together a basic website or blog with current software. In addition, this will arm you with additional relevant information you can use in your interviews.