How to Prepare for a Layoff: A Seasoned Professional’s Guide

Spotting the Early Signs of a Layoff

Layoffs are rarely a complete surprise if you know what to look for:

• Financial or Strategic Challenges: Watch for budget cuts, restructuring announcements, or missed earnings reports.

• Leadership Changes: New leaders often bring organizational shifts, which could lead to layoffs.

• Communication Gaps: Reduced transparency from senior management or vague updates are often warning signs.

• Monitor WARN Act Databases: Large employers must file WARN notices for significant layoffs. Tools like WARNTracker.com and state-specific databases can help you stay informed.

Steps to Take Before a Layoff

1. Organize Your Professional Details

   Collect references and ensure you have updated personal contact details for managers, colleagues, and mentors who can speak to your skills. Save performance reviews and notable work achievements within company guidelines for future use.

2. Update and Optimize Your Resume
   Your resume is the most critical tool in your job search, and getting it right can give you a significant advantage. A polished resume doesn’t just reflect your experience—it positions you as a top candidate. Professional resume review services, such as ProResumeCheck.com, are invaluable in ensuring your resume is good to go. It saves you time and eliminates the frustration of figuring out what works through trial and error and gives you a head start when you need it most. It's a lot easier to put together a resume when you have access to your work account and performance review information.

3. Network Strategically
   A lot of roles are never advertised. Leveraging your network is a great way to come to know about upcoming roles and current roles being recruited for. A lot of companies offer incentives for employees to refer candidates for vacant positions and this can put you ahead of other applicants. Start building connections before you need them by reaching out to former colleagues, peers, and mentors. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to grow your network and connect with people who can potentially help you land a job.

4. Secure Access to Important Information
   After receiving a layoff notice, access to your employer-provided accounts may be restricted. Be proactive and save important contacts, pay slips etc in a personal account (within company guidelines). Ensure you have updated login credentials to a personal account for professional platforms like LinkedIn.

After You Receive a Layoff Notice

If you’re formally notified of a layoff, act quickly and strategically.

• Review Your Severance Package: Understand the terms, including compensation, healthcare benefits, and other support.

• File for Unemployment Benefits if eligible: Begin the process immediately to avoid delays in receiving financial support.

• Activate Your Job Search: Leverage your updated resume, references, and professional network to start applying for roles.

Why a Resume Review Can Put You Ahead

A layoff is often a race to secure the next opportunity. In such a competitive environment, a standout resume can make all the difference. Quite often people aren't even aware of issues on their resume and apply for hundreds of jobs and left waiting months before they get any response. Here’s why investing in a professional review is worth it:

• Saves Time: Instead of experimenting with different formats or rewriting your resume multiple times, an expert can advise you.

• A different prespective: It can be challenging reviewing your own work and so having a 2nd person review it can make a huge difference. Even better, when a professional reviews it.

• Builds Confidence: Knowing your resume has been optimized by professionals can boost your confidence during the application process.

• Maximizes Impact and increase your interview call rate: A well-reviewed resume clearly communicates your value, making recruiters take notice.

Our Services streamline this process, ensuring your resume is tailored to your field, ensure it is ATS-friendly, and formatted for impact. Think of it as a small investment in your career success.

Take Control of Your Next Move

Layoffs are challenging, but they don’t define your career. Gone are the days where you can join a company and expect to work your entire career in one palce. By spotting early warning signs, preparing strategically, you can turn a potential setback into an opportunity for growth and explore a different career direction. Remember, preparation is the key to resilience. With the right steps and resources, you can bounce back stronger and faster than ever.