I Think My Job Is Going to Get Eliminated – What Should I Do?

As we move into the second half of an already difficult year, things continue to look challenging. Now that the first round of Federal financial relief has expired and the next round is delayed, unfortunately small businesses and furloughed employees face a new reckoning.

Even if you believe there is only a slim chance of being affected by the current downturn, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Here are some steps you can take right now that will help if you jump ship to a more stable position (if possible) or suddenly find yourself in the unemployment line.

1.     Be your own historian

Start documenting your accomplishments while you still have access to everything. Pull performance reviews, metrics, project summaries, awards, presentations, and anything else that may help strengthen your resume later.

A lot of people wait until after losing a job to remember what they worked on. That’s much harder to do under stress.

2.     Update your resume, now.

Most people avoid updating their resume until they absolutely have to. Don’t wait.

Your current role is usually the most important section of your resume, and you want time to reflect carefully on your accomplishments, responsibilities, and measurable results instead of rushing through it during a stressful situation. Make sure it is as perfect as it can be.

3.     Update your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is often the second place employers look after reviewing your resume. Take advantage of all the extra opportunities LinkedIn gives you to promote yourself and your work.

Your current role is usually the most important section of your resume, and you want time to reflect carefully on your accomplishments, responsibilities, and measurable results instead of rushing through it during a stressful situation.

Make sure your profile is current, polished, and aligned with where you want your career to go. This includes:

• Headline
• About section
• Skills
• Experience
• Professional photo

And yes, if appropriate, quietly enable the “Open to Work” setting visible to recruiters only.

What Else Should You Prepare Before A Layoff Happens?

4.    Line Up Your References

Now is the time to reconnect with managers, coworkers, mentors, and professional contacts while relationships are still active and current.

LinkedIn recommendations, written references, and verbal agreements to serve as references can all help later during a job search.

5.   Review Your Financial Situation

Career stress becomes significantly harder when financial stress gets layered on top of it.

If you think your role may be at risk, it’s smart to review your budget, reduce unnecessary expenses where possible, and build a little flexibility into your finances while you still have steady income.

6.   Pay Attention To Company Signals

Listen carefully to what leadership is — and is not — saying.

Budget freezes, reduced hiring, reorganizations, shifting priorities, declining workloads, or unusual management communication patterns can sometimes provide clues about where a company may be heading.

What Should You Avoid Doing If Your Job Feels Unstable?

7.   Don’t Mentally Check Out

Even if morale drops, continue doing strong work.

Business conditions can change quickly, and leadership notices who stays engaged during difficult periods. Strong performance can absolutely influence future opportunities, references, internal transfers, or even layoff decisions themselves.

8.   Don’t Rush To Sign Severance Agreements

If your position is ultimately eliminated and you receive a severance agreement, slow down and read everything carefully before signing.

Severance packages are contracts. Depending on the situation, you may want an attorney to review the agreement, especially if there are non-compete clauses, waivers, confidentiality language, or other legal considerations involved.

Losing a job or facing uncertainty around your role can feel overwhelming, but preparation gives you options. The earlier you start positioning yourself, the more control you usually have over what comes next.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides job search strategy, resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching, and executive career services.

Looking for guidance on your resume or job search strategy? Schedule a free strategy session and resume review. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com or contact us here.