Front cover.indd 1 4/26/2012 3:11:06 PM - Jewish Image Magazine

E M P L O Y M E N T
Planning for
a Layoff
Barry Cohen
selor, it always saddens me
when I hear the news that
a client of mine is being laid
off. No one ever seems to
be fully prepared for the emotional,
financial and social reactions.
Make sure that you are fully prepared
if you think there’s a chance
you may be laid off. Consider taking
the following job precautions:
Back Up Everything
Back up everything that is important
to you and keep a copy at home,
away from the office. If you are laid
off, your company might block your
network and email access. Respect
confidential information but make
copies of any correspondence, personnel
file information, letters, referrals,
figures and statistics you might
need to show examples of your
work.
Copy lists or directories that you
may think will help you later in a job
search. Make sure you have copies
of your performance appraisals,
reviews and letters of reference.
180 t MAY 2012 t IMAGE In my role as a career coun-
Duplicate Your Rolodex
Contacts may be more important
than skills in some careers.
Backup your contacts, databases
and important lists. These could be
key in networking into a new position
later on.
Update Your Resume
When you are stressed out
and under pressure, the last thing
you want to do is craft a resume.
Remember to highlight accomplishments
and what you have done
to increase revenues, save money
and solve problems.
Establish a Personal
Email Account
This can be extremely helpful
for storing backup files or to
use for referring your resume to
prospective employers. Start using
the email address on all your correspondence
and on your resume.
Use an address close to your name
rather than one that reflects your
profession.
Create an Achievement File
Create a portfolio with a list of
achievements, work samples, newspaper
articles and praise. This can
support your worth.
Take Inventory
Do a mental inventory of your
career. Look at your accomplishments,
qualifications and transferable
skills. Determine what your next
steps might be and whether you wish
to stay in your profession. Would you
wish to seek out a competitor?
Renew Subscriptions
Renew memberships in professional
organizations and realize that
they are great places to network.
Keep Up with Industry Contacts
Touch base with clients and
people that you may have met at
trade shows or through industry
association’s even competitors. It
can be as simple as a phone call
or email message. This will keep
your name fresh in their minds when
job opportunities come their way or
when you might need their help in
your job search.
Line Up Referrals
Ask a coworker, former boss or
client if they would write a letter or
give a positive reference on your
behalf and make this part of your
portfolio.
Get a Support System In Place
Who can you rely on in hard times?
You may need emotional or spiritual
support, advice or counsel or even
financial support should it come to that.
Act Fast
If your company announces layoffs,
don’t wait to see what happens
down the road or to see if any
actions might affect you. This way,
you’ll be ready if you are asked to
leave. Protect yourself. Remember,
success and living well is always the
best revenge!
Barry Cohen is an award-winning career
counselor and international resume writer.
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