When you are despensable

December 25, 2011|How to find a job, Interesting Facts, Tips At work| No comments yet

When you are dispensable, it is a good idea to be prepared to start looking for another job. No one is truly indispensable, so it makes sense to prepare for a lay-off or termination just in case either one happens. You can do this by updating several areas of your professional life: your resume, network, online presence, and professional development.

Resume

One of the best things you can do to prepare yourself to look for another job at a moment’s notice is to update your resume and portfolio. Insert examples of any achievements or accomplishments into your portfolio. Update your resume with your current employment information, including your accomplishments and awards. Also include any training you have completed or are currently working on since you last updated your resume.

Your resume should be geared toward the type of job for which you would next apply. Create a couple versions of it if you plan on applying for more than one type of job. When you have to upload your resume or email it, you will have the basic structure for each type of position for which you want to apply.

Network and Train

Quietly start to talk to people with whom you have networked online and offline. Don’t mention that you think you may be laid off soon. Just let them know that you are open to new job opportunities. There is no need to spread any rumor that you and other employees in your company may soon be laid off or otherwise terminated. If you are not sure whether or when you will be let go, just maintain and cultivate relationships so that you can ask for job leads when you need to. You must offer help to others as well. Relationships are two-way streets. Also clean up and enhance your online presence to create a professional image that highlights your experience and talents.

Seek out training to update your computer, presentation, time management or other work-related skills. Add these to your resume to indicate that you take professional development seriously. This indicates to employers that you are adaptable and ready to learn.

Budget

Finally, get your finances in order. If you don’t know how much money you currently spend on loan payments, groceries, rent, and other monthly expenditures, find out and write it down. This can help you plan for where you may need to cut down on expenses if you lose your job. It also helps you learn what your monthly income requirement is. Start saving money in an emergency fund as well. Having three to six months of living expenses is recommended. If you must reduce the amount you contribute to build up your savings account, do so. However, continue making contributions of at least what your employer matches.

Continue to do well at work. Avoid gossiping about the lay-off or becoming too bitter. It will show in your work. You need good recommendations from your boss, so work hard and keep a good attitude.