Automakers, brokerages, retailers, airlines, home builders, banks, newspapers and countless other ailing industries are slashing staff. Your job could disappear tomorrow. Getting ready for your next career transition should be part of your workday schedule today.
Here are some career transition tips that you should pay attention to long before you are walked out of your workplace:
Transfer your latest performance review, summary of accomplishments, address list of business and personal contacts, work samples and laudatory customer letters to a jump drive--a portable computer-storage device--so you can retrieve them from outside the office.
Update your resume but don't plan on sending it out until you have discussed what's next for you with an executive career coach....because you only have one chance to make a good first impression with people who can help you find your next job.
When an executive is looking for another job, a huge mistake is to send his or her resume to prospective employers.
Why? Because prospective employers are not interested in your past responsibilities, education and experience. You will only turn their heads by being clear as to what you are looking for in a position with their company, what you have accomplished in your life and past work experiences, what your signature talents are and what other firms you may be considering in your job search. My coaching clients include those four elements on a one page document that they get into the hands of prospective employers.
Here are five tips on how to put together your solid accomplishments:
1. Think of your list of accomplishments as sharing the results you have delivered for others in your professional and personal lives.
2. Ask yourself the following questions about each of your previous jobs:
*What was your impact on your team, business unit, division, company and enterprise?
*What would not have happened if you hadn't been there?
*What are you proudest of during your career with each previous employer?
3. Look over old performance reviews and note what your boss praised you for doing well. Are your accomplishments listed in the document? What do letters of recommendation or company newsletters say about the results you achieved in the organization?
4. If you have increased profitability and/or decreased costs, list these accomplishments by applying numbers where possible, using percentages, dollar signs and time qualifiers.
5. If your employer or industry association has recognized you with an award, cite it. But make sure any award you cite is based on you making something positive happen.
You can also plan for a possible job hunt by installing a business phone at home (or a business cell phone) and adding that new phone number to your business card...before any new unannounced dismissals might take place.
Seeking legal counsel before the pink slip arrives is another smart move, according to Laurel Bellows, a Chicago employment attorney. That's especially important for anyone who feels s/he has a complaint that might be covered under bias, whistle-blower or other employment laws.
If and when you are told you will be laid off, among the extras that you might request in a departure package are accelerated vesting of stock grants, a partial bonus, extended health-care insurance coverage and lengthy outplacement career coaching. Draft your exit wish list in advance.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, January 16, 2007 and August 5, 2008