COVID 19 has decimated an economy that was thriving. Instead of record sales, industries, like airlines, restaurants, and hospitality, now wonder if they will survive. Other companies and corporations worry about the loss of sales due to the disruption of production. Almost every industry has had to make tough decisions. Consequently, layoffs and furloughs abound. If you are one of those who have felt the blow of these hard times, know that you are among thousands of people whose lives have been altered, and not just by the threat of catching this debilitating virus. How you handle the disappointing news can have long term effects.
First and foremost, remember you don’t want to burn bridges.
Yelling, shouting, or swearing about how hard you have been working in comparison to others will get you nowhere. Your manager probably was told how many people he or she had to cut. They may not have had any input into the decision. Resist sending nasty emails to anyone in the company, even a colleague. Additionally, avoid badmouthing your manager or upper management to relatives and friends. You never know what might get back.
At all costs, stay professional. Be helpful
If your manager needs a status report on your projects or accounts, be sure you update any documents to reflect what’s current. Turn over all the needed materials. It can be tempting to leave out a few important papers but resist trying to get even. Besides those that remain will be doing multiple jobs so the more you can help them out, the more management will remember you in a positive light.
Maintain relationships within the organization. Periodically, check in with your former manager, other bosses, or mentors. They may have recommendations for landing positions within their broader network. When the situation improves, your name will be remembered because you have stayed in touch and have been professional.
Don’t try to hide the loss of your job
Let friends and extended family know your situation and ask them for referrals. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media to broadcast the type of job you are seeking. Don’t forget to say positive things about your prior organization.
While a lot of your time will be devoted to getting a new position, this might be the time to shore up skills. Do you need to improve project management, time management, or communication skills? Commit to expanding your toolbox. Gain certifications if necessary. Take courses online. All of these will make you more desirable as a candidate.
Finally, if you have been at all dissatisfied with your prior job, reassess your values and goals.
Perhaps, you no longer wish to travel, or perhaps you’d like a state with a milder winter. Now might be the time to reevaluate the job you are seeking. Now might also be the time to explore being an entrepreneur. That idea that has been germinating in your head over for years might be worth a closer look. Consider what it would take to make it a reality.
Predictions about when the economy will recover are all over the map. What is important to remember during a layoff or furlough is that when things improve and companies consider hiring needs, you want to be top of mind.
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Impact Communications, Inc. consults with individuals and businesses to improve their presentation and telephone communication skills. It is not what you know but how you communicate it that makes a difference. When you have to have impact, phone (847) 438-4480 or visit our website, www.ImpactCommunicationsInc.com.
Impact Communications, Inc. was established in 1998. It is a national presentation communication skills and telephone communication skills training company that excels at defining and developing the core elements of effective business communication. With presentation communication skills training, telephone communications skills training, every encounter can be an efficient and lucid transmission of information.
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