Randy’s Career Tips

A weak economy inevitably generates concern about layoffs. It’s not uncommon to hear someone who lost his job say he was totally blindsided by a layoff. In fact, I read an account recently of a woman describing how she came in to work one morning thinking everything was fine, but was escorted out of the building later that same day after having been pink slipped.

I’d suggest that, in hindsight, she probably realized there were signs that all was not rosy.

Layoffs usually don’t come out of the blue.

There are almost always indications that trouble may be looming on the horizon. Still, like this woman, many employees are taken by surprise; they don’t recognize the telltale signs because they’re not dialed in. Or, because they’ve convinced themselves it won’t happen to me, they choose to ignore obvious indicators of trouble ahead.

Know how to recognize the signs, and you’ll be able to prepare. If you’re lucky, your company will dodge the bullet and avoid work force reductions. However - if positions do end up being eliminated, the fact that you were tuned in early may end up saving your job.

Following are just a few precursors of possible storm clouds on the horizon. Taken separately, they don’t necessarily spell disaster. One or another of these items might simply indicate that your company needs to tighten its belt. Avoid the inclination to panic needlessly.

Put enough of them together, though, and it could mean there’s rough sailing ahead. It’s up to you to learn to read the tea leaves:

Unfilled positions are eliminated

There’s a hiring freeze

Substantial budget cuts

The company cuts back significantly on marketing or key initiatives

The company pulls out of trade shows at which it typically participates

Change in habits of senior management

Increased number of closed door meetings

T&E reimbursements are late

Performance evaluations are late or skipped entirely

Margins are shrinking

Key customers fail to come through with promised orders

Overdependence on a handful of customers

Your division is no longer “in the loop”

Vendors complain they aren’t being paid in a timely fashion

There’s a material delay in product delivery

No more free soda or coffee in the break room

This is a short list…but you get the idea. You can see how one or two of these items in and of themselves could be fairly innocuous. Given the weak economy, you’d probably be surprised if your company wasn’t looking to see where it could trim expenses - and there are plenty of ways to cut costs that don’t involve eliminating jobs.

Still - do yourself a favor and make sure you’re aware of what’s happening. Rumors of job cuts and general uncertainty about job security are never pleasant - not to mention how tough it can be if you actually do lose your job. If you’re prepared, though, you’ll be in a much better position to weather whatever storms come your way.

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive career guide for those who are serious about their careers. Gain a professional advantage using proven tips, tools and strategies that will help ensure you’re as marketable as you can be. http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com

Useful Links:

We all need a little help when it comes to sorting out our debt.