Get ready if ‘the end’ is near

A few pink slips have already been handed out at your company and you’re feeling your days may be numbered.
Sure, you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, angry and confused, but if there is any time to remain composed, it’s now. There is just too much at stake to not think about your immediate future while preparing for termination day.

After 18 years in the career world, placing thousands of qualified candidates in dream jobs, I’ve been through several economic slumps. I’ve seen the panic, the rejection, the fear. It’s all understandable. I’ve also seen many triumphs.

What I notice from this economic downturn is that despite all of the valuable career advice on the market, dispensed daily through news sources and various online vehicles, job seekers are still unsure of their very next step.
With this said, a career “birds and bees” talk is essential to those who fear a termination is near.

Your health
Peace of mind is the best way to start the job search.

Since you haven’t been laid off, your health insurance is still effective. Go to the doctor for a physical and get documentation of your clean bill of health. You’ll want to show companies that you are a good health-insurance risk when the time comes for you to purchase your own insurance. If you’ve been putting off any other doctor visits, make your appointments today.

You’ll also want to consult your employee handbook to determine how long your health insurance lasts one you’ve been terminated.

Update your resume
Perhaps you’ve been in your current position before the dawn of job search web sites like Monster and CareerBuilder and your resume looks like something from a time capsule. Web sites like The Ladders, which is mainly for executives, can help you craft a “winning resume.” Also, ask your friends (outside of work) to recommend a resume writer who will help you craft a professional resume that concentrates on key words and major accomplishments that add to the success and bottom line of your current position as well as those to come. You’ll want to have several versions of this resume that will satisfy the various positions you are applying to.
Finally, look to incorporate anything in your cover letter or opening e-mail that brings solutions to any known problems about the company you are applying to. You must have a differentiating factor about yourself that gets you noticed.

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