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BLUF: Thanks to Mark & Mike & this forum for all of the words of wisdom, hints, actions to do that helped me sail through a recent layoff and get a new job.

My now "former company" had a layoff a little while back.  Now that I've had a little time to reflect, I thought I'd post some thoughts.

People around me tell me that I came through it amazingly well - all due I have to say from observations and comments in this forum.  So, I wanted to say thanks and emphasize a few things to people in case they had been like me a year ago and not thought it could ever happen to them.  Luckily for me, a year ago I did start paying attention to signs, networking diligently, working on skills, updating resume, etc.  So, I ended up quickly getting a new job and effectively getting months worth of severance as a nice bonus!

Here's what was really important to me.

  1. Understand your boss's goals and how they fit (or don't! ) Mark & Mike talk about understanding what your boss's goals are, how your group is doing against them, having measurable metrics, seeing how they map into the company objectives, ....  If your boss/organization is struggling with these, it's a bad thing.  In my case, our group didn't fit well with where the company that bought us was going.  We worked hard to try to fix this.  BUT it meant we were very vulnerable when they wanted to cut something out of costs and the whole group went.  When they started talking about needing to do a large cut, it was obvious that we'd be gone.  So, I was looking already and prepared when it happened.
  2. Networking got me my job - and you never know who it will be!  Mine was a former co-worker whose sibling was also a co-worker.  I made a point to take a walk/stop in and chat with her once a week.  Not only did I not know that company had jobs in I could be interested in but they knew me as a leader and highly recommended me.
  3. Keep your resume up-to-date, work to make it the best it can be and tailor it to the posting.  I had two - one for a technical lead and one for a manager that helped them be more focused.  Then I'd tailor them to a specific position.  One place called me back within a few hours of submitting my resume on-line because they said they could easily see the fit and value I provided.
  4. Preparing for the interviews was critical.  My manager commented on how thought out my questions were and she could see that I understood critical pieces of the job.  I'm always nervous  because someone can always work hard to trip you up on a technical interview if they really want to nail you.  But preparation made me able to handle it.

Thanks again.  I'm not a manager now but I still find this forum valuable to anyone who is a leader.  I may be one again - not sure if I want to go that way.  But it's been a learning experience!

asteriskrntt1's picture

Way to spread a little Sunshine on our day.  Congratulations!