Geek-Cube: Layoffs
There are two syllables that people really don’t like to hear. The word starts with “lay” and ends with “off”. Of course, that’s the risk with working for a business, especially in America’s current financial situation. Thankfully, there are certain protections in place to make sure people are taken care of for a bit, like Unemployment Insurance and severance pay, but neither last forever. After the initial shock wears off, there’s the wondering what one will do to survive, if the cable modem will need to be shut off to save money, if it’s time to sell the PS3, all sorts of things. Don’t panic! There are things you can do with your time that will keep you ahead of the game.
First and foremost, have your resume ready. Update it with anything pertinent to the job you’re looking for, and have several copies tailored to other jobs. Submit that resume to the usual job sites, keep your eyes open for new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to market yourself. It’s not unheard of to keep your resume on a flash drive so that if the chance happens, you can print it right up or give a potential employer a digital copy. The biggest thing is to keep trying, even if months go by without a nibble.
Another good idea is to network. I read an article not too long ago about a woman who was laid off, posted a Tweet (yep, Twitter!) asking if anyone was looking for someone in her position, and a potential employer saw it. Her LinkedIn profile served as a resume of sorts, leading to an interview and a hire. Now, make sure that anything you don’t want anyone to see is kept private. Weird otaku-like obsessions can get you canned. Complaining about your last job could, too, and trust me, I think we’re all guilty of that. Make sure that whatever platform you use to network in hopes of building references and job-wielding relationships has your best possible you available for the market to drool over.
Don’t forget to list hobbies that might have applicable relations to a job you want. Perhaps the volunteer work you might do will help if you list it. Maybe that Linux-box you’re tinkering with shows you have some technical aptitude. Do you think raiding with your guild counts as teamwork and listening skills? Of course, these aren’t things you’d want on your resume, but knowing how to work well with others and showing a willingness to learn something new does actually count in terms of interviews.
And speaking of which, brush up on those people skills (I’m not talking about Ventrillo, either!). Go outside, make phone calls, be out and about. Keep up with the grooming once you’re ready to hit the pavement looking for a job. Keep some interviewing clothes (professional dress) clean and pressed and ready if you get that call asking you to come in for an interview within the next hour. Have nicely printed copies of your resume ready, and please don’t use the pre-packaged resume paper. Just keep in mind, even with a glorious resume, it’s not going to count for more if you don’t make a positive impact in person. Practice!
My last bit of advice is to keep in touch with your coworkers. That goes back to the networking thing. If one of them happens to find a lead, they may be willing to share it with you. Besides, those relationships you form in the office can lead to some rather long friendships, especially if you find your cubicle neighbor is now your guildmate. I keep in touch with my coworkers on Facebook. Of course, I am legitimately friends with them, and if I happen to find something that I know would suit one, I share it. Remember, just because you might not like the lead you found doesn’t mean someone else might not benefit from it and return the favor.
Even if jobs are hard to find, there’s always going back to college or taking time to travel if you can. Take advantage of your time when you’re not hunting and look for whatever opportunities present themselves. I was just laid off myself, and so I’m using this time to finish my degree and work on my health. Just remember, if one door closes, another might open. Don’t be afraid to knock on some of those figurative doors!
Geek-Cube is a weekly column about integrating your geek life with your work environment.
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