Most days I’m really fortunate because when I look out my front window I have a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Sheepshead Bay not even 100 yards from my front door. However the price for such beauty is I live in a hurricane evacuation Zone A. Hence I’m hurrying to finish this post so I can batten down the hatches and evacuate in advance of Hurricane Sandy.
This got me thinking about how many hard working people take for granted having a job and how people get caught unprepared when a sudden unexpected catastrophe occurs and they walk in to work one day and get greeted with a pink slip. Unfortunately I hear these stories all the time.
This morning I heard Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Cuomo tell us how the city and state are prepared for this event and how they have plans and contingency plans to ease the devastating effect on residents and the potential damage to the city and state.
So my question to you is this, “do you have a contingency plan in case you lose your job?’
Here are a few suggestions for everyone who is comfortably employed and has given no thought to what would happen if they lose their job.
1: Start to put away some money in an emergency savings account just in case you lose your job.
This can be a hardship but it really is essential.
2: Have your resume updated and at the ready. Having this document waiting on your computer is like having another emergency savings account and you never know when it will be needed. It also helps to have an updated resume when you have a salary review, or if you happen to be recruited for a better opportunity. Also constantly keep a written record of your skill sets and your on-the-job accomplishments on your computer.
3: Even though you are not looking for a new job maybe once a month do an online search to see what the job market is like in your field and in your city. Also note what skills are now required by employers. If you see skill sets are changing and you do not have these new skills, or your job will now require additional education or certifications, I suggest you work on getting them ASAP.
4: Check out which employers you would want to work for if you suddenly lose your job and keep track of what’s happening with them and try and get a feel for who the players are that you should try and get to know in these companies.
5: Keep building your network (I assume you’ve already started doing this) and go out of your way to help people who are looking for a job and recruiters looking for talent. Get known as a person with a helping hand and when your turn comes people will go out of their way to help you.
6: Start getting LinkedIn and written letters of recommendation and get people to endorse the skill sets you have listed on LinkedIn as well. This is much harder to accomplish once you are out of work.
Well time is running out for me over here so I must cut this short and go. For all of you who are also affected by this natural disaster please stay indoors, safe and sound.
For those who have no contingency plan for job security I suggest you start one today.
Once again, if you want a complimentary resume review a copy to perry@perrynewman.com.
Perry Newman
Perry Newman CPC/CSMS is a nationally-recognized career services professional; an executive resume writer and career transition coach, certified social media strategist, AIPC certified recruiter and charter member of the Career Rocketeer team. Passionate about all things related to career management, Perry has been critiquing Career Rocketeer readers' resumes at no cost since 2009. For a complimentary critique, email your resume to perry@perrynewman.com.
Chris Perry
Margaret Buj
Laura Smith-Proulx
This is a great post about the emergency situation every employee should be prepared for. Just like a hurricane, every worker should really hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Your tip about having an updated resume is a particularly good piece of advice. Job seekers should make sure their resume is updated with their latest work and cleaned up to look professional. Many employees ignore their resume as soon as they get the job, and this can be a problem is they’re suddenly thrust back into the marketplace. Another good tip is to make a video resume, where job seekers can show off their personality, drive, and communication skills.