Job Search Game Plan

Hi, fortunately I am still employed at the moment. However, my company is a software services firm. We offer software support to clients.

However, I have seen my company lose money the past years and with the bad economy we have lost some of our largest clients along with layoffs. Therefore, I have been planning for the worst but hoping for the best.

So in my planning I wanted to find out from experts what the best game plan is to have ready in the event I am laid off??

Could you tell me how to build that game plan? Thanks!

You raise an interesting question that is certainly relevant in today's market. What should your game plan be when you're currently employed, but you know that your company is on shaky ground?

There are a couple of things that come immediately to mind. First, make sure that your resume is current. I'm not talking about just adding your latest position to your old resume. Take a serious look at how you present your background. You'll find some great tips in our section on How to Write a Resume.

If you haven't updated your resume in a while, you'll find that the rules have changed. A strong summary statement, rather than objectives, is what employers are looking for today. And, make sure that your experience is heavily skewed to accomplishments, rather than sounding like a job description.

Start thinking about the interview process. Anticipate questions you might be asked, and how you will answer (see Job Interview Questions.)

You suggest in your question that you want a new job only if you're laid off. In reality, the best time to find a new position is when you are gainfully employed. If you look for a new spot BEFORE a layoff occurs, you will have more leverage in negotiating your package - and, you can evaluate opportunities much more objectively.

So, my advice is to quietly start your job search now, if you think that more layoffs are coming.

To build your game plan, start with your objectives and some parameters to guide your search efforts:

1. What is the next logical step in your career path?



2. Are you willing to relocate?



3. What are your compensation requirements. Think in terms of base salary and incentive compensation.



4. What type of company do you want to work for? Size (revenue/employee), industry.



5. What's important to you in terms of scope of responsibility? Budget authority? Number of direct reports? Who you will report to - e.g. CEO, SVP, VP.

Once you have your ground rules set, you can begin to make a list of target companies. You can identify these companies through a variety of sources (see How to Find a Job.)

Take a look at the company website for the types of positions they are recruiting for. Also, check out positions posted by these companies on both general job boards (Monster, CareerBuilder) and on industry or niche boards (like Top Sales Jobs).

You can set up job alerts on most job boards - and even on some company websites. You'll receive an email as new jobs from your target companies are posted.

Look for executive search firms that specialize in your industry/function. Search their websites for positions they are working on. Selectively submit your resume if you see something that looks interesting.

At this point, you want to know what's happening in the market and pursue opportunities that look like a good fit for the next step in your career.

If a layoff does happen, you will be ahead of the curve in jump starting your job search. You'll follow the same outline, but get a little more aggressive, and perhaps a little less selective in the opportunities you consider.

One note of caution. It's difficult to really know a company's financial position when you're on the outside looking in. Do your homework. Public companies are easier to judge, but divisions within these companies may be producing different results. Private companies require digging deeper.

Make sure you don't leave one shaky situation for another! In the interview process, be sure to ask probing questions about the company's financial health. Request interviews with people who will be in your peer group (vs. your prospective boss). They are likely to be more honest with you.