Today, in our fast moving economy, employees (especially staff and middle managers) face business closings and ongoing downsizing as companies look for ways to reduce costs and maintain or increase profits with shrinking customer bases. For many companies, removing half a million dollars worth of cost by eliminating staff is faster and easier than raising prices, paring already trimmed expenses or finding new customers. CEOs of public companies face relentless shareholder pressure to maintain profits, increase dividends and improve the company's value and stock price. Mergers, acquisitions and business closings continue to disrupt people's lives. The quickest way to justify an acquisition and make a merger work is to combine functions, consolidate facilities and reduce payroll.

Unfortunately, very few working people will avoid being downsized at least once during their career. Downsizing may be difficult to conceive, hard to accept and emotionally hurtful, but we need to deal with the reality and get on with our lives quickly. The sooner we adjust to the reality of a downsizing, the better off we will be.

Most employees don't think about preparing for their next job until after they've been downsized. If these employees are fortunate, their company will provide some level of outplacement assistance, a professional resource to teach the skills the displaced worker needs to find their next job. But frankly, this sort of help from employers for downsized employees is dwindling.

However, armed with the knowledge that each of us will probably each be displaced from a job sooner or later, here are some things to think about before you are downsized.

Following these simple steps will help prepare you for the job of finding your next job and help you deal with the emotional trauma of losing your current job. Develop and keep a current inventory of your skills. It's not wasted time and if you receive any outplacement help, you will be asked to think about these steps as part of your transition process.

The first rule of thumb is to keep your resume current. Most recruiters and employers in general, like to see resumes no longer than two pages with lots of white space. Write brief paragraphs, not long chapters. A resume should spark interest, not attempt to answer all the questions. There are excellent reference books at the Library or bookstores like Barnes and Noble.

The second rule of thumb is to always tell the truth. An amazing statistic in recruiting circles is that half the resumes written today have a least one statement that is not factual.

The third rule of thumb is to prepare a skills inventory. Keep a notebook that you regularly update and develop lists that answer the following kinds of questions:

• What are you good at
• What are you not good at
• What do you like to do most in your current position
• What do you like to do least in your current position
• Keep a detailed list of accomplishments in your present position
• Keep a list of projects that have not gone well in your present position
• Outline your strengths and business skills, including computer skills
• Outline your weaknesses as an employee
• Describe your ideal manager and why
• Describe your least favorite manger and why
• What new skills have you learned at your present company
• What's the right position for your skill set
• What position would you ideally like to have
• List some target positions and titles you might like - think outside the box
• What is your desired target compensation (base and bonus)
• What is the minimum compensation you would accept (base and bonus)
• What industries have you worked in
• What industry do you like best
• Do you want to change industries
• What new/different industries would interest you
• What is the right size company for you to target (small-medium-large)
• Would you consider consulting or project work
• If yes, what is your area of expertise
• Would you consider starting your own business
• If yes, what kind of a business
• Do you have a business plan prepared
• What start up costs do you anticipate and how would you finance a start up
• Has your business plan every been reviewed by a professional or a banker
• Have you considered working for a non-profit
• What is your target commuting distance
• Would you consider relocation
• If yes, what are some target areas
• Have you shared/discussed this inventory with your spouse/partner/family or others

• Friends and relatives
• Business Associates
• Former colleagues
• Customers
• People you don't know but who could help you
• List of target businesses/industries you are interested in
• List of recruiters you know and have worked with in the past.
• List of recruiters who specialize in your industry
• List of recruiters who are working in areas of the country where you would relocate
• List of 3-5 excellent references who know you and their current contact information

• Stay extremely positive
• Never be negative about your former boss or company
• Be completely honest and candid with yourself as you go through the skills inventory so you can make good decisions as you seek your next position
• Anticipate questions that may come up when you interview or meet people that will give them the information you want them to have
• Develop, prepare and write down "two minute stories" to respond to any question you are asked. These are polished, detailed and practiced responses to typical interview questions
• Insure that any cover letters and resumes you send out are tailored to the specific job that you are pursuing and industry where you are seeking employment
• Make every contact count. Leave something positive and memorable about yourself, especially leave a good impression. Leave every meeting having learned something. Write individual, personal thank you notes and follow up. You often just get one shot at making a good impression
• Turn negatives into positives
• Develop powerful cover letters that introduce you to potential employers Personalize the cover letters but don't oversell
• Consider more than one resume if you are targeting multiple industries or positions
• Don't pay to have someone write your cover letter and resume. Recruiters and employers can see right through that
• Do have someone review your written work and practice your "two minute drills" with you
• Don't do massive mailings to recruiters. They just don't work
• Take time to be fit, stay in shape and work off stress
• Help others along the way
• Eat well. Sleep well. Avoid excessive alcohol

• Use the Internet
• Use the business references at your local library
• Research individual company web sites.
• Consider buying a membership to professional job posting boards such as Execunet
• Use the Monster Board, Craigslist and other free job posting boards
• Join networking groups (often sponsored by churches, may be industry specific, etc)
• Stay in touch with trade and business associations
• College/Alumni associations
• Fraternal groups

As you journey toward your next job, spend some time each day reaching out to others. That favor will be returned in kind many times over.
Bartlett Associates was established in 1996 to help organizations solve their HR problems. If you have an HR question, want to improve you HR systems or discuss an employee or management issue in your organization, please call or email Steve Bartlett to set up a meeting.