Be Prepared for Unemployment

In these uncertain economic times it is prudent to follow the Scout's motto and "be prepared" for anything, especially unemployment.  Be on the lookout for signs that your job may be on the chopping block, from the obvious, such as company lay off announcements, to more subtle hints such as budget cuts or the loss of a key customer.  Here are some practical steps you can take if you think your job is in jeopardy:

1.  Make visible contributions to the bottom line

Now is the time to put in extra effort to demonstrate the value you are contributing to the company's bottom line.  Be sure that this effort is noticed by your boss and that you get the credit you deserve.  Here are some suggestions for getting noticed in a good way:

• Arrive at work before your boss and leave after they do
• Bring in a new customer or increase sales to existing customers
• Deliver a project on time and within budget
• Look for creative ways to cut costs and report back to your boss on actual cost savings
• Cancel any upcoming vacations. 

2.  Follow the rules

Whatever happens, do not violate any company policies.  If you call in sick and then are spotted at partying at Chippendales, not only could you get fired, but you may miss out on severance pay and you may be denied unemployment benefits. Reread important company policies, such as those related to expense claims and the code of conduct, and follow them to the letter.

3.  Pay membership dues 

If your company has a policy of reimbursing membership dues for certain trade or professional associations that you belong to, you should pay these in full and submit the expense claim right away.  Be sure to adhere to the rules related to reimbursable expenses (see 2 above).  If you do lose your job you won't have to worry about footing the bill for annual membership, which can be a few hundred dollars per association.  You want to continue to belong to these associations during your unemployment as they are great to mention on your résumé.  Update your email and mailing addresses with these associations to your personal addresses so that you continue to receive correspondence if you leave your company.  

4.  Redeem credit card rewards points

Think about using your corporate credit card rewards points on something useful.  Your employer will cancel any corporate credit cards you have upon termination of employment and you could lose all those valuable points.  American Express gives you 30 days from the card's cancellation date to use your reward points.  So use them before you lose them! 

5.  Take advantage of free offers
Some companies have programs whereby they offer goods or services to employees at little or no cost.  My former employer had a particular generous health and well-being program from which I acquired $150 worth of Macy's vouchers, books, and CDs at no cost to myself.  Look into what your employer is offering and place orders for items that you think will be of benefit to you.

6.  Update your résumé
Chances are you don't have a résumé that is up-to-date and ready to be sent to prospective employers.  Get working on it now, but do so at home on your own time.  The last thing you want is to be caught updating your résumé in the office, when you should be busy making visible contributions to your company's bottom line (see 1 above).

7.  Review your employment contract
Remind yourself of key contractual provisions related to termination of employment, such the period of notice required and severance pay.  Tomorrow I will discuss severance pay and termination in more detail.