Warning Signs To Look Out For

1. Recognize Which Industries Are Getting Hit The Hardest

Industries in the technology and online commerce sectors are getting hit especially hard, specifically those that drastically grew during the pandemic. This includes companies like Meta, which reduced the size of their team by 13%, laying off 11,000 employees. Zuckerberg took the fault saying,

“Many people predicted this would be a permanent acceleration that would continue even after the pandemic ended. I did too, so I made the decision to significantly increase our investments. Unfortunately, this did not play out the way I expected. Not only has online commerce returned to prior trends, but the macroeconomic downturn, increased competition, and ads signal loss have caused our revenue to be much lower than I’d expected.”

When a large sum of customers and businesses moved online due to the pandemic, companies expected it to stay that way, not realizing that everything that goes up must come down. In the past, a recession usually affected blue-collar employees. However, the demand for those workers continues while large sums of white-collar employees are being laid off.

2. Keep Track Of The Company’s Financial Status

It’s difficult not to see layoffs as a personal decision, but it’s simply not. It has much more to do with the company’s poor hiring priorities or significant unexpected changes impacting the business. It’s essential to keep up with your company’s financials in order to predict being laid off. Even if you’re a top earner, do not turn your head when conversations about below-average company earnings and budget cuts rise. Keep an eye on press coverage or company announcements around the subject.

3. A Shift In The Culture

Take a moment to stop and feel the energy of the workplace and ask yourself if it feels different. This could be a shift in transparency and communication among the company’s leaders. It could also look like removing incentives such as no holiday party, no more free parking, or the environment has simply turned hostile. Do not ignore the small signs, all of these could hint at layoffs in the near future.

It’s not about waiting for layoffs to happen. It’s about being ready before they happen and setting yourself up to be less vulnerable. A Staffworks recruiter can be a resource you keep in your back pocket before a layoff occurs. You can always connect with a recruiter even when you are not looking, just simply being prepared. Allowing us to keep your information on file means it takes one quick call before we start sharing your resume with hiring employers.

Post Layoff – What’s Next?

• Gather Everything Before Losing Access

If you received awards, be sure to take them with you. Next time a potential employer asks for an instance when you did something remarkable, you now have real examples to leverage. Please be mindful not to take anything that is proprietary or confidential and only items pertaining to your personal achievements. You won’t have access for long, so remember to be proactive, not reactive.

• Reach Out To Co-Workers

Send an email to co-workers expressing your gratitude for getting the chance to work with them. Share your personal email as well as your LinkedIn account to stay connected. Consider asking close co-workers to be a reference and share your resume with them. You never know who will say your name when an opportunity arises. It’s worth a shot, especially when referred employees have a 28.5% chance of being hired, compared to non-referral employees having only a 2.7% chance.

• Connect With a Recruiter

Recruiters, like the ones at Staffworks, are dedicated to your job search. We help you update your work history, schedule interviews, and negotiate new pay rates. Recruiters are connected to serious employers ready to hire. This means you aren’t wasting time applying to old jobs that were never taken down or being lost in the shuffle with hundreds of other applicants.

• Ask HR For a ‘Laid-Off’ Letter

Assuming you are being laid off for reasons outside your control, getting an official letter stating the circumstances is essential. Providing proof to potential employers puts you in a safer position. Without a note, employers can interpret the situation as if you were fired.

• Find The Company’s Policies Around Unused Days Off

Break out the employee handbook to find out how the company treats unused vacation/sick days or PTO (paid time off). You’d be surprised at the number of companies that pay off unspent vacation days.

• Ask For a Recommendation Letter

It’s best to maintain a positive connection with the leaders you have worked with throughout your career, even when the circumstances are unfavorable. A recommendation letter from a manager or supervisor can be highly impactful when looking for a new job.

Conclusion

Remember that you are not your job and a company’s inability to keep you is not a reflection of you and your hard work. Staffworks recruiters are there through all the ups and downs of your career. With recent trends of layoffs, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs and the steps to take.

Give yourself peace of mind and speak to a recruiter today about staying on top of your career path.

The post Layoff Warning Signs & What To Do When They Happen appeared first on StaffWorks, Inc..

1. You have a lot of potential – start recognizing it!
   You may not be built like Arnold Schwarzenegger or be mistaken for a supermodel.  But with positive thinking, focusing on your strengths, and self-determination you can achieve some truly amazing things.
2. Decide what you want – and set goals along the way.
   Remember the old saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day”?  Well, it wasn’t!  When setting goals, it’s important to keep your long-term goal in mind, but set smaller goals along the way.  This will help keep you motivated and patient.
3. Get focused and discipline yourself.
   Nothing in life is free.  If you want to meet your goals, you’re going to have to work for it.  Focus your attention on your goals and don’t stray.  Make sure each day you do at least one activity that centers around your goals.
4. Stop doubting your abilities and develop self-confidence.
   Strike the phrase “I can’t” from your vocabulary-because “you can”!  Don’t complain or get frustrated with little roadblocks.  Instead visualize your success.
5. Avoid negative people.
   Negativity is contagious.  One of the easiest ways to become successful is to surround yourself with positive, successful people.

Let Staffworks help get you into that perfect job!

Search Jobs

The post Get Motivated! appeared first on StaffWorks, Inc..

1. Don’t show up late!
   The easiest way to look bad right off the bat is to show up late. It gives the impression that you’re irresponsible and makes the interviewer feel that their time isn’t important to you. When planning for your interview give yourself enough time for traffic jams, a late train, bad weather and whatever else could happen. And if you arrive early you’ll have more time to relax and prepare.
2. Don’t appear disinterested.
   There may be some points in an interview when you determine this job simply isn’t the right fit. It that happens, do NOT show it! Remember that the interviewer does not exist in a vacuum. He or she has friends, relatives, and associates who may influence future job opportunities. If you behave poorly, the interviewer will remember and will share the story of you and your unprofessional behavior with others. Haven’t you shared bad job search experiences with people close to you? The interviewer is probably no different.
3. Don’t be unprepared.
   There’s nothing worse than interviewing someone who doesn’t even know what your company does. Take some time before your interview to conduct research. Learn about the company, try to talk with existing employees, gain insight into their industry. Excellent sources of information include the Internet, periodicals, and experts in the field.
4. Don’t forget to be polite.
   No matter how old fashioned it appears to use words like please, sir, ma’am, and thank you, do not delete these words from your vocabulary. These simple words can work wonders towards making a positive impression. Always use a respectful tone of voice. Do not unnecessarily interrupt the interviewer. Maintain eye contact and a pleasant expression. Leave the slang, slouching, and gum chewing at home. Good manners signal respect for yourself and the people around you; never underestimate their importance.
5. Don’t dress down.
   No matter how laid back or casual a company is, always “dress up” for an interview and remember it’s not time to express your individuality. Always remember that your goal is to gain employment, not to make a fashion statement. Accordingly, you should not dress in any way that will distract attention from you and your qualifications. Things to avoid include unconventional hair colors, excessive jewelry and makeup, and any clothes that you would wear to a nightclub. Do your best to dress accordingly. If there is any doubt, err on the side of being overdressed.
6. Don’t lie.
   Never, ever lie during an interview. Mistruths have an uncanny habit of catching up to people. If the interviewer catches you in a lie during the interview, you have seriously damaged your chances of being hired. After all, would you hire someone that you couldn’t trust? If your employer finds out you lied after you have been hired, it could be grounds for dismissal. Even if they do not dismiss you, you are still in serious trouble as you have damaged your integrity in the eyes of your boss. The bottom line is that you should always be truthful when interviewing.
7. Don’t be modest.
   When searching for the right job, put your modesty aside. Don’t be afraid to confidently describe your skills and accomplishments. After all, if you don’t sing your praises to your potential boss, then who will? Don’t count on your resume to do all the work; it is only a tool to help you land the interview. Once you get your foot in the door, it is up to you to convince the interviewer that you are the ideal person for the job. Worried that you will come across as conceited instead of self-confident? Then practice how and what you will say with a friend or family member who can provide honest feedback.
8. Don’t forget a thank you note.
   Once the interview has concluded, take a few moments to jot down your impressions of the interviewer, what you talked about and any interesting points that were brought up during the meeting. The ideal time and place to do this is in your car as soon as you have exited the building, as your thoughts will be most fresh at this time. Use this information as you compose a well thought out thank you note to the interviewer. Mail this note no later than the day following the interview. Remember, promptness signals interest.

By avoiding these eight simple mistakes, you can improve your chances of having a successful interview and landing the job of your dreams. If you’re ready to take that next step, contact us today!

The post Interview Mistakes That Will Keep You From a Job Offer appeared first on StaffWorks, Inc..