Pink Slip Preparation: Your Guide to Navigating Job Layoffs

Pink Slip Preparation series is for those that know a layoff is looming or are just feeling general anxiety about the job market and would like to stay in control of their future. Check out this series for tips on being well prepared if you end up needing to re-enter the job market unexpectedly.

Did you notice that the title was “Browse” and not “Apply”? That was deliberate. The difference in preparing for a layoff versus being laid off is that you have some time to get your ducks in a row. Applying for jobs and tailoring each resume is taxing, even for those seriously on the job hunt. Here, we aim to understand the job market and how your skills fit into it.

Understanding the Job Market

When was the last time you searched for a new job? Last year? Five years? Ten? If you’ve done it recently, you might not be shocked by the current LinkedIn and AI resume-checking landscape. But if it’s been a while, you may be surprised by the methods and skills needed to secure a job today. Below are steps to help you understand what it takes to nail your resume and land an interview for a job you’d love.

1. What do you want to do?

2. Review job postings of the jobs you listed and look at the requirements.

3. What are the requirements you lack and how can you upskill them?

4. Pretend to apply for a job you like.

5. Check the Glassdoor company overview for the application steps of a job you like.

   
   

What do you want to do?

This simple question can have a complicated answer, especially if you’re dissatisfied with your current career. Do you love what you do but hate the company? Or do you have great coworkers but find the job unfulfilling? Maybe you’re worried about AI's impact on your role and want to pivot to something less affected by technology.

Having job security allows you to consider what you truly want, rather than making a panicked decision based on immediate availability. This reflection lays the groundwork for the steps you’ll need to take to find a job and company that suit you.

Consider taking a personality assessment or reviewing the career earnings in your field. Does it align with your strengths? Does this career offer long-term earning potential and a clear path?

Make a list of potential job options and their titles. Job titles can vary significantly between companies, so explore various titles and descriptions to get a sense of the roles you want to pursue.

Review Job Postings

Once you have a list of potential jobs, dive into the job postings. Look closely at the requirements. How much experience do companies want? What software skills are necessary? What certifications do you need?

If you’re lucky, you may already meet the experience and credentials for your desired roles. However, many of us, especially those who have been with one company for a long time, might find ourselves lacking in certain software or certifications that have become industry standards. I remember working as a data analyst with SQL, only to discover that Python and R were the new must-haves. I was not prepared!

Create a list of common requirements for the jobs you want to transition into. Then, outline the steps you need to take to learn these skills. Don’t forget to review any required certifications and the institutions that offer them.

Identify Your Skill Gaps

Now that you know what you need to add to your resume, how do you go about acquiring those skills? If you lack experience, it might be tricky to gain it on your own. If the career path you want to pursue is related to your current role, see if you can participate in a project with another team to gain that experience. Otherwise, you might need to consider taking a lower-level job to build the necessary experience.

If you’re missing specific skills, the process will be simpler but time-consuming. For instance, if you want to learn a new coding language, sign up for an online course and complete the training. Always check for potential certifications you can earn after completing the training to prove your mastery of the skill.

For certifications, research exam prep courses and any minimum requirements you need to meet. Not all certifications are created equal. A great tool is the Credential Value Index Navigator to see which credentials can enhance your job hunt success. Remember, the credential itself matters, but so does the institution from which you receive it.

Simulate the Application Process

Now, let’s pretend to apply for a job you like. Does it require a cover letter? Do you need to link your GitHub account? There’s a wide variance in what companies require for initial applications, so it’s helpful to get a general idea.

For technical roles, you may need to showcase your previous coding work to demonstrate your skills. While most companies don’t require cover letters, it’s often listed as an option. I recommend writing one for jobs you’re excited about.

Research Application Steps on Glassdoor

Finally, check the Glassdoor company overview for the application steps of a job you’re interested in. How many rounds of interviews are there? Is there a personality test? Do you need to pass an exam? What interview questions are commonly asked?

This information is invaluable, whether you’re actively job hunting or just browsing. For the specific job title you’re considering, look for patterns among companies hiring for that role. Is there always an exam? Do they typically have multiple interview rounds? Is there a quirky question that pops up frequently?

If you find that you’re well-prepared for the interview process, that’s a good sign you have the experience and skills necessary to land the job. If the requirements leave you feeling uncertain, take the time to address any gaps in your knowledge.

Take Action

These steps aren’t just for dreaming about what could be. Did you see a job that excites you? Let that be the motivation you need to start working toward a fulfilling career path. Remember, you have the power to shape your future, even in uncertain times. Embrace the journey, and let’s get started on this path together!