Q: I was recently let go, along with roughly 25% of my team. The layoffs occurred in tech and weren’t due to my performance. I’m assembling a checklist of what to do before losing access to company resources. What should I include?
A: I appreciate your question and sympathize with your situation. Start by securing any important documents or materials for future use, such as performance reviews, employment verification, and projects you've contributed to. It's also wise to consult your HR department about potential health insurance options after your employment ends.
Next, consider these additional steps inspired by insights from others who have experienced similar situations:
- “Replace your work email with your personal email for any professional newsletters you’re subscribed to,” advises Phyl.
- “Make sure to collect your colleagues’ personal contact details,” emphasizes Mary.
- “Connect with a few individuals who can provide you with letters of recommendation,” suggests Linda. “Share with them key points on how you've impacted the company to aid their writing.”
- “Request colleagues to leave references on your LinkedIn profile,” says Terry. “Reflect on instances where you exceeded expectations or managed successful projects. Document those experiences for future interviews.”
- Lastly, a fun tip from Amy: “Spend a couple of days in your pajamas watching mindless game shows.”
Being laid off can be a challenging experience, often accompanied by financial, emotional, and professional strain. However, preparing ahead and allowing yourself to process the situation can help you recover more resiliently.
