Pink Slip Avoidance Tips

As recent grads, we aren’t necessarily given the pick of the litter when it comes to jobs. A third of us are unemployed, half of us can’t stand the jobs we’re in, and the remaining 17% might actually be content with our current employment. No matter which category you fall under, chances are you want to know, perhaps need to know, how to stay afloat and employed amidst the pandemic layoffs.

Question: How do I avoid a pink slip when the recession comes to collect its quota from my employer?

Answer: Where there’s a will there’s a way! When it comes to business, forget all that you’ve learned about merit and work ethic. GONE. You’ve got to be savvy.

1. Relationships – Get into the “it” crowd. You know, the group of coworkers who actually are friends with the boss? Yes, the people who, although not in management, still know all the company gossip and everyone’s performance stats. Get to know them and be friendly. The closer you are to the power hub, the less likely you are to be axed. You’re anonymity will be lost, but the newfound fickle bond you have with management may become the difference between employed you and fired Sally.

2. B to B+ performance – The key to success in today’s economy is endurance. Even if you hate your job, you want to survive the layoffs just so you don’t have to face the impossible odds many of your peers are dealing with. At the same time, this doesn’t mean you need to perform like the cum laude, valedictorian student you once were/hoped to be. In fact, doing that is a sure fire way to get burned out or randomly self-compelled to quit. If you demonstrate a desperation to keep your job/willingness to do anything, your company will likely exploit you. Remember, there’s still lots of work to be done even if people are being fired. Resist the urge to go too far above and beyond. Nonetheless, work at a level just a few steps above mediocrity so that your value will be recognizable.

3. You & Your Company 4 Life – One of the initial ways employers shed weight during layoffs is disposing of the temporary, “no intention of advancing” employees who work just for the check. They have no long-term career plans with the company. If you find a way to communicate a desire (whether wholehearted or fabricated) to rise through the corporate employment ranks, your words may end up becoming your salvation.

Now these three points are only suggestions. There is no guarantee that if used they will prevent you from joining the throngs of Monster.com faithfuls. Consider them carefully before use.