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You walk into work with a smile on your face because the weekend was eventful. A few hours into your shift an email from your manager is received to attend a one-on-one meeting. In the first few seconds of the meeting, he states the company is downsizing and your position may come to an end in a month. What do you do next?

It is a common scenario the workforce experiences at least once in a full lived career. The first step most employees take is updating a resume to find a new opportunity, but we have a few helpful additional tips to consider.

  1. Internal Job Opportunities

In life, you must create your own opportunities when a job comes to an end. Ask your manager if there are upcoming jobs that will open in your department for you to apply. If this is not an option, check your internal job postings or set up an interview with a human resources specialist. You can explain your situation, provide a new resume and career development training recently completed. Before you decide to search for a job outside of your company, remember that you have a full understanding of the organization and can be of help to another department.

  1. Ask about Outplacement Services

Outplacement services are offered to an employee that is laid off or fired at a company. It is a part of employee benefits and is paid for by an employer. The way it works is you are set up with a career placement company that can assist you with creating a new resume or cover letter, set you up with mentoring, or send invitations to networking opportunities after your employment ends. It is a good way to transition yourself back into the workforce without the time and effort it can take for you to do it in your own.

  1. Ask Career Related Questions

If you are fired, you are in the right to ask your manager or the human resources specialist if it the reason is because of your work performance. It is essential to find out because if there is something you can do at your next place of employment to avoid being fired again, it will save you the disappointment.

In the case that your manager does not provide a timeframe, ask if they can confirm an estimated time it will happen to give you time to start networking or searching for a new job.

  1. It’s Time to Soul Search

After a discussion of this nature with your manager, it is time to ask yourself if you are truly in the right place. Most of us can be in denial when we realize we are not a good match for the company we work at because of personal, or moral reasons. Does your manager value you? Do you feel motivated? Is there an opportunity to grow professionally? If the answers to all these questions is ‘no’ the decision for you to leave is for the best.

  1. Network at Your Job

If you have 2 months before your employment ends, one of the best plans of action is to start networking with influential people at your workplace. You will be surprised to discover how well- connected colleagues are with competing organizations. The other point to remember is it is good to stay connected with people you once worked with because they can refer you to new job openings if they decide to work for another company one day.

  1. Temporary to Permanent Work

According to The Economist, in the United States, about 2.9 million people accept temporary work. You can consider the option of working a part-time temporary position for a company on the weekend or in the evening. If you use the same work ethic as if it is a permanent position, the chances of you becoming a full-time employee are high. Furthermore, if it does not offer a permanent role, the networking opportunities and additional experience you can add to your resume are beneficial to your career.

Final Thoughts

When a manager tells you to start searching for a new job, it is a good sign because they care enough to give you time to search for a new opportunity. It will help you figure out if in fact you have outgrown your position and are settling in your career. The late Napoleon Hill once said, “When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.” This moment might be the beginning of a brighter future ahead if you had remained in the same position.

 

This article was written by:

Makeda Waterman is an online journalist with writing features on CNBC Make It., Yahoo Finance News and the Huffington Post. She also runs an online writing business with 3.5 years of experience