Layoffs are happening in many business sectors. Here's how to avoid getting fired and what to do if you're fired.

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After months of talent wars sparked by mass resignations, the job market has changed again, business growth has slowed and recession fears are looming. More than 60% of the 750 CEOs surveyed by The Conference Board, a business research firm, are in recession within the next 12 to 18 months, despite unemployment rates as low as 4.6% in Alaska and 3.5% nationally. I expect to fall. Another 15% of his CEOs surveyed report that their region is already in recession.

Multiple employers, who bet big on the post-pandemic boom, have moved into layoff status. Re/Max cut his 17% of domestic workforce. Peloton, Carvana, Ford and Better each laid off thousands of employees. Walmart, Wells Fargo, 7-Eleven, Shopify, Netflix and JP Morgan have all cut jobs massively. The number of #OpentoWork banners on LinkedIn profiles has reached levels not seen since the pandemic began.

avoid getting fired

When making layoff decisions, leaders strive to remain “A-players” and dump employees they deem less important to the company’s future. If you’re working for a good employer and want to keep your job despite being furloughed, you’ll be able to handle change well, have mission-critical skills, and do more to him than others will achieve in his two days. Position yourself as an ‘A player’ who can get a lot done in a day.

Look for ways to demonstrate your value to your company and the people who decide who stays and who leaves. What opportunities can you find to work on top-priority projects that have a positive impact on your employer’s bottom line?

Make it a habit to keep your managers and other senior leaders aware of what you have achieved and how it will affect the bottom line, such as increasing sales, reducing expenses, or attracting clients. Develop other strategies to make yourself visible to the company’s decision makers without showing off.

If you work for a service company, be an integral part of your employer’s clients. Show your dedication when you feel a layoff approaching. If life allows, arrive early, work late, or transition from working from home to working more often at headquarters.

Preparation

Despite your skill and dedication, you may still end up at the cutting board, especially if you moved to a new employer last year and adopted a last-in, first-out strategy.

Dust off your resume and you’re ready to go. Stay updated with recent work accomplishments, acquired skills and certifications.

Start scanning the job market. Which sectors and employers will weather recessions more easily? In many cases, laws, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and governments remain strong. Select employers that interest you and set up Google Alerts to read what they and their executives post on social media.

if you get fired

If you receive notice of layoff, ask about severance pay, unused vacation or sickness benefits, and extended insurance coverage. Request a strong letter of recommendation from your immediate supervisor or others. If you wait too long, they might get fired too, so it can be hard to find them.

If you are laid off, file for unemployment insurance immediately to ensure you receive the maximum possible coverage. If your insurance ends with employment and you are not eligible for Cobra benefits, evaluate alternative insurance providers. Post your resume on Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter, and other job boards. Reach out to your network for job leads.

Some employers will be back soon, so check your dismissal letter to see if it says anything about rehiring. Check the section on layoffs in your previous employer’s handbook to see if there is information about laid off workers being rehired. Call your former employer’s human resources representative and ask about their rehiring policies and practices. Call your former boss and let them know you are interested in returning. He may support your immediate rehire.

Knowing where you stand financially reduces anxiety. Evaluate your finances, cut unnecessary spending, and if necessary, contact service providers to see if payments can be reduced or deferred.

Finally, don’t personalize your layoffs. Your employer may have had to downsize to survive. If you’re angry with your employer, process your emotions so that you’re free from them when interviewing prospective employers. If the job you want is out there, you want them to want you too, so you land it.