R stands for Retrenched

The “R” word

In the current economic slowdown, the possibility of the dreaded “r” word, retrenchment, being used in your place of work is a real possibility. Reports of widespread job losses and company closures are all over the news at the moment.

U stands for Unemployed

However, the picture is not all doom and gloom but a lot depends on you. During these uncertain times, when employers are reviewing or cutting their budgets and are looking at new ways to further optimize their workforces, it is important that employees focus on making themselves indispensable to their companies. Consider how you can add value in the role you are currently fulfilling, over and above what is expected of you.

Put the organization first

Unfortunately, some businesses have no alternative but to reduce staff, but employees who are seen to be adding value will be low on the retrenchment list. Employees who are eager to take on new challenges will also be valued in these tough times.

Be flexible. Accept roles that might not be your first choice or best suit your qualifications in the short term, rather than risk being unemployed.

Alternatives for finding work

In times of uncertainty, temporary employment opportunities increase as employers naturally take a cautious “wait and see approach” when considering their permanent recruitment plans.

This could be your chance. Taking on a temporary position in a new organization gives you the opportunity to expand your skill-set and bolster your resume with relevant work experience, which will benefit you when applying for a permanent position in the future.

Check for those sectors where there is a shortage of workers and see if you can somehow fit in. Think about a career change and consider moving into a field which is crying out for qualified and talented workers.

The recruiting agencies

Make contact with a reputable recruitment agency to help you. Here are some tips from one such agency:

Your resume

• Update your resume.
• Make sure you emphasize all of your skills and achievements.
• Your resume is the first opportunity to sell yourself, so make sure you seek advice if you’re not sure where to start.

Your interview:

• It is very competitive out there so make sure you research the company beforehand so you stand out and come across as more knowledgeable than other interviewees.
• Think about accepting temporary employment.
• Rather than be out of work, accept a temporary position in a different sector or line of work that you’re trained for.

Being an out-of-work worker

Being out of work in normal times is difficult and challenging, but you have some choices and you have contacts you can call on. You can remain optimistic and be sure that if you don’t find something this week, it will be next week.

Being out of work in times of heavy recession is another story altogether. It may take months and months before you find something that is half decent. And then when you do receive an offer it will not be in your exact field and you will have to make all sorts of irritating adjustments to your life.

But this is when anything is better than nothing.