We know 'The Layoff' will soon be upon us once again, so would everyone please share resources that you have used to get another job either before, during or after being laid off ? Yeah I know . . . I should probably get my resume together too, eh ? ;)
p.s. Since they disabled USB I wonder how much trouble I would get into if I sent a bunch of 'employment history' info. to my personal email for my resume - probably get laid off sooner . . .
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SIRP'd in August. Another sign, your laptop starts running really really slow. As they turn up the logging to fill on everything you do, you'll find that the laptop runs hot, and it is slower than molasses. Further, doing certain things takes even longer! When you hit "Add attachment" and it takes 30-45 seconds for the file selector to come up. This means that they are alerting anytime you do that, and then logging what you sent to whom.
Telltale sign you're about to be SIRP'd.
Something else to consider is what to do with your 401k (if you have one through Ford).
You can leave it where it is.
You can roll it over to the 401k program at your new employer.
You can withdraw it. Keep in mind that if you are younger than 59.5 years there will be tax penalties.
Dead dog ford cant catch a break. It has to be planned.
Just like the dioxin in ohio river.
I was SIRP last March. Actually you do get some warning; if you suddenly can’t print out things any more or can only send certain emails (like you cannot send any email with attachments outside the company) but you haven’t been told you have been let go, you have already been let go just haven’t been told yet. Yes, that really happened. So take that for what it is worth.
So, the other person that replied is spot on - anything and everything you have done you need to get copies of, need to start documenting what you have done, and start thinking about where and what you want to do next. Helps a lot to already start then waiting until you get the ax.
In terms of the services Ford provides to find another job. Right Management- it’s not bad, but not outstanding, either. A lot depends on your coach you get. The thing you have to watch out for is the sometimes steer you into areas that you can get a job quicker than maybe something you really want to do - so go into your meeting with a coach with clear ideas of what you want or don’t want.
Hey OP,
As the first response here indicates, definitely begin your preparation as soon as possible. I was one of the SIRP'd in August and, just like described, had very little computer access when the news was delivered. I was unable to email ANYTHING outside of the Ford directory. Nothing at all to any external email address. I ended up using my cell phone to take pictures of my resume, achievements, etc. So definitely get that done asap just in case the worst happens.
As far as other resources, I primarily used Indeed to apply for jobs. I had a lot of success getting interviews and even an offer or two. I went directly to company websites and searched their careers sections and applied. I would upload my resume directly from my phone and occasionally from DropBox. I'd recommend having a copy in Word format as well as .pdf.
I kid you not, I applied to 101 jobs! That looks crazy when typed out like that. But I made sure they were at least remotely related to my experience. Probably received 20+ initial screenings. I received 7 interviews and 3 offers. I accepted one of them.
It's a bit of a numbers game. But be realistic too - don't apply for something that has nothing to do with your experience or education - and if you do, you should probably consider a cover letter that can bridge any gaps between your experience and their requirements. Now, having said that, I would absolutely recommend looking outside of automotive just to see what's out there. (I applied and received an offer at SpaceX!) You may find something you like!
On that note, I never used a cover letter (cv) except for when it was required. I'm not suggesting you should or shouldn't use one. You'll know what's best for you. But one thing I would do frequently is adjust the wording in my resume to match key words from their job descriptions. I think a lot of these electronic applications utilize software to pick out key words in each resume/cv. I saw a noticeable uptick in responses when I'd fine tune my resume.
The SIRP package included access to career services. They called me that first week, but I never used their services. I understand they help with resume building and even how to prepare for and practice interviews. Since I never used it, maybe someone else here can comment on its effectiveness.
Lastly, and this is the hard part - if it does happen, try your hardest not to let it keep you down emotionally for too long. It is a shock, but you will recover. Try to use the time to your advantage. Absolutely use the medical insurance to your fullest extent. You'll probably be extra frugal with money. But if you can get away or go somewhere and do something for yourself / family - do it! I went camping the third weekend after the SIRP. Didn't look at job postings, didn't stress about it or stare at my phone every waking moment. It was just what I needed. After I started my new job, I wished that I had gone on a proper vacation during my down time : )
Best of luck OP. I hope it doesn't happen to you. But one thing this taught me is to never be too complacent or assume that I'm 'safe' anywhere. It seems you've learned the same thing. Definitely look for other jobs periodically. While at Ford and also when/if you leave Ford. Always prioritize what's in your best interest.
If you're still at Ford you're screwed. You're are now competing with 500k+ others, and soon to be all your coworkers, in getting another job. And you'll have to explain to your kids why you're working at Di-k's Sporting Goods.
@OP. As long as the info is not confidential, I don't see why you can't send it to your personal email. I'd recommend you to update your resume and any personal proof, like awards received, on your work laptop. After ready, send all to your private email. Keep the job search on your personal computer, since you may be let go before finding your next position.
Any pictures or personal documentation, zip it and send it to your private email. Any contact info (email, phone numbers, CDSID) of coworkers, update it on your phone or write it down on a paper. Do not send it through email, since it can be seen as PII (Personally Identifiable Information).
Do not send or copy any Ford documentation, diagram, presentation, even if it was authored by you. It is now Ford property, since you agreed that any intellectual property you created under employment belongs to the company.
Last, but not least, do not delay doing these steps. It may take some time, and we know now that some Ford employees had no warning of the layoffs, and less than 15 minutes remaining of computer access.