Outplacement Guide
Look for the first warning signs
You no longer feel comfortable in your job? Termination is imminent? Not sure if your resignation may be imminent? Below, we list the top warning signs and give you tips on what you can do to prepare for the situation and perhaps avert a termination from your employer. Take the following six signs of an impending termination seriously!
1. Monday morning.
"Now I have to go there again!" Many people would like to have a poker face, but in fact they exude something else. You don't like the job anymore, you're unhappy and annoyed. The morning feeling "Now I have to go there again" is also typical for this. Yet this very aura is often the reason why you lose your job. 2.
2. one loses attention.
Another sign of impending dismissal: One's opinion or advice is no longer sought after by colleagues. You are no longer asked to attend meetings that you used to attend. 3.
3. you get negative feedback.
Criticism of one's own performance is to be taken particularly seriously as a warning. One would rather take the praise, but the criticism is more important, namely as a deciding factor for a threatened dismissal. Be clear that especially in the case of managers, no long conversations about perceived performance deficits are held with the person concerned, because such a conversation can destroy the necessary trusting cooperation. In this case, termination is more likely to be pronounced directly.
4. the economic situation...
...of the company. Economic slumps or changes due to mergers can make one's own job redundant. It is therefore all the more important to be adequately prepared for these changes. With upcoming mergers or restructurings, everyone is placated into thinking they won't be affected until the final decision is made on the new structure and the heads that go with it. So don't take your boss's word for it. If you can get a written guarantee to stay with an attractive offer in your pocket (e.g. unilateral waiver by the company to terminate the contract for two years), you have the best cards and know where you stand.
5. one's division is unprofitable.
Even if the company is profitable, one's division may not be. It's also not enough to be productive. You have to be efficient. As long as both are the case, one's position should be safe from termination.
6. one does not adapt to change.
Employees risk their position if they don't keep up with the times and think everything will be the same tomorrow as it is today. Be prepared for the worst case scenario! Once you recognize the signs of termination, it's high time to put together a list that you can pull out of your desk drawer when things get serious to be prepared for the termination interview with the boss.
Do you no longer feel comfortable in your job or are you even threatened with dismissal? We support you in your next career step!
How to prepare yourself in the event of a threatened dismissal
- Compile your most important performance strengths, skills or assessments by others. This not only boosts your self-confidence: it forms the basis for professional and personal change. Don't just think about specific performance strengths. General skills are also part of the equation. Your future may not be in a niche.
- Build a network of contacts early on. After all, a large proportion of vacancies are referred by word-of-mouth by employees of the company. Reach out to friends, acquaintances and relatives. Don't say that you're looking for a job or even that you're afraid of being laid off. But make your counterpart understand that you want to improve yourself professionally. Should the person hear something, he can approach you. In outplacement counselling, you will learn how to build up as wide a network of contacts as possible in a short time.
- Write down what you want to earn, with a realistic range. A career change is always an opportunity to get a salary increase. However, depending on your starting point, you may have to accept a lower salary.
- Seek contact with lawyers who specialise in employment law in case you need to seek additional legal advice in the event of dismissal. Note: Do not threaten the employer with the lawyer. If legal assistance is needed, your employer will find out from your lawyer, so as late as possible. But always remember, you may need your boss for a reference later and you want to get a good reference.
If it comes to dismissal, then the most important thing is: don't panic! Remember: You also need to remain businesslike and sober in your future job.