6 Things I'd Do If I Got Laid-off By IBM

A recent Forbes article claims IBM is about to conduct the largest corporate layoff in U.S. history. It says 26% of its workforce, over 118,000 people could be let go. IBM quickly refuted the claim and says while it's planning a layoff, it's no where near the size suggested. To me, a layoff is a layoff. Even if 'cuts and restructurings' are the new normal, it's sad because people are losing their jobs. Some might say, "Ah, but the job market is improving J.T.," and you would be right. I recently wrote about the shift in power to the job seeker as the talent shortage gets more intense. But, here's the challenge for those affected by this layoff: it comes with a potential stigma.

By IBM's Own Definition, Those Affected Are, "Fungible."

Back in 2008, I read and wrote about this Business Week article outlining IBM's efforts to automate how it assesses its workforce. I was fascinated by the term "fungible" - a word IBM used to describe someone on their bench who had similar qualities to other employees. Being fungible meant you could be let go since there were plenty of other workers on staff with the same skill sets.

Fast forward to today, and the IBM layoff about to occur suggests their use of their fungible assessment. According to sources, those laid-off will not be considered for the jobs created in the restructuring and building of the new divisions of IBM. Which means, the decision to avoid rehiring laid-off employees could be interpreted by hiring managers as a criticism of the skill value of the workers affected.

Is this a fair assessment of the layoff victims' value? Of course not. However, perception is reality. Which means, those affected need to fight back against that stigma.

6 Things Every IBM Layoff Victim Should Do

While the obvious first steps are to go through the severance package, complete the paperwork, and apply for unemployment, the following are the additional steps I'd suggest an IBM layoff victim take if they want to shorten their job search.

1) Don't delay the job search. As stressful as the last few months have been (I'm sure the potential layoff has been buzzing through the company and causing a lot of anxiety), you should think twice about taking time off to recoup. Job search takes time. Interviewing takes time. Selecting the right candidate takes time. Even if the perfect job falls in your lap, it will be weeks before you start. The average job search these days is seven months. Can you afford to wait that long? If not, you need to get in gear.

2) Start exercising daily. It's normal to go through a grieving process when we lose a job. The fear, anger, doubt, denial, etc. It's important to allow yourself to process your feelings, but don't let it take too long. The sooner you can see the possibility of landing a new, more interesting job, the sooner you'll be in the right state of mind to network, interview, and land a new position. One of the best ways to cope is to exercise. The endorphins will give you a mental and physical boost. You'll need your strength. Plus, exercising will be a stress reliever, a confidence builder, and a mood enhancer. [This Fast Company article offers five fitness plans that can help you advance your career skills.]

3) Get someone to keep you focused. Identify someone you can partner with to help you be accountable and stay positive. You are going to need a shoulder to lean on. You are the career company you keep. Being in isolation, or with other layoff victims will not help your job search. You need a coach who will tell you what you need to hear. A person that knows how to keep you motivated and engaged. Someone who won't let the negative self-talk overtake you and slow down your search. You need a person who will keep you in the proper mindset and push you to be proactive so you can show up every day to move the needle on your job search. [If you've never used a career coach, start by watching this video series on the eight most common reasons you'll be shut out of the hiring process to see how job search coaching works.]

4) Become 100% clear on your specialty. Employers hire the aspirin to their pain. While you might be a diversely skilled, jack-of-all-trades, you can't market yourself that way. Saying you can do everything sounds unfocused and desperate. You need to know what your special problem-solving, pain-relieving expertise is. Then, you need to market it accordingly.

5) Optimize the your sales tools for your business-of-one. Your resume and LinkedIn profile must be set up to showcase your specialty quickly - and with as much impact as possible. Keyword optimization is vital. Knowing what recruiters are looking for when it comes to your skill set and showcasing it in the proper format will dramatically increase the amount of activity you get on your candidacy. [Here's an article to help you understand how little time your resume has to get a recruiter's attention.]

6) Create an interview bucket list. The fastest way to find job opportunities is to build a bucket list of companies you want to work for and network your way into the process. The majority of jobs gotten today are done so via referral. Creating a target list of employers and working a strategy to build relationships with them is the smartest way to land a job with a company you admire and respect. Especially, when you may be competing against lots of other ex-IBM employees for positions. [Here's a step-by-step plan on how to create your own bucket list of employers.]

The Potential Silver Lining To This Layoff Is...

While it's a much better time to be getting laid-off than in 2009 (during the peak of the recession), that's not the silver lining. The real potential advantage to those affected is the chance to up their skills and pivot their careers in a new direction. The fact is, every job is temporary in our new economy. We all need to learn how to job search effectively going forward because we'll need do it more frequently in our careers. While IBM employees didn't choose for this to happen, layoff victims can choose what happens next in their career story. Taking control and putting our careers on a new path is one of the most liberating and empowering things we can do. It makes us stronger as a professional. It increases the power of our business-of-one. It's hard, no doubt. But, that also makes the success so much sweeter too. I hope those affected see this as an opportunity to change their professional lives for the better. In my experience, mindset is everything in job search. Don't let the layoff win! Instead, consider making it one of the best things that ever happened in your career.

P.S. - Have we met yet? First, thanks for reading my article! I have the privilege of being the CEO of CareerHMO.com. Besides writing for LinkedIn, I also write column for INC Magazine is called "Workplace Referee." I invite you to CLICK BELOW on some of my most popular articles:

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