Layoffs happen. In the video game industry they happen a lot. Generally, there’s no way to prevent a layoff as an employee and there’s really no “safe” company (as last year showed). There are three things you can know and act on immediately to deal with a layoff before it occurs, or once it happens to you.
One. You can make sure you’re keeping your profile and network up-to-date, even when you’re not job searching. Constantly keep in touch with colleagues, read trade publications, network at conferences or local IGDA chapter meetings, and find online places where other industry people hang out. Keep your resume up-to-date (this also helps you remember achievements when performance reviews come around!) both in the normal Word/PDF formats but also online in places like LinkedIn.
Two. “Look” for jobs when you’re not even really looking for a job. Put your resume into recruitment databases to get notifications of new jobs, look at job boards (like Mary-Margaret Network’s job board) to see who’s currently hiring and for what, and don’t just delete those emails from your friends without reading. Staying on top of whose hiring and for what keeps you abreast of industry trends. The key is to use them to figure out where you may need to be in the future. For example, if you are a programmer who suddenly notices a lot of programming jobs calling for experience with C++, you will want to spend some of your free time polishing up your C++ skills. This way, if the unexpected happens, you’ll be more prepared to fit into the roles others are hiring for right away.
Three. If layoffs do happen to you take the necessary time and don’t burn bridges. Make sure you treat your employer with respect during any exit interviews (who knows they could be hiring you back soon if things turn around). Remember that your coworker there may one day be your potential boss somewhere else. They may also be willing to help set you up with placement services or give you a letter of recommendation. Also, take the time you need to emotionally or mentally deal with this major life change so that you can react calmly and logically when reviewing and interviewing for new positions. Take caution not to jump into a potentially bad fit at a company motivated by the fear of where you will earn your next paycheck. Although there’s no such thing as job security anymore, you do want to try and find a place that you can feel comfortable in for at least years to come.
Share your tips and how you prepare for and work through layoffs in the comments below.
Sheri Rubin is founder and CEO of Design Direct Deliver, a company that strives to improve the customer experience and provides independent contract and consulting services to businesses primarily within the video game industry. She got her start in the industry over a decade ago, has been an active part of the IGDA since 1999 (she recently joined their new “lifetime membership” program), and has appeared on G4TV twice. Though she has more than thirty game credits under her belt, Sheri’s proudest moment came from showing her father her name on the Golden Tee machine in a Chicago pizzeria.
Sheri Rubin
[...] Are you looking for a job? You should be! Posted by Sheri Rubin Games Business, Jobs and Careers Add comments Jan 112012 This previously published article is the third in a series by Sheri Rubin about the “Three important things to know about layoffs.” [...]