Lessons from Bloody Tuesday

Nothing is sacred in the world we live in. Especially when it comes to job security. And…if you don’t believe me just ask one of the 200+ employees (a close estimate) laid off by McKesson last month. Can you imagine sharing a romantic Valentine’s Day with your significant other and 24 hours later telling them – I still love you but I lost my job today! Can I have a kiss? OUCH! I’m here to tell you it can happen in a New York second and to anyone reading this article wht is not self – employed. It is never fun – but at the same time it could be the best thing that ever happens …if you are prepared!

So what lessons can we learn from Bloody Tuesday? My #1 message to the readers of this article is always be networking. Always. It’s too late to start building relationships once a crisis has started. Panic sets in followed by fear and the next thing you know you will be signing a job offer to work for a company or person you never thought you could stomach just to pay the light bill. I am a huge fan of LinkedIn and think you should keep your network working for you all year long – not once you have been given the pink slip. From what some former McKesson employees (now candidates) told me, the company treated them fairly and with dignity. That’s good. And, it does not hurt that hiring in our sector is finally picking up. But make no mistake about it – this one came out of nowhere.  BAM! Even I could feel the impact as our phone has been ringing off the hook with candidates that need to find a job and need to find one NOW!

So hear are the lessons we should learn from Bloody Tuesday:

  • Keep your Linked-In network growing (constantly) – Make sure your settings are “recruiter friendly”
  • Keep your resume up to date and ready to send
  • Remain calm if you become impacted by a lay-off – don’t panic
  • Be honest about what happened – it’s OK!
  • Finding a good job is a full time position – put in the extra effort each day to connect and talk to people that can help you
  • Stay in touch with former colleagues and co-workers
  • Keep letters of recommendation on file and up to date
  • Attend major conferences each year like HIMSS
  • Spend 1-2 hours a month reaching out to those you know in our industry and those you want to know
  • Help someone else whenever you can – it’s good KARMA
  • Stay positive and upbeat (always)

Whatever you do – learn something from Bloody Tuesday and be ready if something like this ever happens to you! Remember – only the paranoid survive.

About the author

Tim Tolan

Tim Tolan is the Senior Partner of the Healthcare IT and Services Practice of Sanford Rose Associates. He has conducted searches for CEOs, presidents, senior vice presidents, vice presidents of business development, product development and sales. Tim is also the co-author of "The CEO’s Guide to Talent Acquisition – Finding Talent Your Competitors Overlook," available on Amazon.

   

Categories