Hello 2012,

I have a story to share… My company was recently acquired, and it is no secret that layoffs will follow after the sale closes.  Needless to say, since the announcement was made, the mood across the organization has changed - employees are afraid for their jobs, concerned for their colleagues, and apprehensive of the new culture. The shock has now worn off, and most are trying to figure out how they’ll fit in moving forward. Where is the silver lining you ask???

If you can’t control the change, don’t waste time worrying about it. However, how each person prepares for the unknown is important.  This is what separates the high potential from the pedestrian.

Do your homework. Research the new company and specifically learn about how your role (or lack thereof) fits into the company which is acquiring you. In addition to combing the company website for info, google articles written by company leaders to learn more about business initiatives, future products or new clients.  Reach out to your personal and professional networks and see what you can gather from those who are willing to share. This is probably your most valuable information.  It will help you decide if you want to be a part of the newly combined organization, or if you simply don’t want to suffer through it. Once you piece together the expectations, required skills and background, your next move is to formulate a strategy. You must position and market your skills to the new company by branding yourself as an asset moving forward.  If you find yourself in the unlucky position of being eliminated, chin up.  This is your green light to kick it and start your job search Beastie Boys style.

Dust off your resume.  Be ready to interview with your colleagues, new management as well as prospective employers. You could be asked for it on the spot. In the meantime, don’t sit around and waste time to see if you make the cut. Get a jump on your search. It is much easier to land a job at the salary you desire and deserve while you are still employed.  It gives you leverage to negotiate potential offers.  You are a more desirable commodity now than after you receive a pink slip. 

Do yourself a favor and continue to network and interview until the sale is closed. Job options are a good thing, and here is the silver lining:  If you decide the new organization is not the place for you, now you might have a choice.  Since you tackled the job market while your colleagues speculated around the water cooler, you might uncover a better position with greater potential, more upward mobility, and (gasp) more money! This event made you think about your career and forced you to seek new opportunities. You never know unless you take charge.  You gotta fight, for your right… to take control!