You’ve heard rumors your company is headed for a merger. What should you do? Are there steps you can take to protect your job, or should you just dust off your resume and start looking for something new?
When you suspect a merger is on the horizon — or one has happened already, there are several things you can do to put yourself in the best possible career position. If the merger hasn’t happened, or has just been announced, you really don’t know enough to make any big decisions, but there are things you can do to get ready for change.
As you enter this time of change and transition, it will help to have a plan. Planning gives you a sense of control and serves as a career map. It’s a good idea to develop a best- and worst-case scenario on which to base your plan.
You can start by conducting a career check up. Evaluate your employability and determine your readiness to job search, if needed. Focus on your career growth by going back to school or sharpening your skill sets in other ways.
Then, consider what it might take to protect your job. Putting yourself in a position of strength will include sharpening your communication skills, broadening your awareness and developing an attitude of flexibility.
Mergers are not always negative and can present you with career-growth opportunities. While companies are combining operational processes, you can introduce solutions to help form a new department or add to an existing one, for example.
Whether you want to stay put or you will be conducting a job search, your ability to demonstrate your value will catch attention. One way to do this is to develop a list of your accomplishments that goes back about five years.
Whether there are rumors flying about impending change or a merger is under way, focus on giving your best and keep company goals in mind. There can be a lot of venting when companies face change, so be mindful of messages you could be sending as you talk with coworkers, clients and managers.
