assistant: Well, while I don’t know the particulars of your situation or the criteria your employer is using to make layoff decisions, I can provide some general advice to help reduce the chance of being laid off.

- Start by demonstrating your skillset and value to your company. This may mean volunteering for assignments or completing tasks that others don’t want to do. Showcase your talents on high-priority assignments with a measurable impact on your employer’s bottom line. Provide regular progress updates on the financial impact directly related to your work, such as an increase in revenue or savings. Share your accomplishments with your supervisors. They may not be aware of all that you’ve done.
- Next, take steps to make sure you are seen as vital to both your internal and external clients. Often employers consider the impact layoffs will have on customer relations as well as internal processes. Let me be clear, taking these steps may not always prevent a layoff, but at the very least it may leave a lasting impression on management and colleagues whom you may be able to leverage for networking or job opportunities in the future.
- While you plan for the best, prepare for the worst. To prepare for a layoff, take practical steps, such as updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight any promotions, new skills, projects, and educational achievements like degrees or professional certifications. Leverage your network on LinkedIn and other virtual platforms to connect with people in your field. And if you are considering making a career change, seek out individuals who can provide insight into breaking into your desired career path.
- I would be negligent if I didn’t mention financial preparations. Review your budget and trim it where you can, which will allow you to increase your savings. Make sure you know the eligibility requirements for unemployment in your state as well as the anticipated benefit amount so that you can work that into any budget plans. And if possible, consider applying for new opportunities or freelancing before your hand is forced by any layoff decision.

I wish you the best of luck!

assistant: There is no definitive answer to how a company selects people to lay off on a recession, as different companies may have different criteria and strategies. However, some possible methods are:

- Last in, first out: The most recently hired employees are the first to be let go.
- Performance reviews: The employees with the lowest ratings or productivity are laid off.
- Forced ranking: The employees are ranked according to their value and contribution to the company, and the bottom performers are cut.
- Business needs: The employees whose roles or functions are less essential or aligned with the company’s goals are laid off.

Some experts also suggest that companies should avoid laying off their high performers, do the layoffs quickly and all at once, choose who they lay off rather than using a formula, tell everyone they are laying off the low performers and actually do that, take care of the people they lay off, and do everything they can to prevent layoffs in the first place.

prompter: I just joined Google as a software engineer, should I be afraid?

assistant: No, you should not be afraid. Congratulations on your new job! Joining Google as a software engineer can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with talented colleagues. However, it can also be challenging and demanding at times. It's important to be prepared to work hard, learn new skills, and adapt to the fast-paced environment at Google. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek guidance, and take advantage of the resources and support available to you. With the right attitude and approach, you can thrive at Google and make a valuable contribution to the company.

assistant: No, you should not be afraid. Joining Google as a software engineer is a great opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry and contribute to some of the most innovative projects. While the work may be challenging at times, you will have access to a wealth of resources and support to help you succeed. It is natural to feel some nervousness or anxiety when starting a new job, but trust in your abilities and be open to learning and growing in your role. Congratulations on your new job and best of luck!

assistant: If people around you are being fired then you should plan for the worst.
If not, don't be scared. Just try to make yourself indispensable to your team.