How To Choose An Employer That Is Unlikely To Have Layoffs

Getting a job offer is one of the best feelings.

A new job means a paycheck, benefits that will take care of your family, and an exciting opportunity to grow with a company.

But the high of a new job wears off pretty quickly when your name is called for layoffs.

While most layoffs are unexpected…

…there are some hints that will indicate whether or not a potential employer may experience layoffs.

Here is what to look for:

1. Does this business have a slow season?

Many businesses have work that is seasonal. It could be because their business and production schedule is busier during certain seasons like construction, or warm weather months. Or maybe they are busy during the school year but slow during the summer, or always produce a lot of product at the beginning of the calendar year but it slows down as the year progresses.

If an employer has seasons every year where their business slows down (like the summer or the winter), then they might be more likely to experience seasonal layoffs. On one hand, you probably expect them to get busier when the season changes, but most people can’t afford to not have consistent work all year long.

Either do a little research on the industry you’re applying for or ask the recruiter in the interview if there are busy and slow seasons that affect production.

2. Have they had layoffs in the past?

Another indicator of future layoffs is past layoffs. If a manufacturing employer has had a history of laying off employees, they are more likely to have future layoffs than a company that has never had layoffs and has weathered the ups and downs of business without turning employees away.

Past layoffs may indicate that an employer has had business problems in the past. It’s important to ask questions, however, about the layoffs because the layoffs could have simply been a structural change in the organization or it could have meant that they didn’t have enough business to pay employees or keep them busy throughout the year. If you can learn a little about an employer’s history, you may get an idea of if they’re likely or unlikely to have future layoffs.

3. Do they have a history of growth?

Look around when you’re at your interview. Does it look like the business has had any expansions? Is machinery well maintained and new looking? Are there any construction or growth projects in progress?

If you do see any signs of business growth, expansion, or increase in production capability, it may mean that the business is doing well financially and that business is trending upward and they’re needing more resources and employees to keep up with the high demand they’re experiencing.

Layoffs happen…

… but if you think through your job options and consider a few of these things, you may be able to avoid it.

Interested in being a part of Drylock’s growing business? Take a look at our current job openings here.