The world, as we knew it, has taken a dramatic turn in the past few weeks. And the uncertainty of the future will probably be with us for months or more. Right now, you and your company are likely scrambling to put things in place to keep the business going with most employees working remotely.

But what happens when this is “over”? What happens when people can venture out, meet in groups and get back to our places of work?

There is no doubt we will be feeling the economic pain of this for a long time to come. It’s hard to dispute that some businesses will not make it while others will move forward with a reduced workforce. In other words, there will be layoffs and a spike in unemployment. Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of Treasury, suggested that unemployment may go as high as 20%. Others think it may go higher.

Even with that, there will be opportunities. There are always opportunities!

So, what should you do? Prepare!

When? Now!

How do you prepare?

• Update your resume, Identify and include keys words and phrases associated with your professional interest. Make sure it’s filled with not only what you did, but how well you did it. Include data and any outcomes that distinguish your work from others. Consider including words like, “leading to”, “resulting in” or “with the outcome of…” as your bullet points.
• Review and revise your LinkedIn® profile and make sure it is as complete as possible. Include key search words and phrases throughout your profile and especially in your headline and “About” section.
• (Re) Activate your network. As busy as people are, there is also more flexibility with schedules since many meetings have been cancelled. Start reaching out now to reconnect with people in your network and look to expand it as well. 80% of jobs are gotten through someone you know. Make networking a priority. Set a goal and make a certain amount of calls for this purpose per day.
• Get ready for interviewing. This may seem premature but start gathering your “support” materials now. Take time to think through each job you’ve had and identify stories and examples you would present in an interview. Do it now while you have time and access to non-proprietary information that could be helpful to you.

To date, we have seen a lot of companies step up to support their employees as best they can even as their business slows or stops altogether. This is admirable and those businesses and their leaders should be commended. Congress is also looking at taking measures to support businesses through a huge economic package.

But the reality is that people will be laid off and jobs will be eliminated. Still, there will be opportunities! Start now to get ready and begin positioning yourself for whatever comes next. Please click here and sign up to receive a free eguide entitled “The TRUST Success Model”. It will help guide you through the process of developing and positioning yourself for your next opportunity.