Company Reorganization: How To Stay Employed

Your company is restructuring and many roles and jobs are changing. The “new organization” may make sense for the “new strategy” but where will it leave YOU?

Restructuring can affect everyone. Some people may change departments, others may change responsibilities, and yet others may be asked to relocate. So does this mean good news or bad news for you? Will you end up with a job you don’t like or lose your job altogether? Or is this the opportunity you’ve been waiting for?

Understandably, you may not like having to re-interview for what feels like your old job or the new job that will replace it.  But don’t take this personally. If your boss values you and the quality of your work, this can be a great chance to gain a challenging and interesting role in the new organization. The newly defined position may be better than your old one! Remember, you have the experience and qualifications to do this job. So grasp the opportunity and make the most of the situation!

Tips for Re-interviewing

• Take this seriously.
  You are not guaranteed to keep your job, so this isn’t simply a “rubber-stamping” exercise. This process is just as serious as applying for a different job with a different company. However, your preparation is different from interviewing for an outside job. And the interviewing approach can be different. You probably won’t be given that “getting to know you” easy warm-up at the start of the conversation. These interviews are usually hard-hitting from the start. You’re expected to know the job and you have to prove that you’re up to the challenge.
• Analyze the job and the required competencies.
  List the most important skills needed for the job. You probably have the ability to do the work, otherwise, you might have been laid off in the initial rounds of restructuring. What personal areas of competence are rewarded, expected and talked about within the company? What have you done that you were given positive feedback?
• Prepare examples.
  The interviewer will look for proof that you can do the job well. Have examples of your work fresh in your mind (depending on the position, you may want tangible evidence). Be ready to discuss five to seven examples of your skills and accomplishments. It’s best to have a good balance of examples showing technical skills (perhaps demonstrating how you did something) as well as personal competency (perhaps showing how you dealt with a difficult situation or person). Use these examples when you’re asked questions. Remember to concentrate on those areas that you’ve identified as critical to job success.
• Provide supporting evidence.
  Be ready to back up your claims. You can tell people that you’re great at organizing, but your statement carries more weight if you support it with solid data. How did you or your team contribute to the timeliness of the project? How much money and time did the company save because you prepared the project properly? Consider the following: Sales/revenue you generated. Positive feedback your clients gave you. Problems you solved.  Initiatives you took, etc.
• Prove your enthusiasm.
  Your attitude can be as important as your knowledge and skills. There may be many capable people out there who are interviewing for the same position. The reason for hiring often comes down to “will this person fit and do well?”  Interviewers want to know if you have a passion for the work. Will you bring a positive energy to the team or will you bring it down?

Smart Moves Tip

If you treat this interview with the same importance and significance as a regular job interview, you’ll increase your chances of being successful. Know what your skills are, know what you’ve already contributed to the company and know how much you’re worth. Your preparation will pay off!

Also see: Is It Time to SWOT Yourself? and Why a Success Portfolio is Vital for Your Career

Readers, what’s your experience, as an employee or manager, with a company’s reorganization? What advice would you give to someone who is in the midst of this change? 

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