7 Signs You're Getting Laid Off - ULTMECHE (2024)

If you’re scared of losing your job, here are 7 signs you’re getting laid off that you need to look out for.

Companies are constantly looking for ways to save money. Unfortunately, one of the biggest ways companies can reduce cost is if they reduce overhead. As a result, layoffs are always inevitable in rough economic times.

Another big reason companies will lay people off is that they’re just not performing. The reality is that not everyone is capable of handling the job position that they’re currently in. This eventually catches on with employers and as a result, they need to react accordingly.

Companies don’t have infinite money and they only reason they stay afloat is due to money. When you get in the way of the company making money, then they have every right to get rid of you. It’s a harsh reality, but that is the way it is.

March 2, 2024by Kazu Fujimoto

You’re getting less work

If you’re getting laid off anytime soon, you should notice a reduction in the work you’re getting. You will see yourself invited to less meetings, less opportunities will be given to you, and you’ll notice that you’ll have more free time.

If you do notice this, then brush up your resume and start applying to jobs ASAP. Review our guide on the best formatting for resumes and use our resume template to start applying for jobs.

You may even want to do this during work hours during your down time if you notice that you’re going to be let go anyways.

Take a look at your work calendar and the number of emails that you are getting.

If you notice anything’s been changing, it might be a sign that you’re getting laid off.

You start seeing your manager CC’d on emails

If you start seeing your manager being CC’d on more and more of your emails, then that is clearly not a good sign.

It means that your employer is trying to keep more tabs on you looking to micromanage you.

Seeing your manager CC’d on emails could also indicate that your employer is trying to transition you out. As a result, they’re looking to be CC’d on emails so they have an idea of what you’re currently working on.

When you look at emails, make sure to pay attention to who it is being addressed to.

If you’re noticing that more and more upper management folks are being in your emails, then that is not a good sign.

Company leadership is emphasizing cost cutting measures

Pay attention to company all-hand meetings, as you’ll get a hint of the direction leadership is taking. If you see that the company financials aren’t doing well, that’s going to lead into them taking cost cutting measures.

Look out for words such as

• Rightsizing
• Downsizing
• Budget cuts
• Head count reduction
• Improving operational efficiency
• Running lean
• Implement lean principles
• Streamlining

If you hear any of these words, do not take it as a good thing. This means that the company will be taking action to reduce costs and layoffs will always be a possibility. Hearing any of these words could be one of the signs that you’re getting laid off.

Get in the habit of making sure that your resume is up to date so that you’re ready to apply for jobs as often as possible.

Keep your ears open for any of those “corporate jargon” type terms regarding saving money.

You are on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

If you’re on a performance improvement plan (PIP), you should’ve been applying for a job a long time ago. Performance improvement plans (PIP) are a way for the company to justify firing you. They are not interested in your growth and development at this point.

Do not get comfortable at your job, even if you are on a performance improvement plan and that you’re doing well.

Also, if you do manage to get put on a performance improvement plan, take this time to reflect on how you can perform better.

Being on a performance improvement plan is not a good thing at all. There’s something wrong with what you’re doing if you’re put on this, and you need to take quick actions so that you can do things better the next time around.

The company is currently placing a hiring freeze

Although the company going on a hiring freeze is not a direct representation of them saying that they’re laying people off, it could be the beginning.

The company placing a hiring freeze is no good indication of the company’s financial health. You want the company you’re working at to be full of opportunities as this signifies healthy growth for the company. (Did you know that some employers will actually put fake job openings to signal that the company is doing well?)

If the company is placing a hiring freeze, you should not be surprised if they’re going to be laying people 3, 6, 9 months or even a year from then.

Company financials are hurting

If you look at the company quarterly financials, then you’ll have an indicator of whether or not the company is growing in revenue and income.

You should be seeing if the revenue or operating income of a company is growing year over year.

Pay attention for specific notes such as the phrases companies may use for cost cutting measures.

If you hear even one of those words, take that as a sign to make sure you’re prepared for layoffs to occur.

You constantly see managers leaving for a new job

It’s a huge red flag if you constantly see managers leaving for a new job. It means that the company doesn’t provide enough incentive for the managers to stay. Or that the managers know something that don’t want to make them stay there long term.

Even worse if you see someone such as an HR manager leaving for a new opportunity.

At the end of the day, we are all people.

Sometimes, managers will be fed up with how things are being ran at a company. This due to companies wanting to squeeze every penny they can from employees.

If you see this happening, then it’s not a good sign and you should look into updating your resume.

Closing Thoughts on Layoffs in 2023

Unfortunately, in every economic cycle, layoffs and recessions are inevitable. There is too much going on the market at all times and as a result, companies need to react to market conditions. This means layoffs, down sizing, or operational efficiency improvement.

If any of these resonate with you then take action immediately by brushing up your resume and applying to jobs.

It’s generally pretty good practice to constantly apply for jobs as this will keep your interviewing skills fresh.

When it comes time for finding a job, it will be easy for you when you’re already in the right mindset.

As with many things in life, you get things when you don’t need them. Sometimes, the best job offers come to you when you don’t need them.

Be prepared and make sure you look out for all of these signs you’re getting laid off.

About the author

Kazuyoshi Fujimoto, PE
Founder | Engineering Career Coach | Principal Mechanical Engineer

Kazu oversees all of ultmeche’s engineering services. He provides consulting such as resume reviews, rewrites, mock interviews, and all services career related. Additionally, Kazu performs consulting work regarding Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense. Kazu is licensed as a professional engineer in the state of California and has 9+ years of experience in Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense.