Layoffs, downsizing, and dismissal can happen anytime, regardless of the job market. According to a 2024 MarketWatch survey, 70% of employees are preparing for job cuts. As company loyalty continues to evolve, it’s wise to be prepared for potential layoffs. A digital go-bag can store the essentials for an unexpected job search.
When filling your digital go-bag, be mindful of following confidentiality rules, respecting intellectual property of your company, and redacting proprietary information from your file versions. The work you do for your employer, whether as an employee or contractor, is generally considered property of the employer and may require permission to use as work samples.
Consider including these items in your digital go-bag:
- Accomplishments and feedback: Include a list of accomplishments, positive feedback, your ideas that have been implemented, projects you managed, tasks or processes you’ve improved, and the results you achieved. Save copies of your performance reviews as you may want to reference these in the future to review areas of growth.
- Work samples: Save copies of your most impactful outputs, being mindful of confidential and proprietary information. When in doubt, ask permission to share the product on LinkedIn or to add it to your portfolio. Statistics are powerful storytellers, so track metrics that speak to the quality and value of your work.
- Important contacts: Make an address book of colleagues, supervisors, HR, health or insurance providers, and retirement provider, if applicable.
- Documents: This includes your job description, benefits information, employee handbook, paystubs, and documents you’ve signed like a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or a noncompete agreement.
Maintain Your Go-Bag
When setting up your digital go-bag, ensure it will be accessible in the event of immediate loss of access to your work computer, email, or drives. A cloud drive linked to a personal email address, USB drive, or external hard drive are good options, if they comply with company policies. Set a reminder to consistently update your digital go-bag.
Even if you’re comfortable in your job, a digital go-bag offers security for the unknown. If you have a long list of experience and career accomplishments, it may feel overwhelming to start tracking them, but it’s never too late to start. As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was yesterday. The next best time is now.”
Job Search Support
The job market is tough, but working with a staffing expert can make the search easier. If you experience a job loss, contact your local Express Employment Professionals, Express Healthcare Staffing, or Specialized Recruiting Group office to learn how we can assist with your job search.
