How to Help Yourself in a Merger

by Marge Powers Ortmann, Associate
Stanley, Barber & Associates

As a frequent exhibitor at Bay Area job fairs, one of the first questions I ask a job seeker is, "What brings you to the job market-Why are you looking for a new position?"

A sizeable amount of people I meet mention that there are rumors that their company may be involved in a merger or that a merger has already taken place.

...they (mergers) can also present significant career opportunities.

Now mergers are certainly not a new phenomenon, but the entrepreneurial nature of the Bay Area lends itself to more than its share of mergers. Ideas become start-ups, start-ups become pre-IPO's and, as Seinfeld once said, yada, yada, yada.

Of major concern to job seekers is what will happen to their current position. Even if they keep their position, it is likely that they may have a new boss and they know for sure that all the rules will probably change-not to mention the culture change.

When companies merge, everything seems confusing to employees. Top management may not communicate to employees on a timely basis, a new boss could be critical of employees work habits, and there are usually rumors of layoffs. Suddenly people are not productive and get caught up in being worried about their jobs and future.

However, even though unpredictable times can be scary, they can also present significant career opportunities. Keep your eyes and ears open, this is a perfect time to find a need and fill it.

Merger Rumors? Here's How to Prepare Yourself:

You need to stop making this merger wrong, and accept the fact that this is the way it is!
Learn to read danger signals. Beware of cutbacks, layoffs, and firings before they occur, adjust by securing your job or by looking for another job.
Document your achievements. Always keep a current updated record of what you accomplish: problems you solve and contributions you make to improve productivity and profits.
Expand your horizons. Become more aware of other areas in the company and continue to acquire skills for performing other jobs. The more skills you have, the more valuable you will be to the company.
Prepare for your next job. Seek more training through apprenticeships, community colleges, weekend workshops, private, trade, or technical schools, home study correspondence courses and colleges or universities.
Attach yourself to a mentor or sponsor. Find someone in a position of influence and power that you admire who can help you acquire more responsibilities, skills and advancement. Ask for advice as to the best way you can have career opportunities within this new merger arrangement.
Continue informational interviewing. Educate yourself and expand your interpersonal network of job contacts by regularly talking to people about their careers.
Have a meeting with your new boss to find out what he or she needs and support those needs 100%. It doesn't work to make your boss wrong. Always support your supervisors, even if you do not agree with them. Be a fixer, not a finger pointer. Maintain a positive, professional attitude, and prove that you can perform under any conditions.

The most important thing you can do now is to assess your present situation and identify your career and life goals. Don't get caught up in the problems, concentrate on the solutions. Perhaps, you may conclude that your job is not worth keeping or you may find a perfect career opportunity within the initial chaos.