Recession Proof Your Career Now!

 If you haven’t already done my suggestions, here are a few things to keep in mind as we begin 2008 and approach a possible recession…

 Get Resume Ready…your resume should always be updated with recent employment, accomplishments and current contact information.  Many clients updated their resumes annually.  Some keep a file of accomplishments so they can add them at the time of updating.  Stay on top of the current resume styles – which means, objectives are still out the window!  Your summary / profile of strengths is more a written version of your commercial.  Dates of employment are still necessary (month and year or just year), and showing value with employers.  This value comes from outlining your accomplishments, not just listing responsibilities.  Education is still the most lied about piece of data on a resume.  Please… if you’ve got it flaunt it.  Otherwise, recognize that there are employers who look for experience in lieu of education.  There are many who fit the bill of anything from PhDs to high school. 

 Networking is Now a Must!  If you think you’re going to find a job online, let me know how successful you are!  In my almost 20 years of career coaching, only a few of my clients actually found jobs via online job board.  And, that was also prior to the year 2000!  In recessions, networking is THE ONLY WAY to market your skills!  Identify 50 people you know.  Friends, neighbors, co-workers, former co-workers, people you see at the health club, coffee shop, bank.  Think outside the box, since 50 people is a low number for most individuals.  Ask yourself, “who would be a reference for me if I was looking for a job?”  BINGO!  Your references are your first few networking contacts… see how easy?  Download my PDF version of my book “Facing Changes In Employment” for networking and other job searching tips and techniques.

 Take Initiative … with your follow up.  If you are waiting for a call back and sit at home thinking “gee, I guess they’re not interested, they didn’t call me back,” please know that they didn’t call you for a reason – and not the reason you think.   They may be traveling for work; busy on other projects; overloaded with deadlines; had a change in decision; can’t find your number; or just can’t find the time to call!  Schedule some time to make the call yourself!  In today’s marketplace, taking initiative is an important step in achieving success both in the search and once you are on the job.

 Analyze the Market – know what’s HOT and what’s NOT… Analyze job boards, job postings and even the newspaper classifieds.  ANALYZE is the key word here – do not apply but analyze!  Identify what segments are hot industries, hot companies, hot jobs during this time of recession.  Look closely, as they are out there.  Analyze the industry, companies and positions.  Jus analyze!

 Access Your Strengths – based on what’s hot in jobs and industries, knowing what companies are hiring and the types of jobs that are open… gives you a chance to analyze your strengths too and how you can transfer your skill sets.  Do you want too change?  Can you tone down your VIP resume?  Are you willing to try something new?  Be open … adjust…. align… network… focus… learn new things… be open to change????? Are you technology savvy?  You must know how to use a computer (yes there are many that don’t) and be proficient with the modern conveniences of high speed Internet or wireless; MS Word; Outlook; Excel; Internet searches.  Google’s stock may have dropped substantially, but Google is not going away.

 Align with the Big Guy and Gals.  Make sure the Big Boss knows who you are – by name and by accomplishments.  Stay visible.  Now is NOT the time to just lay low, do your job and be quiet.  Volunteer for special projects, keep a log of accolades and let your boss know of them… speak up in meetings.  If you are not working, volunteer at your church or children’s school.  Or find an organization near and dear to your heart and volunteer your time.

 Know your current employer’s financial health.  Look for any signs of slowing down, cutting back, belt tightening, etc.,  that could lead to potential layoffs.  And if not already, get your own financial house in order.  Recession time is belt tightening time for everyone, so be aware of your income as well as your outflow.  Something else to consider in these rocky times… don’t add to your expenses, and pay off debt as much as you can.

 My advice for 2008 – stay put if you can.  It is an election year, not a lot may happen, then again, we may be surprised and a lot of business is conducted, completed and plenty of hiring.  Past election years have indicated stagnant growth with companies and limited hiring – depending on who took office, depended on how company spending would continue.  If you are already out of work, spend 80% of your time NETWORKING!  It will pay big dividends down the road.  Anther recommendation: smile a lot very day – people will wonder what you’ve been up to.  

Good Luck and Here's to a Great 2008!

Rosemary

Author and Career Coach Rosemary Augustine has helped thousands of individuals find their passion, change direction and have very satisfying careers.  A career coach since 1991, her creative approach sets her clients apart and helps them find balance, focus and passion - everyday.  Email her at career_coach  [at] careeradvice.com for information on how she can help you.