GREETINGS
It seems that a week does not go by without reading in
the paper about another round of layoffs. Companies
are downsizing or outsourcing, and the result is more
people losing their jobs. In many of the stories
reported someone interviewed asks "what am I going
to do now?" The anguish he feels is felt by all. We
empathize and then we put down the newspaper and
continue on with our lives. Hopefully, it won't happen
to us. But if it did, are you prepared if the pink slip
is yours?
Job loss is a devastating experience. In my
outplacement practice-a service to help laid off
workers find new employment-I often have
participants who have worked in the same company
for 20-30 years. Often it is their first job and only job.
Suddenly, their life is turned upside down and they are
totally unprepared for the reality of having to find a new
job.
So what should one do before the prospect of
losing a
job becomes an ugly reality? To begin, everyone
should be managing their career. After all, if you do
not, someone else will and you may not like the plan
they have for you.
What does it mean to manage your career?
What
steps should you be taking?
1.Regularly look at your career. Ask yourself
is that what you really want to do for the rest of your
life? Would you be happier doing something
different? So often when I ask individuals how they got
into their current career, they respond with a shrug of
their shoulders or relay a story about how they took a
job a long time ago and it evolved overtime to what
they are doing now. Though common, this is hardly a
career plan.
2.Take stock of your skills, education and
experience. Make sure your skills are up to date.
Take the time to undergo a self-assessment.
Regularly take courses and attend workshops. If your
company will not support these initiatives financially,
pay for them yourself. What better thing to invest in
then yourself. And with improved skills, you become
more valuable to your current employer. Remember,
without up-to-date skills, education and experiences,
you are at a big disadvantage in the job marketplace.
3.Update your resume annually. Begin by
making a list of your accomplishments and
contributions to your company's bottom line. Include
your skills and education. Your resume should show-
case your talent. It is the best method to self-market
your skills. Anyone who is reading your resume
should instantly know what you can do for them.
Remember, employers are not interested in
individuals who can simply perform tasks. Employers
hire and pay for individuals who can achieve results.
4. Join professional associations.
Associations, trade groups, chambers of commerce
are excellent vehicles for learning new things and
making new contacts.
5. Network, network, network. Getting out,
talking to people is critical to your career. Knowing
who to call with a question, to help solve a business
problem, or to simply exchange ideas, are the powers
of networking. And if you should ever need to conduct
a job search, you are more likely to find a job amongst
your network than through the help wanted pages.
Managing your career makes you a more valuable
employee now and prepares you for the future. A
well
a managed career will give you confidence and peace
of mind. Hopefully you will never be faced with a
sudden job loss. But, if you should, you'll be ready.
