With all of the job loss reports splashed across newspapers and Yahoo!, one would think that workers would do a better job at recognizing the warning signs of pending job cuts. Yet most are not recognized or ignored all together. The national unemployment rate just hit a 26 year high of 9.5 percent. Just waiting for the ax to fall is probably the stupidest thing you can do. In this tight job market, you should not only be constantly on the hunt for your next job, but the one after that as well. If you are a part of a large reduction in staff, you will be forced to compete against all of the others in the same predicament! Be a step ahead of your co-workers when cutbacks occur by getting your resume out and starting your search at the first signs of trouble in your company.
What are the red-flags of pending layoffs? They are presently all around us. Consumer spending and confidence are down. The US economy has contracted for yet another quarter. Your state and local economies are most likely in the dumpster. Stimulus Package - or not - jobs aren't going to rebound anytime soon. What about your own company? Are you bringing in new business? Do you work for a profit center or a cost center? Is there a chance you'll be replaced by an automated system? Does your boss tell you your skills are essential to the company and adding to your responsibilities - or are projects taken away?
In your own company always accept the opportunity to serve on committees, Six Sigma, re-engineering task forces, planning teams, or any other group selected by management or co-workers. This can provide valuable recognition of your contributions to the organization. It can also give you tremendous insight into what's going on in the company -- on subjects like new product lines, new company directions, rightsizing, plant closings, process changes, etc. which could very likely affect your job. Whenever additional training or educational seminars are offered be the first to volunteer. It will put you a step ahead of others who choose to sit on the sidelines.
Red-flags - or not - you should always have an updated resume fine-tuned with all of your skills. That is what prospective employers want to see - not just time on a job. One of the best pieces of advice I have read recently is to develop your network of friends, colleagues, associates, etc. before you ever need one. You must nurture your network, both online social networks and career specific, so it will be in place when it is needed. Plan ahead and determine what you want to be doing in 3 to 5 years. What is your dream job? What do you have to do now from career change and educational perspectives to progress toward that ultimate job you desire? Then it's up to you and only you to take action.
No comments:
Post a Comment