Think Forward for a Bright Future
By Megan Martin
It’s no secret that the current labor market has a lot of folks in a gloom-and-doom slump.
The nation’s unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent in December as employers cut 524,000 jobs, bringing the 2008 total job loss to 2.6 million. Some economists think the unemployment rate could rise to 9 or 10 percent in 2009. So naturally, many employees are worried layoffs may still be on the horizon.
“Companies are definitely being more conservative,” says Gwen Martin, co-founder and managing partner of NumberWorks, LLC. “Many employees are overwhelmingly grateful just to have a job, but today’s job-seekers are also constantly asking themselves, ‘What opportunities does the future hold?’”
As companies struggle to grow or simply maintain, workers are panicking over the security of their positions. Sadly, many fail to realize that even the worst economic slumps end eventually, and that there is no time like the present to seek out opportunities that can benefit your future.
“You have to be positive and forward-thinking at all times,” says Martin. “You can’t let this recession define you as a person or stop your career in its tracks.”
What you do—and don’t do—during tough times is of the utmost importance, and with a little optimism, focus and effort, you can ensure that you’re on top when the economy turns around.
Don’t Panic—Self-Evaluate
When faced with an uncertain professional future, it’s human nature to panic. But before you rush to the job boards to apply for any and every position, consider taking a different, more thoughtful approach by asking yourself a simple question: Where do I want to be two, three, or five years from now?
“Many job seekers may be thinking about a move, but they’re nervous to leave what they have, especially if they don’t have any other job opportunity secured,” says Martin. Nevertheless, she encourages employees to reconsider their goals and begin thinking about where they’d like to be down the road.
Focus on evaluating where you are and where you’d like to be. Begin by taking inventory of what you’ve learned, experience you’ve gained and skills you’ve acquired since you started in your current position. Make a list of what you have achieved through projects, classes, seminars, and books. What have been some of your greatest successes? How do you see these affecting your future?
After you’ve taken an inventory of the skills you have now, move on to the education, skills and experience you’ll need in order to move toward your goals. Make a detailed plan to get yourself on track; that way, once the job market bounces back, you’ll be well on your way to where you want to be.
Be Open to Change
Even in an economic downturn, most organizations struggle to attract top talent. Top performers are often needed to help organizations become more efficient. Consider how you can apply your skills toward those challenges. “It may be a great move to look into positions that are currently needed in this hard time,” says Martin, mentioning process improvement and increased efficiency as two areas where companies are likely looking for help.
Search specifically for positions and opportunities that will help you expand your knowledge and gain experience doing things that will lead you to your long term goals. Are there certain roles you can transition into to gain important experience in specific areas? If you’re nervous about trying out a new and challenging position in order to enhance your skill set, remember that it may offer great opportunities for future growth.
If you’re a financial analyst who wants to transition into upper management, take a position that will help you improve your communication skills and give you access to senior-level executives. If you are a little green in the technology area but you know you need to strengthen your skills in order to be seen as a player in your industry, seek out opportunities to learn new skills, including technology. Be open to what different positions offer, and be willing to try new things, especially if they help lead you to your long-term goals.
Martin also says it’s a great time to get in touch with former employers, friends and other connections. “It’s extremely important that you tap into your network and reach out to people that can help you, or that you may be able to help,” she says. It’s equally important to stay in touch with your network on an ongoing basis to ensure you’re in the best position to further your career goals.
Sell Yourself
Don’t send a generic resume and cover letter. Take the time to revamp your resume and strategically reframe your skills so they apply to the job at hand. If you have time, take classes or find other ways to educate yourself so you’re ready to enter the field or role you’re interested in.
Think of yourself as an asset and understand how to project yourself accordingly. If you can successfully communicate your value to a company, it will not only improve your job security but yield financial dividends.
Remember: Sooner or later, the current economy will be back in action, so what you do now is extremely important. So get out of your slump and get to work toward a bright future!
|
