How to remain competitive on the job market career success in today's economy
Career
success in today's economy
by Sharon A. Peek, MA, LPC, NCC
Things Employees Need to Remain Competitive on the Job:
Leadership attributes are the greatest tool you can
perfect. Take initiative, be a critical thinker, be a
strategic problem solver, foster teamwork and be future
oriented. Working with others requires not only an
active interest in people's lives, but an ability to
inspire, motivate and try new ideas. Don't be afraid to
voice your opinions and take an active stand.
A positive attitude suggests cooperation, even in
stressful or time limiting situations. Companies want
employees who always speaks positively of their
organization and "roll up their sleeves to help."
Enthusiasm and ambition is contagious and affects other
workers. Build your reputation not only on your work
initiative and quality, but on your dependability,
integrity and attitude.
Willingness to accept change is necessary whether or not
it is in policy, tasks, departmental goals, technology
or initiatives. If you can adapt quickly and work hard
you will be appreciated. Accept change as a challenge.
Interpersonal skills are vital in today's market. Your
style of communication and clarity can build unity and
productivity.Team collaboration and an ability to
listen and synthesize a great deal of information is
required. More and more, we are working with a global
economy where cultural exchange and an understanding of
diversity is the mark of a capable employee. You must
work with the people who influence, help set goals and
provide vision.
Accountability in this economy is prudent. Knowing how
you allocate your time and project efficiency prevails.
Belt tightening in spending, increased productivity and
careful analysis of services being offered could sustain
continued employment.
Protecting Your Job After Work Hours:
Minimizing the risk of job loss can reduce stress, loss
of health and even marital loss. Consider your career an
investment in how you allocate time. Your work is your
primary income, but you can also hedge against risk.
Protect your job with education. America is insisting
on higher levels of education, technological knowledge
and innovation. Keep abreast of the changes in your
field and stay connected to your former college,
colleagues and professional associations. Continually
update your skills because success and viable career
options are largely defined today by your knowledge.
Locate secondary income prospects and invest in
education and life long learning, as well as in
community, family, spiritual and volunteer work. Many
people have passions that are not used in the
work-place, but can act as income back up in times of
need or even lead to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Others have a wealth of knowledge that is not being
drawn upon in the workplace, which could be capitalized
on as business consulting prospects.
Find the energy to invest in endeavors you enjoy.
Fatigue is a problem in work satisfaction and needs to
be prevented. Don't take your health for granted. Always
take the time to take care of your health, to do the
things that you'd like in life and to prevent a
long-term illness. Being too tired in the workplace can
lead to injury.
How Do I Survive a Sudden Job Loss?
Immediately do a self-evaluation. Evaluate your skills,
values, needs and the locations, types of business
climates and industries you would consider. Make a
focused decision regarding a career path from 'who you
are' and 'what you want out of life' to target your job
search.
Keep yourself connected to positive people: Be aware
that your moods can fluctuate and change. Don't isolate
yourself and keep your spirits high. If you find
yourself loosing sleep and weight, feeling depressed, or
desperate, then contact your local mental health agency.
Sudden transition can disrupt your emotional state and
send you into shock, denial, anger and depression. Give
yourself the time to heal, but keep moving forward every
day.
Start reading want ads in the newspapers and on
electronic job boards to see what types of jobs are
available in your field or expertise. Set-up e-mail
agents, which are automatic searches that send job
openings to your e-mail and post your resume on-line.
Create a list of possible job options and companies
you'd like to work for.
Begin networking with friends, family, co-workers and
people who know your work. The best way to obtain a new
job quickly is through networking. Find out the names of
decision makers in the companies you'd like to work for
and give them a call. Let them know your work and that
you are interested in working for them should something
become available. Don't send out mass mailings of
resumes. This can set you up for rejection. An
interpersonal connection is what creates the strongest
job connections.
Be aware that resume formats change over time and that
your career history could be presented in several
formats to capitalize on your skills. Your cover letter
is vital to capturing a potential employer's interest.
You must research a company thoroughly to write an
engaging cover letter.
Keep a calendar and log of all your job search
activities. Post your resume and a skills list next to
your telephone and note that an employer may interview
you on the phone. After sending in an application or a
resume call in three to five days to ask about the
interviewing schedule. Keep constantly active in the job
search, as if you were working full-time. This will help
you secure a position more quickly.
Career and Employment Services
Gannon Bldg, Room 218
Phone: (517) 483-1172
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