Five Steps To Ensure That You Always Have A Job
Did you ever notice that there are certain people who have great
jobs? People who are always working on a consistent basis, even in
shaky industries and uncertain times? And then there are those who
are either constantly unhappy in their careers or who go for long
periods of time without work. They blame the world and wonder why
bad luck always seems to happen to them.
You make your own luck. Your career is great when you focus on
making it great. This means not waiting for things to happen, but
making things happen instead. It means being proactive instead of
reactive. Rather than blaming others, you are passionate about new
possibilities. You are excited about what you do and what you
contribute every day.
So, how do you make sure you are never without a job? Follow
these five steps.
1. Tell Yourself That You Will Always Be
Employed
What you say matters. Your words have power, meaning, and
intention. When you tell yourself something bad will happen to your
job, something bad will probably happen. If you tell yourself that
you are marketable and confident and that you will always be
working, your words can make this true.
2. Anticipate Trends In Your Industry
If your job is being eliminated or outsourced, you will want to
know about it before you are in the room with the human resources
person telling you that your job is going away. Research your
industry. Know what's happening and what the experts say will
happen. This way you can make informed decisions. Look for trends.
When you find them, start to train yourself in these areas.
Knowledge is power. Having the right skills at the right time
ensures that no matter what is happening around you, you will be
needed and employable.
3. Have An Updated Résumé
Your résumé showcases your skills and abilities to the
world. It is a selling tool that outlines your unique
qualifications so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can
contribute to the employer's workplace. When you are looking for
work, prospective employers know immediately whether or not you are
a fit for a position. Even if you are not looking for work, your
résumé reminds you of the contributions you make on a
regular basis, something you can easily forget when you are
immersed in the day-to-day. Whether you are looking for a job, or
you already have one, an updated résumé is essential for
your career.
4. Network On A Regular Basis
If you start to network only when you need something, you will have
a lot of catching up to do. Therefore, network every day. Wherever
there are people, there is an opportunity to network. You do not
always have to go somewhere to network successfully. You can
network within your own company. Are there opportunities for you?
Ask people and find out. People are your best resource for
information. Invite co-workers to lunch. Take the time to walk by
someone's office to say hello.
In addition, who can you tap into outside of where you work? Every
industry has an association. When is your industry's association
meeting in your area? Check the date and go. Get involved in this
group so more people can get to know you. That way, if something
happens to your job, you'll have people to reach out to.
Lastly, send an e-mail to or call people you already know on a
regular basis. If you are always keeping in touch, then you will
not feel bad that you are bothering someone when it's time to reach
out and ask for help.
5. Always Be On The Lookout For New
Opportunities
Read trade publications. Read memos-not only from your area, but
from others as well. Think about what you could be doing
differently. Get your creative juices flowing. Think positively.
Rather than thinking, "It cannot happen," believe that what you
want is possible and is within your reach. Then, make it
happen.
