So, how do you make sure that you will never be without a job? Simply follow the five steps below.
1. Tell Yourself That You Will Always Be Employed
What you say matters. Your words have power, meaning, and intention. When you tell yourself that 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 what you tell yourself 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, and when you find them, start to train yourself in the relevant 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 Resume
Your resume showcases your skills and abilities to the world. It’s a selling tool that outlines your unique qualifications so that 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 resume 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 resume is essential for your career.
If you start to network only when you need something, you’ll 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 coworkers to lunch. Take the time to walk by someone's office to say hello.
In addition, who can you talk to outside of where you work? Every industry has a professional association of some sort. When is your industry's association meeting in your area? Check the date and go. Get involved in this group so that 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 email to or call the 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.
So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!
About the Author
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC, is the president of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc., a successful career, life, and mentor coaching company that works with senior executives, vice presidents, and managers who are looking for new career opportunities or seek to become more productive in their current roles. She is the author of Don't Blow It! The Right Words for the Right Job, Coach Yourself to a New Career, and How to Feel Great at Work Every Day. Deborah can be reached at http://www.surpassyourdreams.com.
