We’ve had 12 recessions since 1939 and we’re in the 12th one now. (Recessions are officially announced by the National Bureau of Economic Research). Economic trends project continued job losses of over 1 million more jobs by mid 2009. Whether you have a job or not, very few feel totally safe in today’s environment.
What actions are you taking to make sure your job stability and career stay on a positive course? Here are some suggestions to steady yourself during this economic downturn:
- Make sure that your career documents are in order. Review your present resume and update it where necessary. Your resume should reflect the value you can bring to a company. Make the resume compelling and use dollar amounts and percentages where you can to show significant changes that are a result of your efforts.
- The Internet is a great resource tool. Even if employed, look at the job boards from time to time to see what is out there. Be bold and send out your resume. Test the waters. If your resume does not get a response, think about revising it to heighten your message. After all, your resume is your marketing brochure!
- Now is the time to make sure you have a very strong network. Most jobs (around 35 to 75%) are found through networking. Stay in touch with friends and colleagues. Join a volunteer group and expand your network.
- If you are not presently working, plan to spend at least 40 hours each week on your job search. Finding a job is a job!! Sending out resumes is only one part of the job search process. Put a plan together on how to spend each day – eg. doing research on the Internet, networking with friends/colleagues, even working in a part time position (you never know…the company that hires you for part time work might someday hire you for full time employment).
- This might be the perfect time to re-tool … take some courses that will increase your skill level, or explore other types of careers.
Remember: most recessions last about a year. There have only been 2 recessions in the last 80 years that have lasted 16 to 18 months. The economy will bounce back. Will you be ready!!
