In response to Job Action Day 2008, here are 10 things everyone should do now, just in case a pink slip arrives in the future. Even if you think your job is secure, these tips are part of any successful, ongoing career management strategy.
- Audit Your Resume. Most people’s resumes read like job descriptions with little or no evidence of the person’s impact on the organizations they supported. Review your resume to see if your document reads like a laundry list of job tasks or an accomplishment-focused, metrics-driven self-marketing tool. If your document screams vanilla, consider rewriting your resume or hiring a professional resume writer to help you.
- Gather Testimonials. When someone considers you for an interview, you are basically a risk. The entire interview process is really an exercise in mitigating that risk. The hiring manager is trying to determine if you really have the skills and experience you have chronicled on your resume. A great strategy for gaining the confidence of the hiring manager is to prove your value-add through supervisor, client, and vendor testimonials. These quotes may be added to your resume or showcased through the endorsements feature on networking and identity management sites such as LinkedIn or Naymz. This type of 360 degree feedback can help you achieve greater credibility with hiring authorities and improve your chances of getting hired.
- Reconnect. Map out all the relationships you have fostered throughout your life and think of authentic ways to reconnect with those you may have lost touch with over the years. Facebook and Classmates are great tools for reconnecting with people you went to school with and Bright Circles is an online site for reconnecting with former colleagues. Jibber Jobber is an excellent tool for storing and managing your contacts.
- Do a Favor for Someone. Maybe you have a friend that needs assistance with a home improvement project or some help watching their kids for a few hours while they run some important errands. Think of ways to help others. This makes you more top of mind with them should you need their help in the future.
- Join a Professional Association. So many people ignore the benefits of being part of a professional organization and only join once they are in a job search. Since relationships in these circles may take time to build, it is much better to join and give back to your professional community before you start asking for information or job leads.
- Volunteer. Become visible in communities that are important to you. Perhaps that is the PTA at your child’s school, the co-op board in your apartment building, or the local animal shelter. Help others and they are more likely to reciprocate.
- Get a Flu Shot. Better yet, get a full check up and have your teeth cleaned as well. If you find yourself in a job search, you want to remain healthy and you also want to have these expenses covered while you can still take advantage of your company’s health insurance benefits.
- Manage Your Finances. Do you know what you would do with your 401K or other investments if you lost your job tomorrow? Read up on your options or find a financial advisor to help you.
- Avoid Toxic People. Stay away from people who are chronic complainers, repeatedly report on how much money they have lost, or continuously quote unemployment statistics. Instead find a buddy who can offer support, advice and friendship and possibly make important introductions and share job leads.
- Spend Time With Your Family. Your family can provide tremendous comfort during stressful times. Eat meals together, read to your kids, and have some alone time with your spouse. Doing so can help relieve some of the tension you may be feeling and remind you of all the ways you are blessed.