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The biggest
difference between today's employment
world and that of our fathers' is the
rapid pace of corporate change.
Expectations of company stability and
long lasting employment are a thing of
the past. If one isn't tuned into the
signals of corporate change it can mean
an unexpected layoff and months of
unemployment and job searching. Do you
have a career management plan to ensure
your career growth in times of corporate
chaos?
To prevent career
disaster, live by these three rules of
career management:
Expect Change
Adjust quickly
to change
Build a strong
professional network in good times
1. Expect change
-Change in the work place is far less
traumatic when it is expected as the
norm. One of the most important career
management skills is the ability to
detect signs of corporate change. For
instance:
* Rumors of
corporate merger or takeover
* Corporate
profit levels spiraling downward
* No
end-of-year bonuses given
* Hints of
layoffs to trim the budget
* Upper
management suddenly resigning
* Your peers
jumping ship to the competition
Don't get caught
off guard by holding on to a false sense
of security or displaced loyalty. Those
who fear change trust corporate loyalty
rather than face the reality of their
precarious position in the corporate
food chain. Expect change and keep your
eyes and ears open—or you could be the
last in line when it's time to find new
career opportunities.
Don't wait for
change to strike. While your job is
secure and your work environment is
stable, take steps to keep your skills
highly desirable in the job market. For
starters:
* Stay current
with technology trends of your
industry
* Get certified
if appropriate
* Keep your
resume current at all times
* Be ready to
interview at a moment's notice
2. Adjust quickly
to change - Your ability to keep
your career momentum building in the
midst of corporate chaos depends on your
skill at adjusting quickly to change.
First, don't over analyze your dilemma.
Too often valuable time is wasted trying
to figure out ways to make a bad
situation work. Second rule, don't take
it personally, or you won't be able to
plan your exit strategy clearly. Third,
take action as soon as possible.
If your resume is
kept current at all times you will be
ahead of the pack when others consider
moving on as well. Your resume should
be updated every six months. For quick
updating keep an ongoing record of your
accomplishments as you overcome work
challenges.
Maintaining
confidentiality during a job search
while still employed is a challenge that
requires discretion and level
headedness. Ideally, no one in your
company should even suspect that you are
looking for other employment. Resist the
urge to speak to coworkers about your
decision for action. Not only do loose
lips sink ships, but why put ideas in
the minds of others who may become your
interview competition? Keep your regular
work hours and try to schedule
interviews during off-work time. Avoid
posting your resume online where your
employer may find it.
3. Build a strong
professional network in good times.
One thing that
hasn't changed over the decades is the
fact that a majority of people still get
new positions faster through networking.
What used to be called the “good ol' boy
system” is as active in the job market
as ever. Technology will never replace
the need to be connected to a vast
network of people who can help you find
new career opportunities quickly.
The problem is that
most people ignore their network until
they need it. Bad idea. If you haven't
kept in touch with former coworkers how
will you know how to find them when you
need them?
If your
professional network is slim to none,
get working on it right now. There are
many great venues for building your
network: professional associations,
college alumni groups and former
colleagues to name a few. Take time to
meet with non-work people on a regular
basis. Get to know them as friends and
develop relationships built around
mutual interests, friendship and trust.
Make relationship building your lifelong
habit and you'll never be without help
when you need to make a career change.
More than ever,
proactive career management is essential
to professional growth. Keep these rules
of surviving corporate change as the
building blocks of your career
management plan and you'll stay in
control of your professional growth and
income potential. |