Six Steps to Ensure You Always Have a Job

January 23, 2012 in Career and Job Search Tips

 

Ever notice how certain people always seem to have great jobs?  You know – the ones who are always working on a consistent basis, even in shaky industries and during uncertain times.  So, what are their secrets to success?

According to Deborah Brown-Volkman, President of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc., these people make their own luck.  Rather than being reactive, and waiting for things to happen, they take a proactive approach to their careers.  And rather than blaming others for mistakes or missteps in their careers, these individuals are passionate about new possibilities.  They are excited about what they do and what they can contribute every day.  Their enthusiasm is infectious, making their superiors committed to keeping them around as team members.

Here are a few practical tips to help you “make your own luck” – and ensure you always have  a job:

  1. Tell yourself that you will always be employed.  What you say matters.  Your words have power, meaning, and intention.  If you tell yourself that you are marketable and confident 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 need to know about it before HR sits you down to let you go.  Research what’s going on in your industry.  Know what’s happening and what the experts say will happen.  Look for trends and train yourself in these areas.  Having the right skills at the right time ensures that, no matter what is happening around you, you will be needed and employable.
  3. Keep your resume up-to-date.  Your resume is an invaluable selling tool that showcases your skills and abilities to the world.  So even if you’re not looking for work, keep your resume current to keep track of contributions and accomplishments you may otherwise easily forget.  When you eventually do need it, your resume will be up-to-date and ready to work for you.
  4. Create a 30-second introduction.  You never know when a new career opportunity may present itself.  So, create a good first impression with anyone you meet in business by developing a concise introduction with clear details.  Include the following information: your name; type of position you seek specifically; your skills and strengths; your background and accomplishments.
  5. Network regularly.  If you start networking only when you need something, you’ll have a lot of catching up to do.  So make networking a part of every day.  Don’t limit yourself to conferences, job expos, or meet-and-greets – networking opportunities are everywhere, even within your own company.  Keep in regular touch with your key contacts, even if only via e-mail, so that you will not feel like you’re “bothering” someone whe it’s time to reach out and ask for help.
  6. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities.  Read trade publications.  Read memos from departments outside your own.  Think about what more you could be doing, or how you could be doing things better.  Get your creative juices flowing, and think positively.  Rather than telling yourself that “it cannot happen,” believe that what you want is possible and within your reach.  Then, make it happen.

Of course, registering with Kinsa Group can help ensure you always have a job.  Working with top employers nationwide, we specialize in matching talented professionals with rewarding career opportunities in the food and beverage industry.  Contact us today to find out more.