Randy’s Career Tips

We’re no way through this recession.�Every week we look at the unemployment statistics and, with some minor exceptions, the trend is still UP.�Employers continue to reduce their workforce, as a cost-cutting measure, in a difficult economy.�With payroll costs the largest single expenditure for most businesses it’s natural to look at possibilities for “doing more with less.”�And, in many organizations, that means “less” employees! � The unemployment rate as of June, 2009 is over 9%, and climbing.�Most experts predict it will top 10% before year’s end, and that may be optimistic.��

WE’RE UNDERGOING A “SEA CHANGE”

“Sea Change” is a wonderful term, and seems to be particularly applicable to our current economy.�A Sea Change is a massive, formidable occurrence.�It sweeps everything in its path, and like a tsunami, may result in devastation and displacement.�It’s a transformational event.�The U.S. economy is undergoing an economic sea change.�We’ve been through this before, and it’s a major challenge.�Those of you familiar with economic history know that we’ve experienced, in the past century, a change from an agrarian society to an industrial one, an “information age,” internationalization, and a global economy. Along the way we experienced several depressions, recessions and other economic turmoil. Many characterize this a post-industrial era of finance, commerce, and service, on a global scale.��

With all�this change, many workers have been displaced, replaced, or discarded.�Employees, whether white-collar, blue-collar, managerial, or self-employed are experiencing a sense of uneasiness, uncertainty, and economic vulnerability.��

PROTECTING YOUR ECONOMIC VIABILITY�

In times like these, individuals need to be more adaptable, creative and strategic.�It’s important to have options and preparation to be able to “make a living,” and, hopefully, to experience success and financial security.�There are many ways to improve your odds. Here are a few:����

– Get an Education.�We’re in an era of “lifelong learning.”�You can’t afford to suspend your education.�If you don’t have a high school diploma, get one.�Continue on with your Associates Degree, and don’t stop there.�They say the Masters Degree of today is what the undergraduate degree once was - and not that long ago.�In my lifetime I’ve seen the percentage of the adult population with a four-year degree increase from 10% to over 30%. Undergraduate degree educations are certainly commonplace now, and increasingly, so are post-graduate credentials.��

– Resist Complacency. Your greatest enemy may be an attitude of�”it’ll be OK.”�It probably won’t.�Changes occurring right now, and likely in the near future, will probably test your resourcefulness and initiative. Try to stay motivated and focused.�After all, it’s a money economy, and you need income.��

– Be Competitive.�I’m not saying it’s a “dog-eat-dog” world, although it may be.�What’s more realistic is to understand that the employer-employee contract has changed. �It’s more temporal, less permanent, and less committed, on both sides. With more people looking for jobs the differences in abilities and potential between candidates is more apparent and decisive.�Whether you’re seeking an entry-level job, or an executive position, there is competition, and you must be able to differentiate yourself from your competitors.�Being competitive means being better prepared, sharper, and willing to do more to win than your “adversary.”��

– Become Strategic.�Analyze yourself and the employment market. What jobs and careers are most in favor for the immediate, short, and long term?�Look at the newspaper want-ads. Check out CareerBuilders.com, and Monster.com.�The U.S. Department of Laborhas excellent career forecast information.�Plan your career strategy so that you effectively position yourself.�Growing areas include healthcare, education, international business, professional and business services, environmental science,” green” industries, and some public sector careers, particularly at the Federal level.��

– Learn New Skills.�Take seminars, courses, certificate programs, etc.�Build your resume, and your arsenal of credentials.�Sometimes that Certification in Microsoft Office will make the difference between unemployment and becoming gainfully employed.�For the currently employed training and knowledge may give you an edge in a promotional opportunity.��

– Use your Network.�Most positions are filled through contacts or referrals.�Develop and maintain your network of friends, colleagues, business associates, etc, so that you can learn of new opportunities. Many positions are not advertised, and many companies prefer people known to their current staff.�Some even pay referral bonuses for referred new hires.��

– Practice a Customer Focus.�In these competitive times employers value employees with a customer-first attitude.�Retaining customers, and attracting new ones is a major challenge and employees who do not contribute to this process are not highly valued no matter what their level of technical proficiency.��

– Invest the time. Seeking a new job or promotion takes time and energy.�There may be nothing more important than spending the time to identify, research, prepare for, and target new opportunities.��

– Improve your Attitude. Often overlooked, and sometimes underrated, is the importance of a positive, “can do,” attitude.�It’s easy to slip into negativity when you are confronted with job loss, unemployment or limited career advancement.�Don’t fall victim or defeatism or self-pity.�Use positive self-talk, motivational techniques, etc.�Awareness is the biggest factor here. �Listen to yourself.�Ask trusted friends or family to give you feedback.�Remember that to most employers ATTITUDE is the most important factor.�You can always teach someone new skills, but it’s difficult to change someone’s attitude or outlook.���

YOU’RE UNIQUE�

Remember, you are unique.�In all the world there’s no one exactly like you. Recognize and capitalize on your strengths.�Don’t be afraid to showcase yourself.�Modesty may be a charming trait, but in these times you have to be a salesperson for your special talents and abilities.�To become employed or advance in your employment requires a lot more preparation, dedication and effort than it did just a few years ago.�Make sure you’re up to the JOB.

Copyright �, 2009, Dr. Ben A. Carlsen, MBA. All Rights Reserved Worldwide for all Media. You may reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, newspaper, magazine, website, etc. as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, leave my name and bio box intact, and you follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers.

Ben A. Carlsen, Ed.D, MBA, is an experienced CEO and manager. Dr. Carlsen has over 30 years experience in management, consulting, and teaching. Currently the Head of the Business Department at Everest Institute, Hialeah, FL., he was Chairman of the Los Angeles County Productivity Managers Network and President of the Association for Systems Management (So. Calif. Chapter). Additional information can be obtained at http://drben.info

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