10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Keep Your Job

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

     In past articles I talked about warning signs which could signal your job is vulnerable.  If you recognized any of the warning signs your job could be in trouble. There are some steps you can take to secure your job and some steps you want to take now just in case you find yourself on the outside looking in.  If you take these steps you have a better chance of keeping your job. Even if you find yourself unemployed by taking some of these steps you will be much better prepared for unemployment. Here are my top ten job securing moves to make right now:

1.)    Build Your Brand
If you haven’t already now is the time to assess if your talents and skills are a good fit for your job and organization.  Determine what you do well and apply those skills to your current position. Be known as the go to person in your organization. Develop an area of expertise. When you do have success, document it and talk about it.  Your boss should not be clueless about what you contribute to the organization. There is nothing wrong with talking about how well the team worked together on the last project and the successful outcome.  Make sure you give others the credit where it is due.

2.)    Step Up Your Game

This is closely related to building your brand.  If you have been cursing along for years, now may be the time to put in extra time or take on additional work.  Be sure your boss knows about your extra effort. Use your time wisely. No personal business, long personal phone calls or non work related internet use on company time.  Clean up any attendance or tardiness issues. This is not the time to take a mental health day. You also have to meet all your work commitments. No missed deadlines or going over budget.

3.)    Network
Your department may be in trouble, but other parts of the company may be doing just fine. Are your skills needed in that department?  Check out how things are going in other parts of the company and see if you can contribute, even if it is only on a part time basis.   Also look to build your network outside of work. Professional and civic organizations’ are a great way to connect with others. This may be valuable for leads on jobs if you should find yourself un-employed or to move to another organization.

4.)    Resume
Update your resume while you are still employed. To update your resume look at job postings for the essential skills needed for the job you want to obtain.  Look for keywords in the postings you will need to put on your resume. Updating your resume will help you to determine if your job skills are up to date. If needed your resume will be ready for a job search.

5.)    PlanWhat are the next steps you want to take in your career? Set some goals. The goals should be specific, timely, measurable, attainable and specific. Write down your goals and put a due date on them.  What things do you need to do to be marketable inside or outside of your company? Start taking action now while you are still employed.  What do you need to do to be successful in your current position?  Take action now, it might keep you employed.

6.)    FinancialYou will need 3-6 months of living expenses. If you are living paycheck to paycheck, you better get busy. You will experience much less stress when unemployed if you have this financial cushion. You will be less likely to take a job that is a poor fit if you are financially sound. Now is the time to cut expenses to help get you there.

7.)    Alternate IncomeIf you can generate some additional income you can weather a period of unemployment.  Alternate employment may also be a way to build job skills if you want to make a career transition. You may be able to start a business that can provide some alternate income when out of work.  If possible take a second job, especially if you need to build up your 3- 6 months emergency fund. Do you have items around the house you can sell?  EBay can be a great place to get rid of items you don’t need and make a little money.

8.)    Brush Up Your SkillsHave you kept up the skills you need in your job?  Are kids just out of college running circles around you?  Take some time to get current or develop new skills. Take advantage of any training programs offered by your current organization. Professional societies and career networking groups offer training. Other job sources to update your skills include: books, e-learning, certificate and degree programs. Your current company may pay for your tuition if you return to school.

9.)    Mend FencesIt is essential you get along with your supervisor or co-workers. This is as important as any technical job skills.  Get feedback on how you are doing. Ask others what changes you need to make. Follow up on the suggestions you are given.  Be tolerant of the working styles of your boss and peers.

10.)  Be Positive
       Come to work with a positive attitude and a smile on your face. Don’t engage
       in gossip and speculation.  Do any venting about the company and the situation
       outside of work.  If you do leave the organization, say only positive things about

       during interviews. You do not want to give an interviewer the idea you would
       say negative things about their organization if you were an employee.

You may do all of these things and still lose your job. That sometimes happens in a bad economy.  At least you will know you did your best to keep your job and be a valuable member of your organization. In my next article I will talk about the steps you should take immediately if you find yourself unemployed.

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