Recession-Proof Your Career

Recession–Proof Your Career
By Barbara Safani

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate rose 13.2% from December 2006 to December 2007. Historically, a year–to–year difference of 13% or more has led to a recession. While these statistics don’t offer proof that a recession is underway, now is certainly a good time to look at your job, company, and industry and think through strategies for recession–proofing your career. Here are a few steps to take as you look towards the year ahead.

Analyze Your Industry
Is your industry growing or shrinking? Have certain job functions been eliminated, automated, outsourced, or off–shored? Could you easily do every aspect of your job from home – in your pajamas? If your industry is shrinking, what skills do you have that are transferable to another, more robust industry?

Review Your Skills
Have you diversified your skills over the past 5 years? What competencies do you possess that your colleagues do not? If you had to look for a new job tomorrow, would there be something lacking in your skill set that would raise a red flag with employers? Do you volunteer for new projects that require you to stretch and render you a little less replaceable?

Be Visible
Do people in your industry or profession know about you? Can they find out more about you by visiting TheLadders.com, Linked In, Zoom Info, Ziggs or just plain Googling you? Is your online presence distinct or are you one of thousands of “John Does”?

Share Information
When was the last time you offered career advice to a friend or colleague? Would friends and colleagues support you in seeking career advice?

Always Have a Resume Ready
If the perfect opportunity presented itself tomorrow, would you be able to quickly shoot your resume off to the decision maker or would you be scrambling around to create a half–baked, cut and paste document? Would you feel confident that your resume adequately represents your accomplishments and the value you can bring to an employer?

Answer these questions and identify areas where you can take action. You’ll strengthen your career to withstand whatever the economy has in store.

Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career–related publications.