Today has officially been declared Job Action Day by Quintessential Careers. It is a day to for job seekers and professionals to meet their challenges head-on and to take action to improve their careers. I have been asked to take part in Job Action Day to offer some insight to job seekers on how they can position themselves for career success despite the economic recession.
Many Americans across the country have been affected by the economic meltdown, and are left wondering if their job could be in jeopardy as a result of the economy. Unfortunately, some have even lost their jobs. Regardless of their situation, it is safe to say that all professionals need to be proactive in their career to ensure that they will survive the recession.
Now more than ever, professionals need to adjust their skills to align with the changing business demands as a result of the economy. It will be important to demonstrate their value to employers and make thoughtful decisions as it relates to their career. Listed below are a few tips for professionals to take action on their career:
- Plan for the best, yet prepare for the worst. Professionals should always prepare for the unexpected by keeping their resume up-to-date. Although it may not be the best decision to jump ship as soon as things get a little rough, it is good to be prepared for an unexpected layoff or new opportunity that presents itself. Professionals should take the initiative to start building their personal brand and marketing themselves to potential employers to elevate their career. Personal branding should be an ongoing process that exists throughout their job search and professional career. The goal of establishing a strong personal brand is to differentiate themselves among other professionals.
- Stand out from the crowd. Professionals should identify what makes them different from other candidates and make sure to communicate their unique value to potential employers. It is important to be honest about who they are as a professional and understand what strengths and unique value they bring to the table. Once they have identified their strengths and capabilities, it is important to effectively communicate it to potential employers in verbal and written correspondence. It’s also important to recognize their weaknesses and develop a plan for personal improvement.
- Make professional contacts. Now more than ever, networking is a critical step towards career advancement. It is important for professionals to build a strong network of business and personal contacts because these relationships can help identify and secure new jobs or career opportunities. Professionals should also maintain positive contact with previous managers, supervisors and co-workers. Along with building a great list of references, these relationships can also be leveraged when searching for a job.
- Create an online presence. Now more then ever, it is important for professionals to explore online networking opportunities by joining social networking sites or creating their own online career portfolio to showcase their skills and experience. They should consider starting a blog on their area of expertise or creating a website that showcases samples of their work. Professionals can also make an effort to meet other professionals online by commenting through relevant blogs or social networking profiles. When interacting online, it is important that they manage their online reputation to ensure that they always present themselves in a positive, professional manner.
- Go Niche. With the competition for jobs increasing, and available jobs decreasing, job seekers are going to find it necessary to seek alternative ways to find job openings. Niche career communities are a valuable, yet sometimes overlooked, resource to connect with employers through highly relevant career searches and networking tools. When searching for jobs online, it is beneficial for job seekers to broaden the search to include both generic and niche job sites. Because niche sites are tailored to specific industries and locations, they can prove to be very helpful for candidates who are looking for local jobs or jobs in a specific industry.
For more information on Job Action Day, please visit the Quintessential Career website: http://www.quintcareers.com/Job_Action_Day.
