Even though recent news indicates that the job market may be starting to turn, cubicle dwellers aren’t feeling the pressure lift. It’s evident that there will still be several months ahead where companies struggle, consolidate and retool, and that means that jobs will continue to be cut.
Whether you love your job or wish you were elsewhere, you’re working for a reason. And for that reason, it makes sense to invest in making sure you can keep your current job.
Here are some basic but powerful strategies to help you stay employed in tough times:
- Say yes. Saying “yes” is good for building relationships, but one of the most powerful advantages is being perceived as being a team player. When payroll is cut, workload typically isn’t. If the choice is between eliminating someone who pushes back vs. someone who pitches in, who do you think will go first?
- Demonstrate your value. The first step in this is understanding your value. What do you bring to the table? How have you saved the company money, made life easier for your coworkers or built bulletproof relationships with clients? Make sure your manager knows how well you do what you do.
- Stay out of the fray. Don’t be one of the people at the water cooler speculating — be at your desk working. It will be noticed.
- Take opportunities to step up and make someone’s life easier. If you can identify ways you can carry some of the load for your boss, or even farther up the chain, without sacrificing your regular work, do so. Imagine your boss thinks of you and feels relief, gratitude, and trust. All are likely to work in your favor.
How are you stepping it up?
photo credit: visualpanic
Related posts:
- Just say yes: 5 arguments for embracing opportunity
- Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 4
- What is your manifesto? The path to passion
- 5 reasons to friend your network on Facebook
- Interview Question of the Week: Would your supervisor be surprised to learn that you are seeking new employment?
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