With the economy still in turmoil, job security is a concern for many. Executive Education talked to three experts to find out what steps you can take to recession-proof your career.
In a cutthroat job market it’s crucial to maintain a competitive edge.
Here’s what they had to say:
1 — Go back to basics. Keep your skills sharp in all the core disciplines, whether it’s HR management, marketing or finance. Keep yourself up to date with the latest thinking and trends.
2 — Now is the time to network. Taillard says that in times of economic uncertainty, networking is an area that is often neglected. “People have trouble going to events where there is networking and getting their names out, but now is not the time to give up on networking,” she says.
3 — Network smart. The Internet offers great networking opportunities, but work out which are suitable for you. “Be appropriate with your online networking,” says Enelow. “Facebook and Twitter might be appropriate for young professionals but for older professionals with years of experience, LinkedIn is probably the only online networking tool you need, unless you work in the high-tech industries.”
4 — Be flexible. The days of “a job for life” are long gone. In times of recession not even the biggest companies are a safe bet, so it’s important to be adaptable and keep an open mind about what career paths are open to you.
5 — Broaden your horizons. If there are lean pickings in your domestic job market, look overseas. “It can be a great time to look at what opportunities there might be in another job market, where you can leverage your skills and gain a different cultural perspective,” says Diarte-Edwards.
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