How are you preparing yourself to survive and thrive in this recession?
I’m producing a CNBC special report on jobs in the current economy: Where Are the Jobs? The town hall style discussion will feature experts from several different fields within the world of job-hunting talking about the most successful and practical strategies for locating job openings, landing the positions, and holding on to them after being hired.
I'd like to hear how you are preparing yourself to survive and thrive in this recession. What changes are you making to your approach and mindset?
Clarification added 8 months ago:
Several people have asked when the special report will air:
Where Are the Jobs? A CNBC town hall special will air this Wednesday, March 18th 10ET | 7PT
For more details please see:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29347712
Answers (810)
Reut S
Owner at KeyChange Institute
Best Answers in: Organizational Development (6), Staffing and Recruiting (2), Change Management (2), Career Management (2), Ethics (2), Using LinkedIn (2), Job Search (1), Mentoring (1), Corporate Governance (1), Labor Relations (1), Planning (1), Quality Management and Standards (1)
Wow-- dynamite question!
As a past recruiter who has recently helped many find new jobs and as a consultant that helps people keep their jobs in downsizing organizations I'd like to suggest that the best combination is top performances and strong relationships.
Look for jobs through networking with the right people-- get them to know you and trust you ('cause you are worth it) and to keep a job get the people responsible for your performances to trust you and respect you. People skills and top performances-- tough times weed the great from the okay-- there really are no shortcuts when it comes to a down economy. Just be great.
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1. Stick to your current job
2. Keep your ears open for any new opportunities
3. Have a good relationship with everyone, you dont have to like anyone, but you can just be good.
4. Stay visible, talk to your seniors / management every chance you get - collect feedback about where you stand and anything you should be improve upon or change.
5. Smile and stay healthy.
I tend to find the good in things, including the recession. Tough times trim the fat, and those left standing who provide valuable services and products at fair prices will benefit from the absence of those just getting in the way.
All the best in your report. I'll keep an eye out.
Susie M
Associate Dean for General Studies at ITT Technical Institute
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (3), Public Relations (2), Organizational Development (2), Career Management (2), Education and Schools (1), Freelancing and Contracting (1), Job Search (1), Mentoring (1), Change Management (1), Ethics (1), Professional Networking (1), Starting Up (1)
I work at what I can while I continue to search for what I want. I put time and effort into keeping my network updated and expanding my contacts as I can. I tell everyone I know that I am looking for work. I cobble together part time and contract employment to keep myself going. I spend time with my friends to keep my spirits up. I devote set times to mining the job boards for opportunities. I count my blessings daily. And I remain optimistic by knowing that eventually, I'll be using my talents to the max in service of more than a job hunt once again.
Clarification added 8 months ago:
Oh, and one biggie I nearly forgot: I volunteer my time and skills on behalf of causes and non-profit organizations I care about, to keep my talents honed and my hand hand in, and to help to make a difference for the better in my community: worthwhile work!
I am secure in my job however being a consultant focused on increasing reliability of our factories, oil refineries, and other capital intensive businesses my focus right now is to help companies survive and come out of this downturn as a leader in their industry. Our focus is on taking our internal competition first and then external by driving the waste and cost out of their business. Companies who invest at this time will be leaders in the near future.
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Ricky S also suggests these experts on this topic:
My position as the Director of Global Exhibits at GE Healthcare was recently eliminated so I joined the minions of others in the job search. Prior to leaving GE, our budgets were considerably reduced and open positions were not being filled. Both major and smaller events were either reduced or canceled altogether. On a personal level and as a professional marketer, my most important "brand" is myself and I have updated a personal website with my resume, letters of recommendations, pictures and event portfolio which includes video. The key to finding appropriate employment will be to network and I am spending my own money to attend industry conferences and do presentations in front of industry associations. I also know that my next position, I will have to relocate and might have to take a short term compensation reduction. I have also greatly reduced my spending and put my residence up for sale, anticipating a major loss if it will even sell.
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Networking with the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches provides excellent entry into companies who could use the business solutions my company provides. It is much easier to get an appointment with a person who you have already met and is also part of the Chamber.
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The way to survive is to creatively expand one's market. If there are fewer clients and customers willing or able to use your services, it's the time to look to newer markets to attract new clients and customers. There is no time to dwell on what isn't working. It's the time to focus on what is, and do more of it and in different places.
Currently employed and working hard to make sure I deliver the best results for my employer, I'm also looking at industries that have the best long term prospects for high paying jobs. I'm in sales and I'm looking into Green and Energy to see what opportunities exist. I"m also looking at retraining, gaining Green/Energy professional accreditiation and joining new communities like this one on Linkedin. Learn, meet new people and find new opportunities for succcess, that's my plan.
Mark
Jackie:
The first thing I do is try to maintain an upbeat, positive attitude. I get up each day as I did when I was working except that I go to my desk at home rather than drive to work. In fact, I get started earlier without the drive!
I was able to get my resume to the key search firms that had jobs in the first week or so of being unemployed. After that, it has been networking and setting up appointments. I obtained 3 strong leads and appointments for positions in the 2nd week (which ends today). I am using a few main sites (Mktg. Ladder, Career Network, Monster and in large part now, LinkedIn) and connecting with former associates.
It is amazing to see how many people respond and do try to help. This flurry may die down and that will then require rededicating myself to networking without annoying people. I always try to help those that contact me too so that this cycle never ends.
All the best,
Kim Lazarus
I have been out of work since October and my funds are quickly disappering.
I am a social media person residing in Ohio and I can't remember the last time I had an interview.
Earlier this month, I decided to launch a green jobs platform called Hirejam.com.
I felt since I can't find a job, maybe I can help someone find a job in the new green economy.
Jackie
I believe the best that one can do is put forth their best effort. As a CPA, I not only need to understand the tax laws but I have to service my clients to the best of my ability so they are most satisfied with my product. My biggest concern is whether my clients survive this economy so I have to do everything I can to help them. On top of that I need to increase my client base to ensure I survive. To do this I am getting more involved in the community. I will be part of a community leadership program as well as taking an active part in some charitable organizations. All part of networking and taking on the attitude that we must give back.
Jackie,
What a poignant topic for the times we are living in. I am a professional executive recruiter (headhunter) working in a local market here in Houston, Texas. What we know is that like all recessions, we're going to pull through it eventually. So while others in my industry are focusing on just surviving... my organization is focused on prosperity. We are focusing on gaining market share as our competitors either don’t make it through or seriously have to cut back. We have also promised to be brokers of hope; imparting little rays of sunshine whenever we can to the downtrodden who call us on a daily basis after being laid off. It is the great paradox of life which states that if you help enough people get what they want, you will naturally get what you want. Therefore, my focus in keeping my job or my status within the business world is to focus on helping others in these uncertain times. Even if it's just with a few kind words or a guaranty that no matter what happens, it will be OK. Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question. Make it a great day!
P.S. - Jackie...by the way...it's gonna be OK! : )
Right now I am networking and learning as much as I can. I was recently downsized , so I have decided to take this time while I have it to build my network and increase my skillset. I have joined local groups, attended free workshops, classes and webinars and have started using social media to meet new people and learn from them. I am using twitter to follow people who work in my area of interest, and I "tweet" information that others may be interested in. Job openings are sent out through twitter--a great way to hear of openings that may not be publicized elsewhere. I have also started a blog discussing social networking and how it is affecting the future of recruiting from a job seeker's standpoint, as well as from an employer's standpoint.
My background is in Recruiting and I have an interest in Employer Branding and Recruitment Strategy--helping companies brand themselves to be the "employer of choice". Social media plays a part in this today, but I believe it will continue to grow as more and more companies integrate it into their recruiting strategy to attract the right type of candidate.
Links:
I belong to the very active Career Networking Ministry at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia, where 60-75 (and growing fast!) jobseekers and career changers meet each Tuesday night to discuss job search strategy, update resumes, learn how to network in-person and electronically (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), and suggestion for ways to freelance or start your own business.
On a more personal level, I write articles, do marketing for companies and volunteer groups, and I am learning as much as I can about developing blogs and websites. But it's tough out there. Lots of folks are trying to do the same thing and competition is fierce!
I strongly suggest to stay focused, be proactive at work, stay informed. By staying focused, you are not loosing the track of your goals. Be aggressive and proactive in pursuing important tasks at work. Make sure to provide visibility of your accomplishments to your managers. Continue your research on new and creative opportunities at your current job, within current company, or in your industry. Be proactive in pursuing any credential (like FSA, CPA, CFA etc.) that might be helpful in your career advancement. Lastly, stay plugged-in with recruiters.
After 10 years of working at Citigroup, I had to make a major mental switch as to how I needed to approach the marketplace. My top priority was to overhaul how I presented myself in the past due to the competition or every available job. To maintain relevancy these days, I learned that I needed to focus on repositioning my skills for social media venues, as well as revamping my resume, creating a business card and website to differentiate myself from the competition.
Consulting jobs seem to be more the flavor now due to the cost savings on benefits for employers, so I now adjust my expectations and positionings when negotiating opportunities - - keeping an eye on salary/hourly wage re-negotiations for further down the line with employers when markets hopefully ease up and full-time positions become available.
I highly recommend Green Apple Marketing's Personal Brand Solutions in this process! It's making a world of difference on how my consulting business is getting attention.
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Kathleen P also suggests this expert on this topic:
OPTIONS options options. People say I’ve always been “lucky”, having jobs “fall in my lap” at just the right time. I say LUCK is when Opportunity meets Preparation. As a military spouse, I’ve lived in a “tough employment environment” for 22 years trying to follow my husband around the globe and keep a career going. In a tough employment environment, to survive you have to do several things, all are PREPARATION related and are most successful when done BEFORE things get tough. If you haven’t planned ahead, you can still benefit from doing the following things:
1 – Network – establish one, build it, feed it, work it. This doesn’t mean have a rolodex of 1000 cards. You have to have people who know your name, hopefully your face, and enough about you to not chuck your emails to the spam folder. Make these connections through sites like LinkedIn, professional organizations, and community service groups. Sometimes you can even be hired for your network, so don’t neglect this part of your kit bag.
2 – Provide the very best service to your employer possible. All the time.
3 – Network. Did I say that before?
4 – Seek external sources of training, certifications, and experience, at your own expense if you have to.
5 – Diversify your skill set. Learn business skills outside your normal duties. This will help you be prepared for the next step up when your boss’s position comes vacant. Demonstrating advanced competency in your work will make you the “obvious” choice when promotion potentials arise. And if you want to cross-train to a different career path, it’s critical.
6 – Be financially conservative. Don’t buy more house than you can afford on a limited budget. Don’t buy a new car every 3 years. A paidoff car is really quite attractive. Have in liquid assets enough to cover at least 6 months of your monthly expenses in case you do end up unemployed for a spell.
7 – Network. I said that again, didn’t I? There’s a reason.
In tough employment times, the people who have management support based on outstanding performance will always be able to keep a job or get another one quickly. Be the kind of employee you’d like to hire and you’ll do fine.
Mostly, BE PREPARED – opportunity doesn’t always schedule meetings in advance.
Good luck with your report!
Jackie,
My name is Mark Heuer and I have done something very creative and bold in my quest for a new opportunity. I have taken out a billboard in Milwaukee, WI advertising my website http://www.mark4hire.com
I found that I was doing a tremendous amount of networking and how do I reach more people. So my reaction was do something unprecedented in uprecedented times. And as Jim Stapleton once told me from a networking perspective, "if you want to get hit by a car, you have to get out in traffic."
So far since only being up a few days and some media exposure I have four interviews. God Willing, I hope to land soon.
See the following article that was picked up by the Milwaukee Sentinel, see link http://www.jsonline.com/business/41127687.html
For further information contact me at 262.751.9575 or my cell at 678.994.4089.
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My husband and I are self employed as a financial advisors who specialize in "Alternative Financial Strategies" and very happy we are not dependent on anyone or any company! We are probably doing what most would believe to be "kiss of death" during a time when all are happy for any business that comes their way! We are increasing our PR and Marketing and even started doing a radio show. We are developing an "UTLRA-NICHE", by eliminating a very wide poplulation and laser focusing on EXACTLY who we want to attract to our practice.
[High Net Worth, Conservative, Spirtual/Strong Belief in GOD, Educated, Unwavering belief in Personal Responsibility individuals over the age of 40].
It is truly amazing how when you become laser focused on what you want, what serves your highest intention, business flows to you effortlessly! This economic crisis is an opportunity to determine what YOU really want, what serves YOUR belief system and not what you think you should want and believe.
1. Looking for a job to replace the one the economy ate
2. Trying to be more flexible in what I'll consider as employment, while realizing the risk to my resume and career track
3. Getting more training/certification
4. Guiding my family through cash-saving measures (spending less, delaying a home renovation project indefinitely)
In this environment stay alert and keep up with the current key economic indicators. This way you will not miss out on anything.
Keep the current job and make an attempt to go beyond the mile and stay focused.
Make available to take up any new projects and stay visible to senior management.
Build the team concept and think of improving and come up with cost cutting ideas and mechanisms.
Lead a normal life and be healthy.
I am a recently unemployed senior technology executive . I plan to start my own business since business process improvement and quality assurance is my speciality and during times like this companies need to focus even more on improving their quality and delivery time while keeping staff at minimal levels.
I am being very flexible on what I charge or ask for salary.
Lastly, I am downsizing personally. Selling the house that has grown too big for us and settling down in a smaller condo that is more affordable.
I am expanding my network of contacts to include every group from High School Alumni to the Art School I only attended for one year. I am using every social networking device from LinkedIn (my Fave) to Facebook.(My least Fave - my teenagers don't need to be my "Friends")
I have become an avid joiner of Groups, and have also become a writer of enthusiatic recommendations for friends and former colleagues, as I am a believer in 'karmic rewards". It is really fun to reconnect, and plus all these activities make me feel much more powerful and positive and less vulnerable.
Gretchen
The recession is already over. I worked hard before the recession and I worked hard during the recession and I am working hard now.
My mindset is to continue to network vigorously because when the time comes for things to get better--which, of course, they will--I believe that I will be ahead of the power curve in terms of knowing people who I can help and those who can help me. Having a great resume is a must and this is a very good time to dust one off and tweak as needed. Another thing that I've been seeing is that folks that are offered jobs that are paying less than they were making are turning them down and waiting for better offers....this is a mistake I believe as we should always continue to build our skills sets and experience base.
One Word: Diversification: Develop skill sets that cover a broad range of abilities. Identify areas of job growth not presently being sought after. Certifications, education, on the job training...etc Anything that documents a variation in job skills and allows me to be more competitive to the un-experienced younger generation. Bought acerage, in case this becomes a real recession..gentleman farming looking better every day.
Employers want employees that want to learn, will be devoted to company and do what they are told. Forget all of that make yourself marketable and just want to work. Prevent gaps in employment, do anything legal to keep and maintain a consistent work record. With a flooded job force start your own business and be creative. Until electrical power goes down online jobs will become very valuable as people will stay home more than going out. Choosing not to spend money but save instead. Make friends, lots of them as you will need them if there really is a serious economic recession. Look at the history of the recession in the 1920s' read about it and you will have the answers to your questions. Most of the old money was made during this time period, ask yourself why?
I have been unemployed for the past 2 months. If it wasn't for my tax return, I don't know how I would have survived. My wife are only driving if we have to, to save money on gas. We are also using as many coupons as possible in whatever we do.
I am working extra hours as well as putting in extra effort at my current job to show myself valuable to my company. I am also cutting expenses at home, no unnecessary expenses such as cable TV, eating out, etc. It is rough out there and we need to be lean. I am hopeing for the best but am preparing for the worst.
Barry C
CEO, Moddition. Multiplies client's revenue by creating/finding new uses, markets and customers for clients' offerings.
What I do for my client companies I recommend to job seekers and those trying to hold on: consider EVERYTHING you can do for a company -- not just what you've been assigned to do before. For example, an analyst who loved to create CD album art for indie bands as a hobby, I recommended for "insourcing" graphic design (and even product design).
My unique work is creating $billions for clients by repurposing what they create and what they have sitting around unused in new and creative ways. So should applicants and those looking to hold onto their jobs go beyond the obvious in what they CAN do, rather than just what they have done. You'd be surprised the hidden skills everyone carries!
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