Preparing for Opportunities
October 31st, 2008. Published under Career Hunting. No Comments.
Layoffs and firings rarely come as surprises. If there are warning signs that you will soon be out of a job, follow the Boy Scout motto and be prepared:
- Decide if your career is something you really want. Do you find your work fulfilling or are you just another paper pusher? It might be time for a career change.
- Understand your transferrable skills. Are you good with people? Do you have strong communication skills? Make a list, so you know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Dust off your resume. You will have to decide whether to include your most recent job in your work history. If you can prove to a future employer that you have learned from your actions, you can avoid leaving a sizable gap in your job history.
- Reconsider your references. In the case of a layoff or firing, your most recent employer may not be someone you want to talk to a future interviewer. Make contact with previous references to reinforce the strength of your relationships
- Start networking. Make it known that you may need a job. Take the initiative to meet new people and create opportunities for yourself.
By being prepared for the worst scenarios, you can shorten the time you spend between jobs.