All the recent recession-survival guides for companies were bound to produce a spillover in the career-advice arena. Now come tips on how to recession-proof your career, from the Five O'Clock Club, a Manhattan-based career coaching network.
Companies are canceling projects that were “full speed ahead,” only a few months ago, the group says in a recent news release. “Companies may get rid of entire departments, axing good performers along with bad. Or, departments across the company may be asked to cut staff by a certain percentage.”
Given that grim scenario, employees need to make sure they can withstand a corporate belt tightening. Here are some of the group’s suggestions:
Keep your skills fresh: “Companies get rid of people whose skills are obsolete and replace them with workers who are already trained.”
What to do: “Take classes, join trade organizations to prove you’re plugged in.”
Get leading-edge assignments: “Don’t get a reputation as someone who simply does what he or she is told to do.
What to do: “Volunteer for critical responsibilities, including tasks for which your boss is responsible.”
Put your best foot forward: “If you’re known as a jerk, a staff cut may be a good excuse to get rid of you - even if you have great skills.... With a cutback bearing down on them, your bosses will not be as likely to overlook your flaws.”
What to do: “Don’t get caught acting adolescent...”
Express yourself. “Make yourself visible to those above you in the corporate pecking order.”
What to do: “Make sure everyone knows about your great work and what you bring to the company.”
Think success: “Find out what it takes to get ahead.”
What to do: “Have a formal meeting with your boss.”
--Carrie Mason-Draffen