Managing Your Career In Tough Times 102308

Managing Your Career in
Tough Times
Presented by:
Joellyn Wittenstein Schwerdlin
Certified Career Management Coach
www.career-success-coach.com

© 2008 Joellyn Wittenstein Schwerdlin

Managing Your Career in Tough Times

Today’s Economy / Labor Market is Shaky
Ø Turmoil of Financial Markets
Ø Unemployment Ratio: 6.1% (Sept ‘08)
Ø Global competition
Ø Companies or divisions closing
Ø Layoffs



Our world of work has been changing since
the late 80’s
Ø “Job security” is disappearing
Ø Rare to be employed by one company
through retirement
Ø People change jobs more frequently
Ø Shift toward “free agents” vs. direct hires



Take Back Control of Your Career
The government will not bail you out
Ø
Treat your job and career as though you
Ø
are “self-employed”
Your “employer” is your “client”
Ø



Motivational Quotes:
“The biggest mistake we could ever make
Ø
in our lives is to think we work for anybody
but ourselves.” - Brian Tracy
“There’s no security other than that which
Ø
you create for yourself.” – Denis Waitley



1. Be Visible and Valuable to your
employer, clients and customers
Get known within your company
Ø
Be “in-tune” with what your boss needs.
Ø
Avoid saying: “It’s not my job.”
Ø
Go the extra mile for clients and co-workers
Ø
Volunteer for committees
Ø



Employers / Clients tune into Channel WIFM
(What’s In It For Me?)
How do you help your employer/clients…?
Ø Save money / cut costs
Ø Make money
Ø Save time
Ø Make work faster or easier
Ø Solve a serious problem


Keep a Career Success Portfolio
Ø Career Success Stories (C-A-R)
Ø Educational Credentials
Ø Testimonials / Letters of Recommendation
Ø Performance Evaluations
Ø Press Releases / Publications
Ø Trademarks / Patents



Use Career Success Portfolio items for:
Ø Résumé material
Ø Employment interviews
Ø Performance evaluations
Ø Re-interviews for your current job
Ø Attracting new clients



2. Invest In Your Own Education
Keep your skills current
Ø
Advanced degree, courses, or seminars
Ø
Tuition reimbursement programs
Ø
Pay for it yourself
Ø
Read trade publications
Ø
Stay active in industry associations
Ø



3. Have an updated résumé ready-to-go
Ø Keep a working document on file
Ø Don’t wait for a crisis to write one
Ø Update every 6-12 months
Ø Customize it for opportunities, as they arise.



4. Accumulate an E/R Cash Reserve
Unemployment comp is never enough
Ø
Direct employee: 6 months salary
Ø
Self employed: 12 months of expenses
Ø



5. Build a Network Before You Need It
Ø Most jobs and clients come from networking
Ø Why? KLT Factor – Know-Like-Trust
Ø Biggest mistake: networking in “crisis” mode
Ø Make networking a lifestyle



Ø Networking is: building mutually beneficial
relationships over time
Ø Networking is not: handling out business
cards and schmoozing
Ø Networking can happen anywhere; event is
not required



Places and People to Jump-Start Networking
Ø Clubs and associations
Ø People you do business with
Ø Academicians
Ø Volunteer efforts
Ø Friends, family & neighbors



Summary
Be visible and valuable to your employer
1.
and clients.
Invest in your own education.
2.
Keep your résumé updated.
3.
Maintain a cash reserve.
4.
Build your network before you need it.
5.


Managing Your Career In Tough Times 102308

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