Five Keys to Job Searching in a Volatile Economy

by Joy Martin, Associate Career Changer Coach

With the constant chatter of the news and media telling us 24/7 of our country's 'Economic Woes', how can an employee or business owner not be nervous about job security in these times!?!?

Hopefully you are not one of the thousands of people who have already been affected by today's economy and lay-offs; if you are, please keep your head up and read on. You may be a corporate employee worried about job security, an entrepreneur nervous about making ends meet or someone who is dreaming about taking a step in your career that will put you on the path to your dream job. Whoever you are - it is always a good time to look at building your 'Toolkit'. When I say Toolkit, I am referring to your Job Search Toolkit. You want to have a variety of different 'tools' (or skills) in your Toolkit before you need to use them! These tools are like insurance, you don't need them until it's too late!

Before you even set foot in an interview or call that recruiter friend to ask about job openings, there are a handful of steps you can take at your current job to assist you in the long-term for your career success. Whatever your situation is, below are actions you can take NOW!

1. Learn something new - There is no time like the present to start learning new things in your career. You can take an outside class or e-learning class in an area that interests you, ask your supervisor for reading material on a new product or service at your company or start doing your own research on trends in your industry. This is a perfect time to take a public speaking class, as well. This is a skill that is transferable and will always assist you in your job search. Take some sort of action to branch out and learn something new.

2. Offer to help - You can offer your assistance to your boss to help out with a new project or volunteer activity. Maybe you want to help out with the company's annual toy drive or offer to help out in any way possible on some new projects. It always looks good but also serves to help you in your career to meet new people and get exposed to some new things. Most employees are comfortable 'doing their job' - the people that go above and beyond are the ones who get promoted, noticed by senior folks and recommended for new career opportunities. Take this chance to get noticed. See next point...

3. Do your best - Again, a lot of people are comfortable just getting by and staying in the constraints of their job description. Think about how productive you could be if you gave your best every single day. You will feel good about the work you are producing and others will notice you. Being genuine at work pays off.

4. Research - Start doing some research on companies you would like to work for. Before you get into a position where you need to find a new job right away, have a list already prepared of some of the types of organizations you would like to work at. Get familiar with their websites and start checking company news. This preparation work will help you get a jump start on your job search when you need it.

5. Don't be an office gossip - It's easy to get mixed up in office politics, gossip and hysteria. It may feel good for a few minutes to engage in some office gossip, but it doesn't serve any purpose or help you in your career. Rise above it all. You don't have to get all high and mighty and tell your coworkers you can't listen to their conversations, but if you are talking and all of a sudden, speculation starts about who might be laid off first or why so-and-so got promoted and others didn't - maybe it's time to make a discreet run for the restroom or run out for an afternoon Starbucks. You will insulate yourself from the crowd of employees that are known to gossip. Believe, me, people know who these folks are...and you want to separate yourself from them.

The bottom line is, you should take steps to set your self apart from the crowd. Learn to see yourself as a top-performer and others will see that very soon. Building a strong reputation and new skills is the first step in preparing yourself for a new path in your career. Stay tuned for follow up articles on ways to continue to build your job search skills.

Read more about Joy at http://www.segaric.com/segariccoachingassociatecoaches.shtml