Business Q & A
Employment strategies in uncertain times
Employment strategies in uncertain times
Interview by Robbie Miller Kaplan
author of How to Say It in Your Job Search
The economy seems chaotic and it’s impossible to
foresee its impact on different organizations and industries. No job
seems protected, so what can you do to ensure continued employment?
Samuel Greengard, author of
AARP Crash Course in Finding the Work You Love: The Essential Guide to Reinventing Your Life (AARP)
Q;
With such grim economic news, what signs would alert employees that
their organizations are planning furloughs or layoffs?
A: Follow your
company's financials. Look for cost-cutting measures that may serve as a
precursor to layoffs. Other than these strategies, I'm not sure there's
a lot a person can do. It's definitely not a good idea to get caught up
in the rumor mill. It can cause enormous anxiety and, as we all know,
rumors are false more often than they are true.
Q;
What steps can individuals take to be prepared for the uncertainty in
the workplace?
A: Being
prepared for the constant ups and downs in the workplace requires a
long-term strategy. In "Finding the Work You Love" I talk about how a
person can raise his or her KQ; this stands for “knowledge quotient.” We
live in an era where knowledge workers and skilled workers are in
growing demand. So, it's important to have a high KQ. A person can
achieve this in a number of ways: going back to school and earning
another degree; earning a professional certification or adding to
existing ones; reading trade publications; attending seminars, workshops
and conferences; joining professional groups; and by networking with
others in the field. A person with a high KQ is far better equipped to
deal with layoffs, disruptions, and changes in the workplace. They stand
out among job candidates.
Q;
For those who feel their jobs and organizations are secure, should they
still be taking some actions as a hedge against employment changes?
A:
Absolutely. In fact, it goes far beyond hedging against layoffs.
Jobs--and the actual work performed--are constantly changing. We live in
an era where skills and technologies are constantly evolving. So, it's
essential to stay current with trends and developments--even if you own
a company or you're secure in your job. If you get lazy, you may become
a dinosaur or see your job outsourced to India. In the financial field,
specialized and niche knowledge is especially valuable.
Q;
Is there one specific job search tool that today’s professional must
master? And how do they go about gaining an expertise in this area?
A:
Today, individuals need to be conversant in online tools, especially if
they're looking to change jobs or make a jump to a different field. All
the action is now online, and it's imperative that they understand how
companies look for employees and how human resources directors use
keyword searches. Individuals also need to tap into social networking
tools, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and others, including
employee alumni sites. Gaining expertise in these tools is all about
using them. Any investment in yourself will pay dividends down the line.
.
Q;
How can long-tenured professionals keep an edge in the workplace as the
workforce ages?
A:
Again, they must constantly boost their KQ and not "settle" into the
comfort zone. The world is changing rapidly, there is intense global
competition, and those with enhanced knowledge and skills stand out from
the pack. Although ageism and discrimination exist--they are a very real
problem--the best antidote is being so good at what you do that an
employer recognizes your value. It's also important to act your age but
make an attempt to understand younger workers and other generations--and
treat everyone with respect. This is especially true if you have
transitioned into management.