Three Tips for Surviving Corporate Change
The biggest difference between today's employment world and
that of our fathers' is the rapid pace of corporate
change. Expectations of company stability and long lasting
employment are a thing of the past. If one isn't tuned into
the signals of corporate change it can mean an unexpected layoff
and months of unemployment and job searching. Do you have a
career management plan to ensure your career growth in times of
corporate chaos?
To prevent career disaster, live by these three rules of
career management:
Expect Change
Adjust quickly to change
Build a strong professional network in good times
1. Expect change
Change in the work place is far less traumatic when it is
expected as the norm. One of the most important career
management skills is the ability to detect signs of corporate
change. For instance:
* Rumors of corporate merger or takeover
* Corporate profit levels spiraling downward
* No end-of-year bonuses given
* Hints of layoffs to trim the budget
* Upper management suddenly resigning
* Your peers jumping ship to the competition
Don't get caught off guard by holding on to a false sense of
security or misplaced loyalty. Those who fear change trust
corporate loyalty rather than face the reality of their precarious
position in the corporate food chain. Expect change and keep
your eyes and ears open—or you could be the last
in line when it's time to find new career opportunities.
Don't wait for change to strike. While your job is secure
and your work environment is stable, take steps to keep your skills
highly desirable in the job market. For starters:
* Stay current with technology trends of your industry
* Get certified if appropriate
* Keep your resume current at all times
* Be ready to interview at a moment's notice
Adjust quickly to change
Your ability to keep your career momentum building in the
midst of corporate chaos depends on your skill at adjusting quickly
to change. First, don't over analyze your dilemma. Too
often valuable time is wasted trying to figure out ways to make a
bad situation work. Second rule, don't take it personally, or
you won't be able to plan your exit strategy
clearly. Third, take action as soon as
possible.
If your resume is kept current at all times you will be ahead
of the pack when others consider moving on as well. Your
resume should be updated every six months. For quick
updating keep an ongoing record of your accomplishments as you
overcome work challenges.
Maintaining confidentiality during a job search while still
employed is a challenge that requires discretion and level
headedness. Ideally, no one in your company should even
suspect that you are looking for other employment. Resist the
urge to speak to coworkers about your decision for
action. Keep your regular work hours and try to schedule
interviews during off-work time. Avoid posting your resume
online where your employer may find it.
Build a strong professional network in good times.
One thing that hasn't changed over the decades is the fact
that a majority of people still get new positions faster through
networking. What used to be called the “good
ol' boy systemâ€Â is as active in the job market as
ever. Technology hasn't replaced the effectiveness of a vast
network of people who can help you find new career opportunities
quickly.
The problem is that most people ignore their network until
they need it. Bad idea. If you haven't kept in touch with
former coworkers how will you know how to find them when you need
them?
There are many great venues for building your network:
professional associations, college alumni groups and former
colleagues to name a few. Take time to meet with non-work
people on a regular basis. Build relationships around mutual
interests, friendship and trust. Make this your lifelong habit
and you'll never be without help when you need to make a career
change.
More than ever, proactive career management is essential to
professional growth. Keep these rules of surviving corporate change
as the building blocks of your career management plan and you'll
stay in control of your professional growth and income
potential.
