With almost 10% unemployment, we are all kind of looking over our shoulder regarding our jobs. Although there are things that are beyond our control that will affect whether a job is lost or not, there are things we can do to help our chances of keeping it. This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!
- Work Hard. It’s a shame to even have to mention this, but in my experience there are so many employees that are lazy. Don’t be one of them.
- Solve Problems.Some people create problems with their attitude or ineptitude. Don’t be that person! Solve problems, offer solutions. Get the job done.
- Be the “Go To” Person. Learn everything you can about everything that is going on in your place of work. Knowledge is a job saver.
- Help the Boss. I am not talking about kissing up to the boss. But I am talking about actually helping them. If you can get them out of a jam, help them with a problem, it goes a long way to job security.
- Volunteer. Special project needs done? Do it! Over-time needed – be there. Not your area , not your job – keep that attitude and it won’t be your job anymore. if something needs done, do it.
- Network . Get to know people, and have them get to know you. Especially if you can do this in other areas or departments. Even if your department gets downsized, if your known elsewhere in the company there could be a place for you.
- Appearance Counts. I know this is shallow, but it is true. Whatever your company’s dress code is, stick to it (or even a little better). I was always taught to dress for the position above you.
- Positive Attitude. Not easy, but necessary. There are enough negative, complaining, never happy people in the world, don’t add to their number. Keep your spirits up, help others do the same. Employers like that. They see enough negative stuff from employees, they long for some positive employee attitude!
- Be Kind. I know it is a cut-throat world, but that doesn’t mean we have to participate in that negative stuff. Kindness goes a long way. And I truly believe that if it is down to two people and the boss has to make a decision, the kind person has the edge if the other factors are close. Besides, at the end of the day, we have to live with ourselves, our conscience.
- Keep track of what you do. Keep a list of what projects you have completed, what responsibilites you have, all your accomplishments, etc. This allows you to talk with your boss about your current workload (ask for a raise?), and is also important information for a resume.
Although not listed above, I like the Boy Scout motto of “always be prepared.” Have your resume ready, have references ready, have some potential direction. Because there are times where nothing you do is enough to save your job (especially if the whole company or industry is going down). So in addition to the above, what would you add to the list? Let’s help each other out!
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Things to do to keep Your Job
by JD on June 24, 2010
With almost 10% unemployment, we are all kind of looking over our shoulder regarding our jobs. Although there are things that are beyond our control that will affect whether a job is lost or not, there are things we can do to help our chances of keeping it. This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!
Although not listed above, I like the Boy Scout motto of “always be prepared.” Have your resume ready, have references ready, have some potential direction. Because there are times where nothing you do is enough to save your job (especially if the whole company or industry is going down). So in addition to the above, what would you add to the list? Let’s help each other out!