Career Connections
Colleen's Career Corner
How can I keep my job during this recession? With the economic crisis and lay-offs at many companies, many alumni are worried about losing their job. While there is no one sure-fire way to ensure that you will not get a pink slip this year, there are things that you can do to tip the scales in your favor.
#1 Sing your own praises
This doesn't mean that you need to become boastful and take all credit for all things. Simply make sure that your bosses know what you are working on and what you have accomplished. Schedule a weekly meeting or send a weekly email to update them on all the projects on your desk and what you have accomplished in the past week. Also, let them know of any collaboration you are doing with other departments or companies and if there is anything you need their assistance on. You may be doing a great job—but if nobody knows about it, what good is it?
#2 Have Others Sing Your Praises
When a client or co-worker sends you a thank you note or calls to congratulate you for a job well done, it is fine for you to ask them to forward that information on to your boss. If you are nominated for an award, receive an award or are asked to sit on a professional board or committee, forward a copy to your boss and ask that it go in your permanent file. Let upper management know that their customers appreciate your work and see you as a vital contributor to the company.
#3 Save the company money—or better yet—make the company more money
Companies try to keep their star money-makers. Be open to new ideas and suggest ways that you think would help save the company money. Companies are looking to do more with less, so if you find a way to save your company $1,500 per month, that adds up to $18,000 a year. After a few of these ideas, you may help the company from having to lay-off another employee.
#4 Make yourself indispensable
Know how to do things for the company that other people don’t know how to do. Take on extra responsibilities, such as being the trainer for a specific computer application or volunteering to be the liaison to outside groups. Continue your education through another degree, online courses or training seminars that would benefit the company.
Networking is a key tool to helping you keep your job, and assisting in finding a new one if that time comes. Network within your company; show up a few minutes early to meetings to talk with managers, eat lunch with colleagues and join committees. It is important to know as many supervisors as possible in your own organization when it comes to deciding who will be laid-off. Network both online and in-person at many professional and social events on a regular basis. Know as many people as possible and be willing to help out others in your network. The more people you know, the better off you will be!