Simple lessons
As human beings we have a tendency to get comfortable in our lives and current situations. For job satisfaction and personal happiness it’s important to identify with the company you work for and to devote yourself to your role there entirely. Remember though that life is fleeting…nothing lasts forever! We are in a constant state of motion. Not only do we generally work toward a goal of forward progress in our professions but our employers look for ambition in their talent pool. The lesson to be learned here is to maintain your resume, track your successes, update your wardrobe and know your surroundings. Be ready for changes and learn to recognize opportunities for growth.
Beginning with the obvious, when was the last time you dusted off your resume and made updates? The truth is you’re not cheating your employer by being prepared for new opportunities; you’re cheating yourself by not being prepared for them. The one thing you don’t want to have to deal with when you find yourself without a job is trying to remember what you did over the last five years and when. By maintaining a current resume you ensure your accuracy and timeliness. Plus you avoid many headaches down the road. Obviously, don’t work on your resume on your employer’s dime; doing so may force you to need it sooner than you’d hoped to!
In conjunction with your resume, remember to maintain a log of progress and successes in your current role. There are several reasons why this is so important beginning with the magnitude of your role in your career growth. Do not ever assume that your current supervisor has noted all of your accomplishments over your tenure. You need to be the driver of your “career bus”. When you go in for a review be prepared to spell out the value you add to your corporation and make a case for why they need you. This will also give you leverage in salary negotiation. If you are looking at a change in careers it’s extremely important to be prepared to address the tough questions, such as, “tell me about a situation where you added value to your prior company”. You will appreciate having a resource to review prior to going in for that interview and you will come off professional and prepared to the person conducting the interview.
The next suggestion is in regards to your wardrobe. Corporations are becoming more and more relaxed in their expectations of employee appearances. It’s always a good idea though to maintain several key articles of clothing that can be used for important situations. Reviews and interviews are obviously events that warrant a nice appearance. Don’t be afraid to throw these pieces into your daily wardrobe. “Dress for success” is more than just an expression-It can show ambition. One thing is for sure, it can be difficult to find yourself interviewing for new jobs after you’ve been laid off and don’t have the income to afford a new wardrobe. Do your best to be prepared in advance for whatever comes your way.
Finally, be alert of your surroundings and be prepared for what the future holds. Recognize what is happening in the industry you work in and the economy in general. If you find yourself working toward a long career with your current employer, make the most of maximizing your opportunities there. If a career change is in order, be prepared so that the process is as smooth as possible.
