In an uncertain job market, what can you do to make yourself completely necessary and even indispensable to your new boss and company? We’ve got the scoop to help you keep your next job.
1. Get passionate about the job
Skills come and go. But passion for what you’re doing and for your company’s vision and goals will always stand out—especially when so many people just show up and go home. No matter what you’re doing, find a way to become passionate about it. Dig deeper to understand the impact you’re having. Take calculated risks to amp up the adventure. Keep learning. Find mentors within the company whom you admire and can emulate. Find new ways of doing old things. And of course, don’t underestimate the power of work-life balance to ensure you’re refreshed and far from burnout.
2. Develop a vision and voice
Vision isn’t only for the C-level execs. Having a vision and seeing the bigger picture of how you fit with the company can easily put you on the course to becoming a top player. Don’t just go with the flow. Learn to think and view the company like the boss, with a vested interest in its best interest. Develop a voice and your suggestions and solutions will be valued, and your initiative and performance will definitely be noticed. You can (and should) strive to
be a leader, no matter your role.
3. Become an effective communicator
Social skills and communication may not be everyone’s strongest suit. But whether you lead or participate in meetings, interviews, sales pitches or simply need to learn to deal with conflict in the workplace, communication skills are vital to every job. And
technology and social media doesn’t change that. Read good books like
How to Win Friends and Influence People or
Skills With People and practice, practice, practice to improve your skills and keep you ahead of the pack.
4. Take responsibility for yourself and your actions
There’s nothing like making excuses and being unable to take responsibility for your actions to put you on the next list of cuts. Learn to take criticism. Even ask for how you could improve your performance. And then graciously and gratefully accept it and humbly apply yourself to improvement. We know it goes against most human nature, but learning this vital skill will make you the person people can depend on, and one who they know will do what it takes to get the job done without excuse.
5. Give maximum effort, every time
Procrastinating or doing enough to get by isn’t going to cut it in a competitive job market, especially if the company hits a bump and has to make some firing decisions. Doing your ultimate best, every time, and even going beyond your job description can help put you on the untouchables list—and in the job world, that’s a good thing. Going above and beyond makes it evident that you have the company’s interest at heart, making you the ultimate investment.
Ready to turbocharge the search for your next job? Working with a recruiter can help you avoid the most common mistakes of the hunt, and give you valuable tips and insights into how to ace your interviews. Check out our list of job openings and get connected today.
