Jeff Lefler wishes he knew six months ago what he knows now. The veteran document specialist is now job hunting after being laid off by his longtime employer.
What he's learned since his layoff is that to survive in today’s workforce, you need to update not just your resume, but yourself.
“I decided to reinvent myself to make myself more valuable."
So he just completed a paralegal program, getting his certificate, which he says might have saved his old job.
Update Skills & Be High Profile
That's something everyone should do, according to career counselor Dana Glasgow. Here is her list of the most important things to bulletproof your job:
Update your skills - whether through computer training, night school, or testing for a new certificate.
Next, do you duck behind your cubicle when the boss comes by? Dana says don't hide. Take on high-profile projects, where bosses can see how much you contribute.
“Make yourself valuable to the company - keep yourself at the head of the parade."
Dana also says you should become a "can-do" person: volunteer for projects to help the company in these tough times.
“You've got to be out there raising your hand, volunteering for extra work, being of extra value to the company."
"Always have prepared a 30 second commercial for yourself"
One of Dana's best tips is to prepare a "30 second commercial" - to justify your paycheck.
"Always have prepared a 30 second commercial for yourself, so when the CEO walks by and says John who are you, what do you do, and what value to you, you are prepared for that."
Glasgow also recommends workers to not complain. Keep a positive attitude no matter how bad times may get.
Finally, Dana says look for ways to help your company save money. If you come up with any suggestions, besides obvious things like turning off lights, share them with your superiors.
Jeff wishes he had known some of these tips before his company cut back. But now he's fighting back, and in addition to his paralegal certificate, he has taught himself web design, and now runs a Web site for a local veterans group.
“I figured anything about a Web site, and the internet, would broaden my self and my marketability."
With those skill sets he hopes to get re-hired, and be more bulletproof next time job cuts hit.
