Are you prepared for the unexpected?

If you suddenly find yourself without a job, would you be prepared? Recently, I met with a client who had suddenly lost her job. This client (a marketing professional) had went to work one day, and by the end of the day was told she was laid off and that it would be her last day. She knew the company had plans to downsize but was totally unprepared for how fast it happened.

My client indicated that wished she had been more prepared. She had worked on several projects, and she wished she would have made copies for a portfolio. These copies would have documented her talents and her contributions to her company.

This is just one example of a career management practice that everyone should be engaging in. Here are other ways to manage your career and prepare for the unexpected: 

Have you received any congratulatory emails? If so, print them and/or forward them to your personal email account. Then, if you’re suddenly without a job and are asked to leave unexpectedly, you will have this documentation. 

Keep copies of your performance reviews, but don’t file them at work; bring them home with you. Excerpts from performance reviews can be strategically placed on a resume and incorporated into a cover letter. 

Foster your connections. Keep in contact with past coworkers, colleagues, and even past supervisors by sending them an occasional email, going out for coffee/lunch, etc. Don’t wait for something to happen to reconnect with people. 

Be active on LinkedIn. The key word is “active.” Participate in groups, ask questions, respond to questions, share links, and provide a status update; for example, “Just received my PHR certification,” or "Check out my company's new website: www.xyzcompany.com." Being more active increases your visibility, and who knows, you may even be contacted by a recruiter. (Note: If you're concerned your boss may noticed your increased activity, gradually build up your involvement. It's common practice for professionals to be involved with LinkedIn, so start by posting information on your company or sharing an industry-related article; then, build up your activity from there. Another strategy would be to go to "Privacy and Settings" and turn off your activity broadcasts so others do not see when you change your profile or follow a company. In addition, you can change your activity feed  so only you can see actions you've performed which are displayed on your profile. The key is, you have to remember to turn this back on once you're done updating/editing your profile.)

Keep track of your accomplishments. At least twice a year ask yourself, “Did I find any ways to save money, improve procedures, or boost profits? What’s a big challenge that I faced, and how did I overcome it? What do I feel most proud about accomplishing these past six months?” Be sure these accomplishments get documented on your performance review, and if your company doesn’t have performance reviews, then send an email to your supervisor highlighting some of your contributions (and save the email). 

Take these accomplishments and update your resume, preferably twice a year, but at least once a year. 

Trainings, certifications, etc. Has there been a training or certification program that you’ve been thinking of taking? If so, take action and begin pursuing it (especially, if your company offers professional development as a benefit). 

Keep your certificates when attend trainings, seminars, or workshops, but don’t file them at work; bring them home with you.

So, are you prepared for the unexpected? If not, hopefully these ideas will help you be more proactive in managing your career.