How To Keep Your Job And Get Ahead In A Bad Job Market

Job markets are bad all over the world. In the U.S. we have 14 million officially unemployed but in all we have another 8 to 10 million people who are no longer counted because they have been out of work too long or who are underemployed. The purpose of this piece is to help you keep your job and get ahead in a bad job market. Here are 10 crucial steps you can take:

1)  Keep A Positive Attitude. Everyone wants to be around upbeat people and a warm and sincere smile and kind words of support will attract others to you, as well as set a positive tone around the office.

2) Don't Gossip. Gossip will quickly cycle through the office and bite you on the butt as you make enemies and lose the trust of others.

3) Cross Train. The more jobs you can do, the more valuable you are to your employer. Continue to build your skills.

4) Make Or Save Money For Your Firm. Organizations everywhere are looking for ways to generate or save money and if you can do that, your job will be about as secure as possible.

5) Lead The Team. Think in terms of team and be a leader as you share credit with others for all the good things that happen. Speak in terms of "we, us, you and our" rather than "me, my, mine and I," for no one succeeds without the support of others.

6) Don't Refer To Others As Being "Wrong." How do you feel when someone says you are wrong, especially if they expand upon the reasons you are "wrong" and do it in front of others? Resentful? Angry?

Instead, of telling people they are "wrong," politely term what is said to you as "a good idea" and then expand upon that "good idea" with ideas of your own. Anyone can embarrass others but the wise person builds their self-confidence and makes them part of the winning solution.

7) Return Your Phone Calls And Emails. No-one likes to be ignored, for it makes them feel unimportant and it hurts their feelings, as they resent those who make them feel this way. To succeed, you need the support of others so communicate with them on a timely basis.

8) Apologize. When you make a mistake as we all do, don't be too small to admit it. Your apology will help clear the air.

9) Recognize. When someone accomplishes something special or has a special occasion, or looks nice, tell them. Everyone appreciates a sincere compliment.

10) Be Thankful. You have so much to be thankful for, including your job and the people you work with. Being appreciative will make you a more humble and happier person and more willing to do nice things for others.

In Summary: Follow these 10 steps and they will make an enormous difference in your job security and in your career, as you become an invaluable member of any team.

Dick