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How-To Become a Valuable Employee and Wow the Boss

Professional people behaving professionally
 What to Do Before and After the Next Big Lay-Off

In print for more than two decades, the immensely popular Who Moved My Cheese is still a relevant book about change in the workplace.  Yet, many aren't heeding the very simple lessons presented on those pages.  It teaches that complacency with where our cheese is stored—i.e., our job—could result in hunger because the cheese can be moved at any time.  

With the job market tight and a sluggish economy, many people are scrambling to find their cheese, as it has left the building.  However, if we prepare ourselves for change, we are nimbler to jump back into the job market and score.  

For example, most likely, we all know that automation and robotics changed the manufacturing industry.  And that was well before a global pandemic.  Today, not only must we focus on how business can be done effectively and efficiently during the good and bad, but we should also consider what professions are more mobile.   When you consider both these variables, you might not have to consider where your cheese has been moved.     

What does this mean for me?  I still have a job.

With fewer jobs available, we need to build our skill set for our current position, while researching what our next job – or occupation – might be. Take advantage of training offered by your employer. Always keep your resume and "elevator speech" up to date. Pay close attention to trends in our economy and job market. Know where the cheese may move next.

Additionally, picture every day as if it is the first day on the job. Dress one step above your position demonstrating to your employer that you are serious about your job. Be a people person: pleasant, a problem solver, open to change, and always communicating in a positive manner.

Laid-off? Network, research, and study.

Begin by joining a networking organization or just drop in on a mixer. Research companies of interest to find out how to get an interview. Visit career centers, including your alma mater, and job fairs. Virtually mingle with those in your field. Additionally, there is a multitude of excellent websites with invaluable job-seeking and skill-building information.

Some of these informative sites help prepare job seekers with skill-building articles and tutorials – including interviewing skills – while some match job seekers with potential employers.  Also, take advantage of online courses, as many are free and self-paced. Building new skills might be essential for finding and keeping a fresh piece of cheese.

Originally published on Yahoo.

More by Rebecca

Time to Polish Our Professional Presence

Job Seeking Using the Internet & Good Social Skills

How To Keep Your Current Job, While Preparing for the Next


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