Recession-Proof Your Career
Give Employers Reason to Keep You But Be Nimble and Prepared to Move On

By Vickie Elmer
Special to The Washington Post
Sunday, February 24, 2008

Heidi Matchett knows that some people consider her a job-hopper. But she sees herself as smart about her career and determined to build her skills in product- and project-management and technology.

Talk of recession doesn't rattle her much. Neither does slower hiring, or even recent moves to lay off thousands of Sprint and AOL workers. She keeps close tabs on how companies in Northern Virginia are faring -- "who's moving in and who's moving out."

Matchett, who has had seven jobs since moving to the region in 1999, said, "I always keep one eye open." Even though she loves her job as product development manager at Digital Now in Herndon, she said, "I'm always looking for the best opportunity for me."

Her approach could be valuable in the months ahead if a slowing economy brings fewer openings, more layoffs and more worries about recession. Last month, U.S. employers cut thousands of jobs, mainly in construction and manufacturing, and 7.6 million people were unemployed and looking for jobs, the government reported. Almost one-fifth of them had been out of work for more than six months.

It's time to consider how to recession-proof your career. Experts consider it important both to build the case for why you're important to your current employer -- and to build your bridge to the next job. Some suggestions:

¿ Improve your attitude : When times are tight, polish your reputation as a can-do problem solver. "Be the most positive person in the office . . . show up early and stay late," said Sue E. Pressman, head of Pressman Consulting in Arlington. "Understand your organization's short- and long-term strategic goals, and position yourself to meet those goals and provide solutions."

Focus on ideas that will bring in new revenue or clients, or will save the organization money. People who create value are the ones more likely to survive cuts.

¿ Develop your reputation and skills: Andrea Fuller, principal of MindFarm, a District placement firm for independent consultants, believes in establishing a personal brand. Independent workers, in particular, should ask themselves "Who am I? What do I have to offer?. . . . Where am I a rock star? What do I do really, really well that I can sell?"

In a posting on Web site LifeHack.org, e-commerce architect Ravi Jayagopal puts it simply: "Be amazing, be remarkable, be brilliant, be the very best at what you do."

And don't skimp on training -- you want your skills to be current. Some experts say it's smart to keep working toward your MBA or other advanced degree, especially if it's paid for by your employer in a tuition-reimbursement program. Bosses will see you as someone who manages her time and talents well -- and someone worth their investment.

¿ Network: Matchett believes in staying connected within professional groups and with former co-workers. "I am a member of several networking groups. I pay attention to what people are looking for. . . . what's hot right now."

The mother of a 14-month-old son, she's been active in DC Web Women as well as Business Networking International. She used to attend two to four networking events a month, but that's down to about two as she balances baby and career.

She views dinner parties and social engagements as networking opportunities. She stays in touch with former bosses and co-workers with occasional lunches and e-mails. "You never know what door is going to open," she said.

¿ Document your successes: Keep a list of your achievements and kudos. "Promote your contributions with your bosses without being obnoxious," said Christine Price, a principal of Ready to Hire, a Web-based placement firm. Some people do this naturally. Others must find ways to let their successes shine by winning internal or industry awards, speaking at conferences or seminars, or by including details of accomplishments a blog.

¿ Be prepared:"Have your r¿sum¿ up-to-date and create a canned cover letter so if a position opens in a great company, you can act immediately," Price said.

Matchett also believes in being prepared. "Don't start looking when you're desperate." Be ready to start when you get the "first inkling" that it may be time to move on. "You've got to keep yourself in the game."