Recession-proof Your Career
Jan 13, 2024
I'll be the first to admit to you that I am not a recruiter, not in workforce development or even a career coach. I live and breathe writing and designing standout resumes and cover letters. But, ask me about what's happening in this crazy job market? I wouldn't even attempt it.
Recognizing there is SO much uncertainty right now with words like "recession" and "massive layoffs" being thrown around everywhere you turn, I reached out to a connection of mine so I could bring you some practical advice and peace of mind.
Meet Cameryn. She's the founder of Hustle Career Consulting and is also in workforce and talent development in her day job. She lives and breathes the topic of navigating these murky waters and has some HOT tips for you.
Insight #1: The people that are being proactive in their job search are having the best luck. Instead of applying to everything, spend that time building relationships and being intentional and strategic. This leads right into the next tip.
Insight #2: Companies want to avoid expensive recruitment processes. They want to take their employees' recommendations. Now, Cameryn recognizes that not everyone loves "networking" or the idea of trying to be best friends with everyone you went to college with 20 years ago. She's also an introvert. That's not what she means. Maintaining professional relationships isn’t like friendships. It’s not constant communication. Maybe once a year or once a quarter catching up with people. Comment on something cool from a past colleague on LinkedIn. Keep your name top of mind so they think of you when a position opens up. Play the long game, friends.
Insight #3: Follow companies you're interested in working for on LinkedIn...before you ever apply for a role. Cameryn blew my mind with this...recruiters can see if you follow the company AND how long you've been following them. Not only does it look good, but you'll be connected to what is going on with those companies and the more you know, the better you'll be able to tailor your resume and cover letter to use their buzzwords and honestly share why you want to work there.
Insight #4: In efforts to keep DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) at the forefront, companies are beginning to rethink their strict education requirements. What this means to you is that a job that used to be listed with a required masters degree could potentially shift to focusing more on your experience and skills. For people who think they need a level of development, Cameryn said not to assume that you need another degree. Look at talent pipeline programs your city or county may offer. Employers are looking for skills. It is a skill-based hiring market right now. Don't be afraid to focus on your niche skills. These will make you stand out.
Insight #5: Give your LinkedIn Profile a mini-makeover. Before you worry about anything else, take a good profile picture and write a new title line on your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your title says what you’re doing, not generic like "HR Manager". Use more searchable keywords to stand out. LinkedIn is the place to go for building your personal and professional brand.
Insight #6: A shift is coming in the job market toward stability. I'm sure that comes as no surprise, but Cameryn seeing a strong shift where people will fall back into industries and jobs that are more recession proof like manufacturing, healthcare, government etc. Things that provide stability are going to be a hot market.
Cameryn said something that stopped me in my tracks a little: The time of companies having all this money to spend is over and they are cracking down.
That hits hard. Take heart, friends. You just read some excellent tips from Cameryn. If you want more connection with her career services, here is her website: https://www.hustlecareerco.com
If you have been feeling a pull to get ready for a curveball/layoff, please check out my other blog posts and don't forget to grab my free Cover Letter Template and my free guide, 7 Things to Take Off Your Resume Right Now.
Insight #2: Companies want to avoid expensive recruitment processes. They want to take their employees' recommendations. Now, Cameryn recognizes that not everyone loves "networking" or the idea of trying to be best friends with everyone you went to college with 20 years ago. She's also an introvert. That's not what she means. Maintaining professional relationships isn’t like friendships. It’s not constant communication. Maybe once a year or once a quarter catching up with people. Comment on something cool from a past colleague on LinkedIn. Keep your name top of mind so they think of you when a position opens up. Play the long game, friends.
Insight #3: Follow companies you're interested in working for on LinkedIn...before you ever apply for a role. Cameryn blew my mind with this...recruiters can see if you follow the company AND how long you've been following them. Not only does it look good, but you'll be connected to what is going on with those companies and the more you know, the better you'll be able to tailor your resume and cover letter to use their buzzwords and honestly share why you want to work there.
Insight #4: In efforts to keep DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) at the forefront, companies are beginning to rethink their strict education requirements. What this means to you is that a job that used to be listed with a required masters degree could potentially shift to focusing more on your experience and skills. For people who think they need a level of development, Cameryn said not to assume that you need another degree. Look at talent pipeline programs your city or county may offer. Employers are looking for skills. It is a skill-based hiring market right now. Don't be afraid to focus on your niche skills. These will make you stand out.
Insight #5: Give your LinkedIn Profile a mini-makeover. Before you worry about anything else, take a good profile picture and write a new title line on your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your title says what you’re doing, not generic like "HR Manager". Use more searchable keywords to stand out. LinkedIn is the place to go for building your personal and professional brand.
Insight #6: A shift is coming in the job market toward stability. I'm sure that comes as no surprise, but Cameryn seeing a strong shift where people will fall back into industries and jobs that are more recession proof like manufacturing, healthcare, government etc. Things that provide stability are going to be a hot market.
Cameryn said something that stopped me in my tracks a little: The time of companies having all this money to spend is over and they are cracking down.
That hits hard. Take heart, friends. You just read some excellent tips from Cameryn. If you want more connection with her career services, here is her website: https://www.hustlecareerco.com
If you have been feeling a pull to get ready for a curveball/layoff, please check out my other blog posts and don't forget to grab my free Cover Letter Template and my free guide, 7 Things to Take Off Your Resume Right Now.
