Job Loss: Marketing Yourself for Success
We all know that the current economic situation means we have to be on top of our games if we want to land or keep a job—and even more so if we’re looking for promotions, raises or increased benefits. The good news is that this might be easier than it seems.
Learn from Domino’s: Improve Publicly
This msnbc.com article discusses how Domino’s pizza revamped its recipe and seriously increased its profit by acknowledging and improving its shortcomings.
What can you learn from that strategy?
- Listen to your critics. While some people will naysay no matter what, others will offer you honest feedback—and it might not all be positive. If you’ve heard one criticism of your performance or work strategies over and over, it’s time to do some serious thinking about how you can fix that issue.
- Make a plan for change. If you have a problem with organization, for example, rather than accepting that you are disorganized and it will hold you back, develop a new strategy for sorting your papers and files. Ask organized friends and coworkers for tips and help.
- Publicize your efforts. Part of the reason why Domino’s saw a serious bump in profits after changing its recipe was because the company advertised what it was doing. Let your boss and your coworkers know about your plan and ask for feedback. This shows that you’re taking initiative to make yourself a better employee.
- Ask for feedback. During your next employee review, ask specifically about how you’ve improved in the area you were working on. Subtly emphasizing your continued efforts will reinforce your value and commitment to your boss or supervisor.
Follow Up on Helpful Leads
In this post from WalletPop.com, the author looks at the “let’s stay in touch” phenomenon.
It seems that, even when employment opportunities are scarce, many interviewees fail to follow up on certain job leads. Why? Common answers include these:
I don’t want to impose myself.
Have you ever been given a phone number or email address of someone who “could use your skills” or “might have an opening for you?” According to experts, you should always contact these people. While it may feel like you’re burdening someone much busier than yourself, chances are that person can help you in some way.She’s just being polite.
If an interviewer or someone who claims to have a job lead suggests that you “stay in touch,” don’t assume that person is just flapping her gums. Follow up the initial conversation with an email – even if it’s just to thank her for her time. This will remind her to take the steps to help you she proposed.He’ll get back to me if he was serious.
Waiting around for an interviewer or a prospective job lead to contact you is a huge mistake. You are your main priority, but you aren’t anyone else’s. Plus, people with full-time jobs are busy and may mean to get to you but keep putting it off. Take the step of making contact to ensure you get the help you’ve been offered.