Competitive Intelligence On Your Job
This weekend my local newspaper reported that a record number of Floridians were unemployed. The article went on to talk about how local businesses might not be seeing economic recovery – in fact, another wave of layoffs could be coming in the very near future. Grim news indeed.
In addition, we’ve all heard the talk that over 50% of people currently employed are going to walk as soon as the economy gets better. So, what does all of this mean? Well if the statistics and predictions are true (and I have no reason to doubt it), there will be even more people considering a job search very soon.
I wonder what people are doing to prepare themselves for a job search.
Yes, I’m sure they’re starting to network, getting their resume in order and updating their social media profiles. But they should also do some competitive intelligence. Jobs are changing all the time. New skills are being added and/or responsibilities are being shifted. Yesterday’s priorities are not tomorrow’s critical tasks.
So if you’re one of those people who’s considering a job search, conduct an objective analysis of your job. Ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have all of the skills I need to hold the same position with a different company? For example, you’re a marketing coordinator with ABC Company and want to apply for the same position with XYZ firm. Do marketing coordinators at each company do the same things?
If I need to learn something – like a software program – have I developed the plan to get those skills? Figure out how and when you can gain that experience.
Do I know what my skills are worth in the marketplace? (Please notice I didn’t say how much do you currently make, how much do your friends make, or how much do you want to make.) Honestly find out how much is your skill set is worth.
Oh! And even if you’re one of those people who likes their job, thinks their manager is great, and adores the company they work for, you should still ask yourself the same questions. You never know when you might need the information – if ya know what I mean.
One of the things I’ve realized during the past 18 months is that there are no more sacred cows. No one is indispensable and no job is recession proof. Doing a little research to make sure your skills are relevant, current, and competitive could be a very valuable thing to do.
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