With the end of the year approaching, don't wait 'til it's too late to kick your career into gear. Yahoo! HotJobs asked top career and job-search experts what they think you can be doing to excel professionally this autumn.
1. Get Focused
Daisy S. Swan, of Daisy Swan & Associates, a Los Angeles-based career strategy firm, thinks folks should focus on the here and now, and what's working as opposed to what isn't. She says, "I think right now everyone is on the precipice of activity, of re-engagement, and instead of just jumping in blindly, I think it's an important time to really take stock of the things that are working well and going right, because it has been a difficult time."
She continues, "This year has left a lot of people feeling depleted -- financially, physically, emotionally. So if there's any last nourishment and taking-stock that needs to be done, this is the time to do it. Have gratitude for things that are working, and have faith that 2009 is going to be a better year. The election will be over and a lot of other unknowns will be resolved."
2. Get Noticed
Global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas is predicting that uncharacteristically heavy job-cutting over the summer months could lead to the largest post-Labor Day downsizing since 2002. The firm's CEO John Challenger says, "This is the most risky time for layoffs -- and you might be in a position this fall where it's a make-or-break time at work."
Your job, he adds, is to convince your employer to keep you on for the long term. "Look for ways to make yourself indispensable. Diversify your skills and responsibilities, and take on tasks that nobody else can do to ensure that you are relied on." Putting in some extra time is helpful -- but only if your boss knows you're doing so. Also, it's never a bad idea, says Challenger, to "fly the company flag during the tough times. Your boss will appreciate a positive, can-do attitude."
3. Get in Gear
Deborah Brown-Volkman, a certified professional career coach of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc., reminds workers, "September to Thanksgiving is hiring season. It's time for people to regroup, re-energize, and refocus. This is the time of year to put in that extra energy and get your job search back into gear."
And if your current efforts aren't yielding any results, she thinks you can gain some inspiration from the race for president, saying, "I do think the elections, with the theme of change in the air, can remind everyone that it's a good time to try again or change an approach that is no longer working."
4. Get Started
Not ready for a new job this year? If you want one for 2009, career coach Hallie Crawford (HallieCrawford.com) thinks you should begin searching today. She points out, "Finding a new job is a process that can take months, so if you're unhappy or ready to make a change, start looking now. And remember that if employers are going to need to hire people for the new year, they'll be scouting for that talent months ahead of time."
And while the less-than-booming economy should prompt you to be aggressive, Crawford adds you should be positive and upbeat. "If you're down or seem desperate, it'll be that much harder to land a job. Don't go there! Instead, just assume you'll get a job."
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