How safe is your job and how to future-proof your career

How to future-proof your career

The world of work is changing rapidly during the past decade due to increased globalisation, the proliferation of online social media and technological advances.  

‘Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future’. John F. Kennedy, 35^th President of the United States

Combine these changes (the online revolution, new technology such robotic technology and global outsourcing) with the fact that competition for senior jobs can be INTENSE, it is no longer viable as a professional, manager or executive to only work on job prospects when you decide you want, or need a new job.

Take these few facts:

•  The average length of time a person stays in a job has decreased, for example the average tenure for many of the top executives and professionals is under 3 years.
•  There is less job security today with globalisation and lower rates of loyalty (from both employers and employees).
•  With great mobility and remote working patterns comes reduced visibility for professionals and executives.
•  Change in organisations has accelerated.
•  Up to 40% of current jobs won’t exist in 20 years time.

The successful manager, professional and executive now and into the future is one that is engaged in a proactive campaign that is ongoing.  So how do you future-proof your career.

Assess all job offers carefully

If you are applying for a new position, then before you take plunge and change jobs, make sure you have undertaken some research on the company to ensure that it is financially sound and secure and the position will enhance your future career prospects.  This is particularly important if you are moving from a stable company with sound long term job prospects, to another company or sector that might be affected by significant changes as a result of new technology or global outsourcing.

Keep all your marketing collateral up-do-date

Keep your resume up-to-date and ensure that your current resume tells any prospective employer of the value that you can offer to their company.  Grow your LinkedIn connections and have an up-to-date and effective profile.  Have an impactful bio on hand if you are an executive establish an online brand with a web portfolio.

The future is all about an individual brand and an online presence – so don’t get left behind and be prepared.

Network on an ongoing basis

If you have not yet started networking, then now is the time to start networking.  Networking while you don’t need a job is the ideal time to network.  New doors will open and if you ever do need to network for a new job, you have an established network in place.

Maintain your employability and marketability status

The job for life principle is dead and each of us can expect up to 7 career changes throughout our working environment.  What this means, is it is essential to have a career development plan, so you maintain your employability and marketability status.   This includes constantly seeking and pursing ongoing professional development opportunities so you are at the forefront of your industry, establishing a solid network within your organisation, bragging effectively and taking on additional responsibilities, so you gain further skills, plus management is made aware of your contributions.