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How to keep your job. And what to do if it’s too late…. Background . Who am I? Why are we talking about this?. State of things…. How secure is your job?. Take a look around: Had any layoffs in your company? Who was laid off? “What” was laid off? Look outside your company…
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How to keep your job And what to do if it’s too late…
Background • Who am I? • Why are we talking about this?
How secure is your job? • Take a look around: • Had any layoffs in your company? • Who was laid off? • “What” was laid off? • Look outside your company… • What is your workload compared to last year? • Ask…
So what do you do? • Don’t let it be your fault • Come in early – or at least be on time. • Finish. Every day. However long it takes. • Do great work. • If you smoke, quit. • Don’t complain. • Go beyond the job description. • Make your job a top priority in your life.
So what do you do? • Don’t let it be someone else’s fault • Support the team. • Avoid politics and sabotage. • Kill gossip. • Keep your eye on poor performers. • Take initiative when others won’t. • Always be prepared.
So what do you do? • Stay positive • Accept more work graciously. • Keep a smile on your face when you talk to people. • Offer to help with the non-billable tasks. • Maintain relationships. • Don’t give up • Nothing is a foregone conclusion. • Make sure you are giving 100%.
What don’t you do? • Don’t over do it • You can’t give more than 100%. • Be sure take time for you. • Don’t ignore the situation • Don’t speculate on ‘what-ifs’ • Don’t rely on anyone else to protect you • Don’t pester your boss • Don’t make yourself crazy!
What’s “Plan B”? • Your escape plan! • Update your resume. • Start your job search now. • Don’t be afraid to apply for something. • Don’t be afraid to interview. • Having a “Plan B” gives you control • Work harder on “Plan B” than “Plan A” • It will make you feel much better
The nuts and bolts of Plan B • Assess yourself • What do you do? • What can you do? • What do you like to do? • What have you accomplished? • Collect data • Create a project list. • Taken any classes? • Who would you use as a reference?
The nuts and bolts of Plan B • The Resume • Research what makes a good resume these days. • Neatness counts. • Email is fine, but follow up with linen. • Show some style, but not too much. • MS Word templates are nice, but not unique. • Don’t be afraid to sell yourself… • But avoid the lie… • Check it over and over and over.
The nuts and bolts of Plan B • Where to find the jobs • The paper, Monster, CareerBuilder… • Look for “niche” sites like iHireEngineers, AECJobBank, civilengineeringjobs. • College job boards – not always just for alumni. • Industry associations like AIA, ASHRAE, IEEE. • Network, network, network. • Recruiters are not the enemy… • But do not rely on them… • Look for jobs in other industries.
The nuts and bolts of Plan B • Submitting an application • Always research the company before applying. • Always research the job before applying. • Get a name! • Include a cover letter that suits the position. • Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs that don’t quite fit.
The nuts and bolts of Plan B • Interviewing • Dress the part. • Don’t be afraid to scope it out. • Practice, practice, practice. • Know your job history. • Bring quality copies of your resume and cover. • Think before you speak! • Have references ready. • Know who you are interviewing with. Ask for them. • Arrive a little early – there may be paperwork…
What happens next? • Hopefully nothing! • OR maybe a change for the better… • If you do find yourself back on the market, remember that finding a new job is your new job
Resources • www.monster.com • www.careerbuilder.com • http://jobsearch.about.com • http://richmond.craigslist.org • http://susanireland.com • www.howtointerview.com • www.we-r-here.com/cad • www.vec.virginia.gov • www.vspe.org • www.vaeng.com • www.aia.org • www.augi.com • “Knock ‘em Dead” series of books: Job Search, Resumes, Cover letters • The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume