Just a year ago, if I were dressed in business attire and sitting on a train, a plane or in a coffee shop quietly reading an article about interviewing skills, someone nearby might have assumed that I was a recruiter, trainer, or hiring manager. Good assumption.  However, if I were doing the same thing today, the assumption would quickly be that I am not employed and preparing for an interview.  Not the case, but another good assumption.

When I conduct training seminars or job search workshops, I often like to ask the group if anyone in the audience is "in transition", meaning not employed and looking for something new.  After a few hands would go up and I allow a few introductions, my follow-up quip has often been, "That means the rest of us are simply between transitions".  It always gets a few chuckles and even more acknowledging nods of the head, because people understand what I mean by that comment.

The fact is that everyone needs to stay sharp at all times.  The current environment is one where it is best to remain where you are and work hard until the warning signs become obvious and you need to contemplate a move.  Keep your head out of the sand and be ready to make a proactive step if necessary. If you are in a job search following a down-size or a performance issue, you are not only competing with folks on the market, but those anticipating to enter the market.  I have thrown away the old search notion that you are more attractive if you are passively looking or happily employed.  There are too many talented people in job searches right now for that to hold true today. Therefore, you need to network like it will save your life someday, keep your technical skills fresh, and seek opportunities to test new ground.

A recently popular concept has become that of the "survival job", meaning something (anything) that will keep you in motion through a downturn. Not a bad idea at all.  Dust off some of those stagnant skills and develop some new ones. Remember, "Survival of the Fittest" always begins with survival.  Does this mean the end of careers and a constant scramble to stay ahead or simply keep pace?  I don't think we are there yet, but much is changing... and quickly!

Let us know if we can help.

- Lou G.