Many of us have recurring dreams. Mine is that I'm driving
down the freeway and can't read the road signs until I've
missed an important exit. Fortunately, it's just a dream.
But many people have trouble reading signs-not road signs,
but career warning signs.
A career warning sign is any change that indicates possible
career disaster. While warning signs may vary according to
employment situations, there are four basic warning signs
to look for.
Warning Sign #1: Your industry is experiencing a downturn.
Telecommunications is a perfect example. A few years ago,
telecom was one of the fastest growing industries, with
positions available at all levels. The first negative
indicator was unmet earnings expectations. Those who paid
attention left the industry.
People who practice career management watch the growth
trends within their industry and know to leave ahead of the
crowd.
Warning Sign #2: Sales are down in your company.
While not everyone in an organization is involved with
sales, all jobs are affected by sales levels. When
revenues decrease, profits are held steady by cutting
costs, which often means cutting jobs. Protect yourself by
paying attention to your company's sales.
While not all employees are privy to sales numbers, there
are ways of finding pertinent financial information.
Public companies must publish financial statements. And
employees of non-public companies can also read the signs
of declining sales, like:
* Work load decline
* Boss suddenly concerned about small costs, like pens and
copy paper
* Sales manager was fired or sales department reorganized
Alert employees are sensitive to such indicators. They
keep their resume updated at all times and cultivate a
growing professional network for potential future job leads.
Warning Sign #3: Management changes.
Any management change has the potential to damage your
corporate position. Be watchful during:
* Mergers and acquisitions
* Successive short-term management (e.g., three bosses in
two years)
* Retirement or replacement of senior management
Wise employees listen closely to new-management rhetoric.
Is he making dramatic promises? Does he have a reputation
as a job cutter? The first announcement of new management
is the time to prepare your resume and cautiously explore
outside options.
Warning Sign #4: You've lost favor with your boss.
This is the sign that, for many, hits home first. If you
once held the enviable role as "company wonder boy," but
now your gut feelings are warning you that you could be
easily replaced, check for some of these objective
indicators:
* A less-than-exemplary performance review
* No performance-based salary increase
* Smaller than expected year-end bonus
* Your input is not requested at planning meetings
* Your suggestions are ignored
If you sense your position on the corporate totem pole is
falling, trust your gut. When jobs are at stake, yours
will be one of the first sacrificed. Prepare your new
career action plan.
These warning signs may seem obvious, but they are often
ignored by those who fear change. Rather than take action,
they lean on false hope that loyalty to the employer will
pay off in the end.
Those who practice career management never confuse company
loyalty with aversion to change. When career warning signs
appear on the horizon, read the signs clearly so that
you're ready for the next exit with a strong resume, career
action plan, and interview skills.
----------------------------------------------------
Deborah Walker, Certified Career Management Coach helps
job-seekers nationwide make critical career transitions
that allow continued upward career and income growth.
Visit Deb and find more career articles and sample resumes
at
http://www.AlphaAdvantage.com
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