How to Recession Proof Your Career

Let’s face it, as much as we all want to think we are in a good, secure place in our career, there are many extenuating circumstances that could affect it. Heck, just look at the past couple of years and the ripple effects - a global pandemic, followed by political and civil unrest, followed by the “great resignation” (AKA people realizing they deserve better =), to an economic recession. 

Job security is never guaranteed, but here are some ways to recession proof your career to withstand almost anything. 

Tips to Recession Proof Your Career

1. Highlight your transferable job skills.
   While not all jobs are recession proof, a lot of job skills are! Transferable skills are skills you can take with you and apply in numerous roles, industries, and organizations. These show that while you may not have encountered that exact situation before that you have the tools to handle and figure it out. Show that you can creatively use your skills to solve problems and find solutions.
   
   

2. Strengthen your soft skills.
   Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center found that only 15 percent of your professional success is related to your technical proficiency and knowledge. The other 85 percent of your success is based on your soft skills. Soft skills are the non-technical skills related to how you work. Think of your interpersonal communication skills, creative thinking, time management, productivity, negotiation, networking, leadership, and more. Are you a remote worker with excellent communication and time management skills? Are you able to lead a team to achieve a goal? These are critical skills that managers look for.
   
   

3. Invest in continued learning.
   Whether it is part of your job or you take it on on your own, regularly invest time in continued learning. If you’re happy at your current job, talk to your managers about expanding your skillset and knowledge to continue growing in your role & company. If you’re unhappy, look for gaps in your skills to improve your resume and increase your chance of landing a new role.
   
   

4. Stay up to date on industry trends and innovations.
   Being an active industry leader is always essential to job growth and security and even more so in an economic downturn. Take a look at your industry to see where it’s thriving, where it’s growing, and even where it is struggling. Where can you fit into that larger picture? What can you do to help your company, your role, your team, or your industry stay ahead of the curve? By keeping a forward focus, you not only help yourself, but can help set your team and company up for continued success.

Take some time to audit yourself (check out the Career Audit in the free MRM Career Success Center), your career, and your resume. Are you lacking in certain skills or maybe aren’t up to date on the latest industry trends? Make a list of the skills and tools you want to learn to strengthen yourself and your career so that your career can withstand any recession that comes your way.