Home > Update > Spring 2009

KEEP YOUR DAY JOB

How to stand out and stay valued

By Bill Shepard

These days, job security is on everyone’s minds—probably yours, too. Just Google the words “keeping your job in a bad economy” and you’ll see more than 39 million results. We asked Wisconsin School of Business career experts and alumni to help filter the information to give key insights on keeping yourself in demand and valued at work.

Be indispensable

It may seem obvious, but demonstrating how valuable you are to your employer is the best way to ensure job security. “Going above and beyond, in measurable, visible ways—from volunteering on projects to helping mentor new employees—sends a powerful message that you value your work, and in turn, your employer will be more inclined to value you,” says James Woodrum, program director of Wisconsin Executive Education’s Mid-Management Development program.

Steve Schroeder, assistant dean of undergraduate programs at the business school and director of its Business Career Center, puts it this way: “Don’t just be a good employee—be a great one. Being motivated, accepting new challenges—these are things employers really value.”

However, taking on additional responsibilities may change your work-life balance, notes Blair Sanford, assistant dean of the full-time Wisconsin MBA program, and director of MBA Career Management. “You’ll need to weigh the short-term costs of having less personal time versus the long-term benefits of job security and potential advancement at work,” Sanford explains.

Keep skills and knowledge fresh

Keeping your skill set fresh and up to date can enhance your value in the workplace, boost your confidence, and give you a sense of accomplishment. “If your schedule permits, take classes either in
person or online,” suggests Sanford. “Whether they’re short, one-day courses or ones that last an entire semester, they’ll give you an edge, and help you work smarter.”

“If your company offers courses on-site, take advantage of them,” says Kindra Wray, BBA ‘03, who serves as recruiting, training, and development manager for the sales division at General Mills.“You’ll gain from applicable knowledge, and it demonstrates initiative on your part to succeed at work.”

If your time is too limited for additional courses, both Sanford and Woodrum suggest enhancing your professional knowledge by reading articles in magazines or professional journals. Increasing your business knowledge helps in a variety of ways, from problem-solving, to creatively tackling projects, to sharing ideas with others. “Being willing to learn from others—especially those with different or more up-to-date skills and training—is another good strategy, too,” says Woodrum.

Volunteering also helps expand and add depth to your skills, whether you’re employed or are seeking work. “By helping out at the chamber of commerce or a local non-profit, even just a few hours a week, you can gain experience that can transfer to the workplace,” notes Sanford. “And it can serve as a good networking tactic, too.”

Be tech savvy

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to learn about software programs and other technologies that can help you shine in the workplace. Spreadsheet and database programs in particular are essential business tools. “Microsoft Excel and Access are widely used at many companies, so mastering these programs can help you do a better job, and increase your value,” says Wray.

But be open to learning other applications or technologies, even those that are not widely used, if they are highly valued by your employer. “Many employers tell me that they need and value workers who embrace technology,” says Schroeder.

Continue to build your network—inside and outside the workplace

Building positive business relationships at your workplace raises your visibility and reputation in the eyes of peers and management. “By getting to know people in other functions at your company, you’ll build your practical knowledge of how the company works, and make some mutually beneficial connections,” says Wray. These connections enhance your effectiveness, and enable you to help others who in turn may help you, too.

Expand connections

Expanding your network beyond the workplace, especially via social networking websites, offers several advantages. “Websites such as LinkedIn or Facebook make it easier for you connect with friends, former classmates, or people whom you’ve never met,” says Woodrum. “You can actively seek advantageous professional information from others, and in turn, other social networking website users can contact you.” Such social networking sites can help you gain access to a wide range of peers and experts who can help you stay informed about developments in your field, or in other fields you’d like to learn more about. Many social networkers seek professional advice, inform others about their current job status, or even find new jobs via these sites.

Create small successes at home and at work

In economically challenging times, workloads can be rather demanding, especially when staff downsizing results in more work being delegated throughout the workplace. Even the most organized, motivated people can become discouraged by the volume of work with which they must contend.
“If you’re facing a tough work situation, one way to get out of your rut is to achieve small successes at home,” says Sanford. “By breaking tasks down into achievable goals, and then tackling them, you’ll boost your confidence and motivation to succeed at work as well.”

Accomplishing small yet measurable goals in the workplace demonstrates that you’re a self-starter, and that you are able to achieve progress—even under trying circumstances. “Delivering results and hitting targets, no matter how large or small, shows that you’re making positive contributions,” says Wray.

Do an attitude check

They say that “attitude” is everything—especially in tough economic times. “While it may seem obvious, keeping a positive attitude and avoiding making negative comments can be challenging, but it’s imperative,” says Woodrum. If employers need to make staff reduction decisions, those perceived to have positive attitudes will likely fare better than those who don’t.

“Be a collaborator,” Schroeder adds. “Those who enjoy collaborating with others create a positive ripple effect in the workplace, and are highly effective.”

Nonetheless, it is easy to get discouraged by the latest unemployment figures, or news of firings in your workplace. “Even in the face of this grim news, you really need to avoid the ‘pessimism trap,’” says Sanford. “Allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by things you cannot control can affect your performance, and ultimately could impact your job security.”

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow

You don’t have to be a fan of classic rock to benefit from Fleetwood Mac’s upbeat admonition, “Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow.”

If you’re in a field or industry sector that is in turmoil, it’s obviously a good idea to prepare for a possible job change—voluntary or involuntary. “This means keeping your resume up-to-date and complete with great examples of your measurable results and achievements,” Schroeder says. “Brush up on those interview skills, and don’t be shy about contacting the alumni office’s Career Resources team for guidance.”

Especially in these difficult economic times, it can be difficult to land a new job without a strong educational foundation. Sanford advises, “If you don’t already have an MBA, I highly recommend getting one,” she advises. “It will increase your chances of finding rewarding employment.” Sanford has found that an MBA or other advanced degree can “provide tremendous value when added to experience, past performance, connections, and other factors that traditionally play a role in a finding a new job.”

Bill Shepard is a Madison-area freelance writer.