How To Avoid Job Loss In a Recession
Essential Workplace Skills for High School and College Grads
First, it is important to finish one's education, whether it is a high school diploma, a GED, or a certificate or college degree of some level in your chosen field. It is increasingly harder to find a job in the 21st century without at least a high school diploma or GED.
Most recession proof jobs require either a vocational training certificate or a degree. Aside from that, workers need to keep up especially with their reading, writing, and mathematics skills in order to succeed in the world of work. Recessions tend to shine the light on those that do not do so.
Communications
First, you need to be able to read English at above the 10th grade level and to use perfect grammar on your job.
Remmber that just because you graduated from high school or college does not mean that your reading skills are as high as you think they are; or that they will stay that high -- Newspapers are targeted at only the 6th - 8th grade level. Romance novels are 6th grade level. What do you like to read? Try to expand your reading interests if you are not already reading daily.
In addition, increasing numbers of employers require workers to be bilingual - in the US; this usually means Spanish in addition to English.
Business clients/customers and your boss do not want to hear slang and poor grammar. It is disrespectful to use it to them. This is true in person, on the telephone, and in online communications.
A report or memo for your job is totally not a text message -- Employers want workers who can produce well-organized written reports with no spelling or grammar mistakes, using full sentences that are meaningful and flow well from one to the next.
Anna Post - Communications
Customer Service
Everyone needs to know how to deliver good customer service. Your boss is your customer, because his company is buying your time on the job. Your company has clients or customers as well. If you won your own business, you certainly have customers and clients.
Use good manners -- Not "Whatzup?" Use good eye contact, a smile, and proper manners.
Be accessible -- Those you serve must be able to get a hold of you, if they have a question or they need service. Provide enough contact information: email, phone, mail, fax.
Respond in a timely manner -- Return all phone calls & emails within 24 hours or sooner.
Listen to customers -- Take the time to listen to those you serve.
Treat customers with respect -- Even if the customer is rude, don't lower yourself to his level. Learn how to diffuse a bad situation or take a class to learn this skill.
Don't argue with customers -- You don;t win arguments with a customer. Diffuse the situation. Then ask what they want and deliver it if you can.
Honor commitments -- Do what you say you will do. IN fact, give extra service to beat your competition.
Focus on growing customer relationships -- Sales & business will follow from good customer service, from repeat business, and referrals from satisfied customers.
Be honest about your products, services and time required to deliver.
Admit when you make a mistake and find out how to fix it fast.
Taking Care of Customers
Backing Down an Angry Customer
Recession in America
Information Technology
Some jobs require more technical skills, like programming language. However, even non-technical jobs require computer skills. Everyone needs to know:
- Word Processing & Editing, including Spell-Check
- Internet Research Methods
- How to look things up in directories and books
- Database organization and search on Excel
- How to navigate and read a PowerPoint presentation
- How to use a cell phone and a pager
Soft Skills Very Important in a Recession
Leadership - What is it?
Companies lay off upper and middle management and expect leadership within the lower ranks themselves. This link tells you haw to work on those skills: Manager or Leader?
Teamwork.
This buzzword is so overused that it is getting old -- Employers want employees that produce tangible results within a team. You have to get along with others, meet deadlines, and work extra hours when needed.
Your part-time jobs during school and summers and your extracurricular & volunteer activities should place you where you work with other people in order to achieve goals. This will help.
Independent Thinking
Employers want people around them that can work independently without having to be told what they need to do every day.
You need to be able to accept instructions and then carry them out. Figure out what you can and then ask for help by using specifi questions.
Adaptability and Ability To Accept Change.
Team members and supervisors are just passing through, because everyone wants to move up and out. Learn to adapt and succeed.
Additional Information That May Be Helpful
- College Towns Offer Recession-Proof Jobs
This group of designated Smart Cities are college towns that offer jobs even in a recession. They are great for raising families and even for retirement. They are all around super places in America. - How to Survive a Recession Or Unemployment
This article and directory provide effective resources necessary for finding and maintaining work during a recession, while reducing expanses to a reasonable degree. Instructional and inspirational videos are also included. - How to Find a Job During a Recession
In order to secure employment during a recession, visit local branches of your county Workforce Investment Act entities. Let us show you how in this Hub. - Top 5 Characteristics of Ideal Employees