In January 2009 alone, over 200,000 jobs were eliminated in the United States. In such a volatile economic environment, there are few who can rest on our laurels when it comes to job security. Whether you feel confident in your job, or uneasy, below are ten essentials to ensure you’re not overwhelmed or unprepared should you be forced to make a strategic move to advance or safeguard your career.

1. Identify your transferable skills – Transferable skills are those skills that you can use in almost any job. They may include proficiency in computer skills; public speaking; organization skills; fluency in a second language; leadership skills; or your ability to effectively train others. Think about it, what skills are you currently using that would be of value and easily transition into a new role or job?
2. Assess your strengths and weaknesses – Take an honest look at yourself and jot down those personal qualities that will make you an asset to any company, and then those that may make you a liability. Your strengths might be attention to detail, demonstrating a sense of urgency, and great organization skills when it comes to project planning. On the other hand, weaknesses could be impatience with others, self-centeredness, or lack of “big picture” thinking.
3. Consider new jobs and roles that you could easily move into – If you are currently working in the hospitality industry and you enjoy working with people, a transition into healthcare or banking might be a possibility. If you are a school teacher or a college professor, transitioning into a role as a Corporate Trainer might be possible. Think out of the box! If you have always worked in a manufacturing setting, but love helping others, transitioning to a customer service role might be a good choice. Also, often senior executives make great entrepreneurs. This is why identifying your transferable skills, and identifying your strengths and weaknesses are so important – it helps enhance your self-awareness of untapped talents and potential limitations.
4. Create an immediate action plan – 90% of new jobs will require some form of computer or technical skills. So if you are not familiar with how to use a computer, surf the internet, or how to type and save a document – set a timeline for when you will get the skills needed to make a career transition. Just about any skill that can be taught in a classroom setting can be taught online through web-based training. So if you don’t have time to travel to a local school or training center to enhance your skills, research affordable online options.
5. Update your resume – If you haven’t updated your resume within the past year, pull it out, blow off the dust, and get to work. In updating your resume, be sure to keep it short, specific, and focused on your current skills and past accomplishments. In turbulent economic times like these, it also makes sense for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to keep an updated resume handy. You never know when a great opportunity may present itself, and that is not the time to be updating your resume. Be proactive!
6. Review your financial situation – Look at your current budget, what do you need to change now (i.e., regularly dining out, entertainment expenses, leisure travel, or shopping)in the event you are forced to change careers. What is the least amount of income you and your family can live on if you have to make a change that would reduce your current salary? Frugal living doesn’t happen overnight, especially when your family is accustomed to spending and getting what they want, when they want it. However, with consistent focus each month, eventually you can get your finances in alignment with few sacrifices.
7. Network with everyone- Seek guidance from colleagues, neighbors, church members, business and community leaders, and mentors; anyone who does the kind of work you are interested in. They could be a valuable resource in helping you avoid common pitfalls that they faced. Use your down time to network with others over coffee, lunch, after meetings, or even by conference call. And if they share potential leads, don’t be slothful, take action right away.
8. Practice interviewing- Whether you are considering transitioning into a new job or into an entrepreneurial venture, you will have to interview with someone at some point. So make time to refine your interview skills in advance. There is always a willing participant (usually a family member or close friend) who will let you practice on them. Practice through role playing will help you become more comfortable, confident, and prepared for the interview process.
9. Be open to change- Transitioning into a new career or entrepreneurial venture is seldom what you imagined it to be. Most likely during the initial stages of your career transition you will make less money and work harder than you ever imagined, due to your lack of experience in your new field.
10. Don’t rule out professional help – Making a career transition can be overwhelming, even devastating if you are unprepared. If you haven’t been in the job market in quite some time, seeking professional guidance is a great idea. I recommend you could start by researching service providers online.

Bottom-line, while making a career transition can be overwhelming, even devastating if you are not prepared, it can also open the doors to a journey that is both a challenge and a new opportunity. So, in these turbulent times, be encouraged and be proactive.

Theo Gilbert-Jamison is CEO of Performance Solutions by Design, a global performance consulting firm that caters to luxury and premium brands with an emphasis on transforming organizational culture. She is also the author of two books, The Six Principles of Service Excellence (2005), and The Leadership Book of Numbers, Volume I (2008). As the creative force behind Performance Solutions by Design, Theo is a highly sought after speaker and consultant to CEOs and senior executives in high profile organizations.

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