Marketable Skills Equal Career Success

One way of increasing your chances of keeping your job and advancing in this tough economy is to remain marketable by keeping skills fresh. Skill maintenance is an ongoing process, especially with changing and evolving technology, new research and development, and modernized equipment. Ever-changing job descriptions, assignments, procedures, and the like affect what and how much you need to know and how well you perform.

Some competencies that are always in demand include:

• Computer Equipment and Software
• Marketing
• Sales
• Customer Service
• Oral and Written Communications

To determine the best way for you to update:

• Review your job description and verify core competencies and skills you need
• Assess your competency in these areas
• Ask your supervisor if he/she feels there are competencies you need to acquire
• Ask the HR director or company trainer if there are skills/competencies you should acquire

After you have determined the skills/competencies you need, decide how you will obtain the training and the date by which you will begin training.

Summer Fun and Career Success

During the summer it's easy to get in the fun-in-the sun mode and or take a vacation at work. Guard against slacking at work if you hope to achieve career success.

• While on the job, do your work and give it your all.
• Complete assigned tasks with efficiency, accuracy, and expediency.
• Keep interruptions you can control to a minimum.
• Avoid complaining and complainers.
• Periodically assess yourself and how well you complete your tasks. Determine if you need to increase productivity.
• Track where your time is spent and use time management techniques.
• Observe others who do similar jobs, and compare your productivity to theirs.

There will be days you may feel tired, irritable, or bored. Professionals move past these feelings to continue performing at top-notch levels.

Be Dependable for a Career You can Depend On

As summer continues, so does our work life. Be dependable and show up for work every day. Repeatedly missing work and letting the boss down may result in the loss of your job. In today's job market, that can be devastating.

Show your dependability by not leaving a string of unfinished tasks, broken promises, and unacceptable work. Build a reputation as someone who can be counted on to keep his word.

• If you say you will do something, do it.
• If you have a deadline, meet it.
• If you make a promise, keep it.
• Make sure you know what is expected of you so you know if you can do it.
• Be someone supervisors can approach with an important, demanding task.
• Put your best into each and every job you do.
• Whenever you finish a job, follow-up

Enjoy the summer, but meet your responsibilities.

Happy Fourth--Happy Freedom

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July. Remember all the freedoms this country has to offer.

Speaking of freedoms, this might be a good time to think about the freedom to:

• Choose an attitude that will best serve you
• Consider the type of job where you will most enjoy working
• Set the goals you would like to pursue
• Aspire to loftier career heights.

God Bless America!

Get Your Career Going--Show Enthusiasm

What happens to the new hire who shows up to work the first day bubbling with enthusiasm? Where does that eagerness go after a few months or years? How does he/she get it back? Let the boss declare an impromptu vacation day for everyone and you will see enthusiasm skyrocket.

Enthusiasm is something over which we have some control. People in similar positions in similar companies approach their jobs with different degrees of enthusiasm. We can make up our minds to be enthusiastic. Consider people you know or have read about who are passionate about what they do--Olympians, athletes, mothers raising their children. What is it about these people that sets them apart? What makes it apparent they love what they do? How can you project that enthusiasm?

• Be more pleasant, enthusiastic, and motivated.
• Show a zest for life and a love for your job through your actions and personality.
• Be a coworker others will want to work with.
• Be an employee the boss will want to promote.
• Get others excited about what you do and how you do it.

Truly enthusiastic people radiate passion in all they do. They do not let that passion fade. They rejuvenate themselves by seeking ways to keep their lives interesting.

Balance Your Career and Personal Life

Living a balanced professional and personal life is crucial to your successful well-being. Too much emphasis and time on your professional life to the exclusion of your personal life will cause you to miss out on important "self" time. Too much attention to your personal life and not enough on your professional life will lead to career stagnation and sabotage.

• Develop a routine that will personally fit your life plans
• Take steps to maintain a healthy physical and mental balance for yourself before things get out of hand
• Take corrective action when you feel your life is out of balance
• Consider all areas of your life including work, health, family and friends, finances, personal growth, professional growth, spiritual, hobbies, and the like

When your perspective in any area of your life is out of balance, make necessary adjustments to create balance.

Keep Your Career and Job Fresh - Never Stop Learning

As schools wind down and students begin summer vacation, keep in mind that we are in a period of lifelong learning. We must strive to grow each day on the job. Learning does not stop with formal education. Get as much education and training as possible that will help you perform better in your job and also enhance your career possibilities.

• Become an expert in an area that is lucrative
• Challenge yourself to reach higher positions
• Update skills to increase your value to the company
• Learn new sought-after skills
• Learn something new each week to keep your mind fresh and open to creativity

There are lots of ways to stimulate learning--both informally and formally. Look for opportunities and take advantage of them.