Dear Dave Column: Prepare Now For Your Next Career Move

Dear Dave,
I am stuck in a position that really isn't very challenging and would like to make a move. My question is, while this may not be the best time to be looking around, what can I do to make sure I am ready when the time comes? Any thoughts or tips would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Fred V.

Dear Fred,
While it is still too soon to call it a trend, we've been encouraged by the fact that in the past few weeks, the number of new postings coming to our site has increased considerably, so let's hope it is a early sign that things are starting to turn the corner.

Even so, the employment market in 2002 is not likely to match the dynamic growth of the late 1990s, so your concern and question are still very valid. With that in mind, here are a few career management tips to think about as we continue to work our way out of the current environment:

• 1. Avoid the "Bunker Mentality" - Career management is an ongoing process. When the talent market is volatile, don't hide under your desk. This is a good time to strut your stuff and meet your goals. Being valuable and visible when downsizing is on the agenda of many organizations is critical. Said differently, the old saying of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" has some application in uncertain times. Leaders emerge when the heat is on.
• 2. Look before you leap - Investors are jumping in and out of the financial market because they are reacting to the signals of economic uncertainty. Thorough consideration of potential opportunities is always critical to successful career management. Don't let your emotions guide your career moves. Research opportunities and seek the advice of a good career coach if you have the job market jitters.
• 3. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK - No matter what the state of the job market, networking is the best way to identify opportunities and to be referred to employers. During times of uncertainty, your contacts become even more valuable as resources that can help uncover the hidden job market. Worried that people won't have the time? Don't be. They are probably concerned as well, and are likely to be open to "helping each other," which is what effective networking is all about.
• 4. Be prepared - Even though you may feel safe and secure in your current position, update your resume and contact lists and stay alert for warning signs of trouble in your organization. Don't be blind-sided by unanticipated problems.
• 5. Believe in yourself - The skills that have made you successful haven't gone anywhere. We live and work in a time when your motto has to be: "Have skills, will travel". At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our own career management, and those who are proactive in doing so will always have a leg up. The old phrase of "Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail" isn't just a cleaver mantra. It's true.

Hope this is of some help to you.
Dave

Dave Opton is CEO and Founder of ExecuNet, an online career services center for executives. For more information on executive career management visit execunet.com. Your private career questions can be sent to daponovich@internet.com and they will be forwarded to Dave Opton with all na me and company information removed. He can't answer each individually but look for yours in an upcoming column.