How to Get More Job Security

Layoffs due to economic cycles and changes in the way employers do business may be inevitable. But education can provide a buffer and reduce the amount of time spent unemployed. It pays to plan ahead. Tough times teach valuable lessons. These tips come from conversations with laid off workers about what they wish they would have done before they were laid off.

[edit] Steps

1. Make ongoing education part of your career plan. Don't put off pursuing a career you are passionate about.
2. Take advantage of educational benefits. Many employers will pay for education for employees. Check with your human resources office.
3. Take classes, even just one at a time, while you鈥檙e employed. Work towards a degree or certificate or keep your skills up to date. Employers value lifelong learners and you鈥檒l give yourself options.
4. Keep computer skills up to date. You may know the system at your current position backwards and forwards, but do you know the latest versions of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint?
5. Get the credential. Even if you're learning on the job, it pays to have the paper that says you know what you know.
6. Look for resources as soon as you are worried about your job. Go to the human resources department, unemployment centers and look in your community for all the assistance available for laid off workers. The sooner, the better: Many resources have deadlines attached. Worker retraining programs at community colleges provide job training including assistance with tuition and books. Workers in job training can also apply for an extension of unemployment benefits.

[edit] Tips

• Look for online, evening and weekend classes for working people.
• Take high-level classes in fields that can enhance the skills of well-qualified workers in high-demand fields such as project management, database skills, C++ for Windows and network security.
• Try free career counseling services and career planning classes (often offered on weekends or evenings).