Are You a S.M.A.R.T. Worker? Career Strategies to Make You More Valuable at Work

Are you concerned about your job? Do you wonder if you'll be downsized? If you are, you're not alone; the talk of the weak economy is a daily occurrence.

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee 

In today's tumultuous workplace, no surefire strategies can guarantee that your job won't land on the chopping block. And if you choose self-employment, each day is a roller-coaster ride, to be sure. On the other hand, whether you work for someone, or for yourself, here are some S.M.A.R.T. career strategies to make yourself more valuable, in or out of recession:

Seize the Moment

Don't dwell on last year's successes or failures. "Yesterday is history," said Babatunde Olatunji. "Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present." Whatever you didn't accomplish last year, now's your chance to do so in this one. And if you had a stellar year last year, don't bask in your success. (You know the drill: Those who snooze, lose). What specific ways can you help your employer (or yourself) become more productive, efficient, profitable, or competitive? Write it down! Do it!

Make Yourself Do the Uncomfortable Thing Until You Do It!

Take public speaking, for example. Maybe you are uncomfortable addressing the management team, customers, suppliers, or even your colleagues. Stretch yourself. Take a class. Practice. Learn. Or how about technology? Instead of saying I don't know much about computers, check out your local community college or enroll in an adult-education class. Have a friend tutor you; ask your 12-year-old nephew to show you some computer tips. Help is yours for the asking if you decide to take charge and do the uncomfortable until you get to a more comfortable place.

Act with a Good Attitude and Gratitude in All Things

Does your voice sound energetic, up, and on? What message does your body language send? Are you a problem-solver or a problem? Are you a complainer and a whiner? Do you act with confidence and conviction, or do you drag yourself around day after day? Are you excited about going to work? When you walk through your employer's door, are you happy about being there? Or, do you let yourself, and everyone around you, know how miserable and unhappy you are? Just for fun, keep track of your attitude for 21 days. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (unsatisfactory) to 5 (exceeds expectations). Track your performance. What does it reveal to you? What, if anything, needs to change?

Reject the Rear-View Mirror Syndrome

Years ago, a chaplain I was taking a class with shared these words: "Don't live your life looking in the rear view mirror." And there's no better time than today to start in, start up, and start over. Do the something extra for yourself, your employer, or someone else. Do more than is required. Be willing to help out without being asked. Be the first to volunteer for the new project or assignment. Step up. Don't worry about whether it's in your job description! (It probably isn't.) And don't dwell in the past. The past has passed.

Take Time to Make Someone Matter; Make a Difference

Make it a point each day to contribute to someone's happiness, well-being or sense of self-worth. Look beyond yourself. Look around. Any ideas emerge? Maybe it's as simple as saying good morning to someone. Or perhaps listening instead of talking. Or promptly returning your phone calls. Or responding to e-mails in a timely manner. Or being courteous and thoughtful instead of abrupt and rude in your interactions. How about a random act of kindness?

Handle the Group Interview

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

Facing a group interview or multiple interviewers can be a stressful ordeal if you haven't prepared for it. Here are some tips and suggestions for you on how to deal with multiple interviewers at once.

Be Prepared:

It's critical at a group interview to be prepared. There will likely be a panel of interviewers from different areas of the company that will quiz you. Each person will probably have a particular interest. An HR manager might want to know if you are a good fit for the company, the team leader of the office you are interviewing for might want to see your personality and if it fits with those currently working for him or her, and a supervisor's goals for the interview might be there to assess your skills.

By keeping this in mind, you can make sure that, during your interview, you showcase your skills, your personality, and your ability to be a part of the team.

Do Your Homework:

Because you will be interviewed by multiple people, it's critical that you've prepared. Make sure you fully understand the job description and what will be required of you should you get the job. Make sure you know your skills inside out and how they can be tied back to the position being offered. You should also know how the company works, its culture, and how they are structured. 

Be Confident:

Being interviewed by a panel of interviewers is stressful stuff and the company wants to know if you can handle it. Practice a panel interview with a few friends before you have to do the real thing. Simulate the type of questions you might be asked and get a feel for how it is to be interviewed by different people. This is your opportunity to be interviewed by everyone at once. It could actually save you time and stress. By being confident and having the right mindset, you can turn this into a positive experience.

Focus:

While at the interview, make sure you make eye contact with everyone. Take the time to respond to every question with thought and concentration. It's easy to be distracted with others there. Look directly at the person who asked you the question, but take the time to also make eye contact with the other interviewers. However, your attention should be predominately focussed on the person who posed you the question.

Things to Remember:

It's critical at a group interview that you treat everyone with the same respect. You don't necessarily know who the person making the final decision will be and it's just good manners. The goal is to appeal to as many people as possible, so bring your smile, your positive attitude, and be prepared (bring extra resumes too.) By being able to handle everyone's questions with poise and skill, you can overcome the stress surrounding group interviews and turn your interview into a job offer.