Whether you’ve been in your current role for one month or 10 years, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. Life is full of surprises, and you need to be prepared for a rainy day. This is particularly true in the government contracting space, where contracts may end or be reassigned to a competitor. What can you do today, to be prepared if the job you’re in today, isn’t there tomorrow?
First, if you don’t have an emergency fund or nest egg, now is the time. As many furloughed government workers have learned, even if you still have a job – you may not be getting a paycheck. Having three months of expenses saved will allow you to relax – a little – as you update your resume and apply for new positions.
Next, keep your resume up-to-date, and maintain an online career profile. If you’ve been in a job for a number of years, it is all too easy to allow your resume to lay stagnant. Don’t let that happen. When you reach a major milestone or accomplish a key objective, take the time to update your resume with that information. Stay active on a career site like ClearanceJobs.com – not just for industry news, but to stay connected to important career connections.
Finally, never stop networking. Maintain healthy relationships both within your organization and with those working for other companies in your industry. The bigger and broader your network, the better. Try to attend an in-person event at least quarterly, and network with your online network – even if it’s just sending a quick check-in email – at least once a week.
The good news is the job market today is hot. There are new opportunities out there. Being prepared now ensures those new opportunities are waiting for you when the unexpected happens.
