How to be a Stand-out, Strategic Employee (that companies are looking to hire)
Are you wondering how to find or keep your job in 2021 after this economic fallout that COVID-19 has caused?
Well, you’re not alone. The CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy) of the University of Minnesota stated that 20.6 million Americans lost jobs by April of 2020. This resulted in an unemployment rate of 14.7% not seen since the Great Depression.
The Common Wealth Fund researched that by June 2020 7.7 million Americans had lost jobs with employer-sponsored insurance because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With these numbers, we’re all wondering how long it’s going to take to get back to normal. While there’s no easy answer, there are four strategies that will change the job-hunting game and make you a stand-out employee that will make your employer notice you and keep you around.
Be Business-Minded
More than ever, company employers are being business-minded. They can’t help it - in order to keep their business afloat and get it growing once again, they have to think strategically and be smart with the decisions they make.
Do you know what that means for you? For you, that means you need to start thinking differently as well. This is no longer the time to take things personally because it all comes down to results. Are you bringing in some kind of result to your company that will make it better in some way? If not, it’s time to adapt.
2. Be a Value-Driven Professional
Going off of tip #1, this means you need to see yourself as a value-driven professional. What value are you bringing to your company’s department or team? Are you stewarding your gifts and abilities well? If you have the potential to be a good manager, show it. If you’re good with numbers, strategy or organization, show it. COVID has brought you the opportunity to harness your strengths and weaknesses to grow your personal and professional potential.
This is really about perspective. Even if the only job you can get right now is working at Aldi’s, show your potential by seeking leadership opportunities. Start with the small tasks and build on them with skillful excellence.
Businessmen and women see the big picture. They see revenue streams and the people affecting those streams for the better or worse. You have to figure out the part you play in this picture.
3. Be a Worthy Investment
Act like an investment because that’s what every business leader is really looking for - investments. You might think of money when you see the word “investment” but business people see more than that. When they think investment, they’re thinking of all the streams their money pours into, including you. If you’re an employee getting paid then you’re an investment. Now is the time to act like it. What kind of investment are you and what results will you bring?
4. Be Leadership-Focused
This might surprise you, but it’s absolutely essential. Leadership is a fancy word to describe ordinary people harnessing their potential. Are you an ordinary person focused on your potential? If not, it’s time to change your mindset.
The Secret to Success
In summary, I’ll quote Donald Miller from his book, “Business Made Simple.” He says, “Each of us has to wake up in the morning and give people a return on the time, energy, and money they entrust to us. This is the secret to success. If you want to succeed in work, love, friendship, and life, give the people around you a great return on whatever it is they invest in you.”
Is this you? Now’s the time to start becoming an investment worth investing in.