The best time to look for a job is when you already have one. No hiring manager purposely decides to hire someone who is unemployed. Keeping your options open and making sure that you’re paying attention to what’s going on and having a resume ready to go is called “career cushioning;” something that should be part of your career strategy.
Here are some strategies for career cushioning:
- Monitoring the job market
- Preparing/updating job search documents and LinkedIn profile
- Networking with recruiters and others who can assist with a job search
- Arranging for informational interviews to learn more about an organization
- Activating job search alerts and browsing job listings
- Creating a target list of prospective employers
- Applying for jobs
- Researching opportunities in new career fields
- Inventorying your skills and interests for alignment with future opportunities
- Improve your personal brand by increasing your online visibility (blogging, social media engagement, etc.)
- Upskilling/reskilling/training
- Starting a side hustle that could become a job/career or taking on freelance work
- Working with a resume writer and/or career coach
One of the most important parts of career cushioning is protecting your future.
- What kind of job or career do you see yourself in a few years down the road?
- What skills would that job or career require?
- What steps do you need to take today to prepare yourself for a job search tomorrow or in the near future?
One key tactic for setting yourself up for success is networking. Connecting with individuals inside and outside your field can help you land your next role. Networking can help you identify unadvertised job opportunities, connect with recruiters and hiring managers, and learn more about an organization before you apply for an advertised opening.
Especially when pursuing a confidential job search, networking can help open door to finding the next job opportunity. No longer does networking mean just attending industry conferences and trade shows — connecting with contacts on LinkedIn and using LinkedIn messages to stay in touch can be just as effective.
Even if your position isn’t threatened, career cushioning is a smart strategy to ensure you’re being paid a market rate and you’re ready for an opportunity if it arises.
If you’re looking to learn even more, check out our other career resources.
