There is probably no better word than uncertainty to describe the times we live in. There is economic uncertainty, geopolitical uncertainty, and specific areas of uncertainty in many markets and sectors. Technologies are creating uncertainty, political decisions are creating uncertainty, and events are creating uncertainty, from local weather catastrophes to global pandemics. 

In this era of uncertainty, how can you ensure job security? 

We are going to explore some ideas in this blog on how to find job security in an uncertain market. All the ideas, however, can be broadly summarised using a Chinese proverb: 

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” 

In this uncertain market, the winds of change are most definitely blowing. The best approach is to build windmills, i.e., identify the opportunities. 

Assess Your Skills 

Whether you are employed and content, employed and looking for a new opportunity, or unemployed, the best place to start is to assess your current skill set. 

What skills do you have that are valued or hard to replace in the current market? 

What skills should you improve to enhance the value you can offer to employers? 

What new skills should you add to your repertoire that are growing in demand? 

You should then take steps to add, refine, and/or enhance the skills you identify by asking yourself questions like these. 

Specialise 

In uncertain markets, specialists and subject matter experts often fare better than those with general skills.  

Do you have a niche area that you can double down on? 

Is there a topic or skill that you can focus on more intensely to become an expert? 

Focus on Value 

It is human nature to focus on what we do, the tasks we perform, and the responsibilities we shoulder. A more important consideration for employers, however, is value, i.e., what value do you bring to the team, project, or organisation? 

If employers focus on value, you should focus on value too. This applies if you want to improve job security with your current employer and it applies when you are looking for a new job. 

Value can be measured financially, but it comes in many forms. So, ensure you understand the value you bring (or could bring) and continuously work to improve it. 

Expand Your Network 

Continue working on expanding your network. If you haven’t started, now is the time to do so.  

Working on expanding your network includes engaging on online platforms like LinkedIn and participating in offline networking opportunities such as industry events. 

If you are not used to networking activities, the following three tips can help: 

• Be authentic 

• Contribute more than you promote 

• Maintain consistency 

Be Proactive 

Adopting a proactive approach to your job and/or job-hunting activities is another way you can improve job security in an uncertain market. 

For example, to enhance security in your current role, you can put yourself forward for new projects, especially cross-functional projects. 

If you are job hunting, do the extra things that many candidates neglect, such as thoroughly researching the company you are applying to and matching your skills and the value you can bring to the published job description. 

Another way you can be more proactive when looking for a new job is to broaden your search, as you might find better opportunities in a different industry or an adjacent type of role. 

Resilience and Flexibility Are Key 

Even by following all the tips described so far in this blog, you are probably still going to suffer setbacks and rejections. Therefore, resilience and flexibility are also essential when trying to secure job security in an uncertain market. 

Nobody likes rejection or the disappointment of not getting a job you really want. When rejection and disappointment come, keep building your windmill.