With 240,000 jobs cuts in October and more predicted to come, many Americans, especially new hires, are walking on egg shells at work — paranoid they’re next on the chopping block.

Escalating their fears are the latest numbers from the U.S. Labor Department, which shows the unemployment rate jumped from 6.1 to 6.5 percent last month, the highest since March 1994. Data also revealed the financial crisis has already cost America a staggering 2.1 million jobs this year.

Despite the grim figures, Sue Morem, a leading expert on professional development, best-selling author and media personality, says it is still possible to secure a job amid a volatile economy.

“If you are currently employed, now is NOT THE TIME TO BECOME A WORRY WART NOR SLACK OFF. You want to be the best on your job so that if there are choices between who to keep and who to let go, you are able to be the one that stays.  Second, if you sense your job is at risk, don’t wait until you’re handed a pink slip to BEGIN NETWORKING. Take advantage of any opportunity to build and maintain relationships. Third, KEEP A LIST OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS and SHARE them with your employer. Be sure you are known for what you do but in a way that benefits everyone not just yourself. Learning to become your best advocate is important because nobody is going to promote you like yourself,” says Sue whose first book, How to Gain the Professional Edge, inspired an episode of The Drew Carey Show.
 
For persons dealt a devastating blow by the sluggish economy, Sue has this warning — “DON’T PANIC. As difficult as it is, you have to believe that something better will ultimately come along. Second, DON’T HIBERNATE or become ashamed. Third, ASK FOR HELP. Don’t be afraid to contact favorite clients, former colleagues and employers, old professors, long-lost relatives, friends, etc., for any leads. Most people are really willing to help out but you have to ask for it. Fourth, BE CONSISTENT — make searching for a job your full-time job. Fifth, MAKE FACE-TO-FACE CONNECTIONS — the Internet is great, but nothing replaces the personal relationships. Sixth, GOOGLE YOURSELF to see what potential employers may pull up while researching your background. So, it might be wise to clean up any social networking pages that house any information that may not look good in a professional environment. For example, if your Facebook profile reflects someone who is a wild partier or someone who engages in bad behavior, that’s not going to be good if you are interviewing for a position in a corporate, conservative environment. Last, but not least, when you do land an interview, SELL YOURSELF, but do so honestly,” says Sue. Exaggerating your credentials could backfire she warns.

An established business advice columnist, Sue has challenged individuals to excel in their professional and personal lives for more than 18 years. Her award-winning tips are currently featured in five books, her Web site, www.suemorem.com and in 10 training videos, including her revolutionary video podcast series, “The Job Seeker.”

Sue’s most recent books, “101 Tips for Graduates” and “How to Get a Job and Keep It, Second Edition,” are written for young adults to help them make a successful transition from school into corporate America. Critics say all of her materials are must-haves as they are sure to give readers a leg up on the competition.

Have a question for Sue Morem? Please contact 763.557.4998 or send inquiries via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC.
 
 
 

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