So , how do you ensure you remain employable and an attractive candidate in the market? you might already be a very successful person , but , do you rest and carry on at your pace with this knowledge or do you go that extra mile to do things that will further define your employment brand?
Re: Employable factors
Being in the IT field, gone are the days when employers needed employees that were an expert in one skill set. They are now looking for people with diverse skill set. I make sure I learn at least one new technology in the new job so that I can make myself more marketable.
Re: Employable factors
In earlier days i focused heavily on my company for internal visibility and networking, which had its benefits. I realized that while I was a known commodity internally, it can be a liability if you are seen as part of one tribe, or have to leave the company for other opportunities or if **** hits the fan there and there are cuts etc.
I do a few things
1- stay engaged with former colleagues, clients, and even recruiters
2- I write frequently for industry publications and company blog, spoke at a few events etc
3- try to be active in industry groups, sadly this is an area that has suffered due to travel and schedule..but in my experience has been the best approach to
4- keep up to date on key topics, whether it is formal training, reading industry books and publications, webinars..etc etc
5- stay connected more with the right people. I am still connected with my VP from my first job, but wha i do is so different that he can't really help me much even if he wanted, so i spend proportional amount of effort on people who are more aligned with present, and future goals.
lastly, more than just knowledge, It is also about what one is seen as, and does it align with what I want to do. e.g. someone can focus on really refining processes, or bringing structure, or taking charge of new ideas and innovation...
That has to be real, can be backed up and demonstrated...would my colleagues, clients, partners say ..oh yes he is a very globally focused guy ..because they have seen me run international projects or launches..or if someone reads up my profile or looks me up online, they see that what I am saying about myself can be backed up. There are many self declared social media 'evangelists' or Agile experts, or digital divas, or project mgmt pros...who may even be sharing all kinds of tweets and posts, and even writing in some of the open platform publications like examiner...but can they back it up..so it has to be real, ....or i suppose faked enough, well enough to be passable.
this is how i explain it...if i am asked if i know of someone with xyz background, ..who are the top 3-4 names that pop in my mind...maybe because i worked with them, net them at a conference, or know them in professional and social circles. That is the toughest but the one most in your control.