Managers who have received the green light to actually hire an employee these days are likely facing an uncomfortable reality — they are restricted to offering a limited salary with very little “wiggle room.” The good news is that there is a great deal of talent out there looking for positions. Here’s what you can offer to attract outstanding candidates despite budget constraints:

Stability: The employees you’re interviewing have experienced the stress of an uncertain work environment. If you’re hiring, chances are that your business is more stable than the one the employee has left. Emphasize the security you’re able to offer.

Work-life balance: If you can’t offer a prospective employee a significant salary, offer the currency of time. Can you provide a generous vacation policy? Allow workers to leave early for kids’ activities? Let them work remotely one day a week? Explore what would be most meaningful with your prospective candidates and see what you can do.

Meaningful work: Surveys show that employees value the opportunity to make a difference. Can you give employees time off for volunteering? Does your team contribute to a worthy cause?

Continue reading " How to Attract Top Talent With Limited Salaries "

[Part IV of IV]

Let’s face it, the going has gotten tough. That means the tough — YOU — need to get going on accelerating your career. Here’s how to identify opportunities despite the difficulties all around us:

1. Get plenty of rest and eat right. Your Mom knew best. Especially in times of stress, it’s critical to take care of yourself. This is no time to pull all-nighters worrying about work. You need your wits and capabilities fully about you to withstand the challenges surrounding you.
2.  Seek cross-functional experiences. I’ve noticed an interesting trend in my management consulting.  Employees who have a wide variety of experiences are most likely to survive the job cuts and even thrive in the midst of the turmoil. It makes sense — if you have experience working in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in the consumer packaged goods business, you’re twice as marketable.
3. Stretch. Do things faster. And better. Be indispensable. I recently heard of a law firm intern who really stretched when a feisty senior partner demanded that she edit a nasty-looking, lengthy report — easily a two-week process. “When can you have it done?” he demanded. “How about tomorrow?” she replied. Today that intern is a leader in the firm, thanks to the support of that senior partner she helped years ago.�
   

Continue reading " How to Thrive in the Midst of a Dismal Economy "

I’m writing this piece by popular demand after hearing from scores of newly unemployed people concerned about the large quantity of Americans looking for a job  “Should I be prepared to accept a lesser job at a significantly lower salary?” they’ve asked.

In a word: “No.”

You may feel you just want to find something — that you’ll take what you can get.

But with that kind of attitude, it’s unlikely you’ll find a position that is going to satisfy either you or your new employer. You’ll believe you’re compromising. Your new employer will sense your feeling that you’re settling for less.

No one wins.

Let me suggest that you think about this situation differently. Rather than focusing on what you may have to give up, ask yourself, “What about my next job would make me feel really good about going there every day?”

Here are three examples to consider:

Stability: A friend earning an enormous salary as head writer for an NBC-TV sitcom found himself quaking every 13 weeks as he waited to learn whether his contract would be renewed. After a year of anxiety, he decided to accept a university teaching position that paid a fraction of his previous salary but allowed him to pursue his creativity in an environment of greater stability. Fifteen years later, he continues to be delighted with his decision.

Continue reading " Should You Accept a Significantly Lower Salary? "

[Part III of IV]

These days, if you walk into your boss’ office and Human Resources is there as well, it may be time for a deep breath. This could be it – you’ve been laid off. Ouch.

You’re not alone. In fact, as of December 1, you joined 1.2 million other Americans who lost their jobs this year. But after the initial shock, it’s time to regroup. Life isn’t over. In fact, almost all of us know someone who ended up in a position they liked even better after losing a job. With the right approach, that can be you.

Here are five suggestions for moving on to something better:

1. Lean on your network. Family, friends—who makes you feel good? This is the time to surround yourself with support. 
2. Say goodbye nicely. Send an email or hand-written note with your new contact information to those with whom you worked. Try to include a positive point or two about your time with the organization.  
3. Do something good for yourself every single day. You’re hurting and you’re going to have to do things you may not particularly enjoy—perhaps cutting back on expenses and going through all of the administrative work involved in seeking employment. That’s why it’s really important to plan something for yourself every day that you enjoy and can anticipate. It may be as simple as spending 30 minutes reading a novel. Or working out.  Take care of yourself so you have the energy to do the other things that might not feel so good.
   

Continue reading " I’m Sorry, Your Position Has Been Eliminated "

[Part II of IV]

When your company or industry is facing lay-offs, it’s natural to feel helpless and even unmotivated.  You don’t know who’s staying and who’s leaving, and that lack of control can be debilitating.

However, there are steps that you can take to reduce the likelihood that you’ll lose your job.  Here are five essential actions to take that may help solidify your position:

1. Be clear on your value to the organization. Take a close look at the work you’re doing and identify how it contributes to your company’s objectives and bottom line.  Are your clients happy?  Are you billable? If that’s not obvious to you, how will it be clear to the leaders determining who stays and who goes?
2. Shake off the doldrums.  It’s a difficult time, but try to avoid the complainers. Save the venting for home and try to be positive at work. You’ll have more energy, which is bound to translate into greater productivity. Your attitude will make you stand out in the sea of negativity.
3. Network internally with other departments. This is not the time to arrive late or leave early.  If your work is slow, volunteer to assist other areas of the company. For example, a Corporate Communications manager who offered to assist the Information Technology department with its communications escaped a massive employee reduction when her IT contacts created a special position for her within their department.
   

Continue reading " The Ball’s In Your Court (Somewhat): Five Tips for Avoiding a Lay-Off "