Written by Carl Freelove, Marketing Manager, Big fish Recruitment

As uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook gathers pace, many of us, including consumers and businesses, could be left feeling the pinch.

However, the marketing and creative jobs market is an interesting and busy place to be right now and whilst it’s hard to escape the news that some businesses are suffering in this economic downturn, many sectors are still flourishing and recruitment is on the up, with plenty of new vacancies coming onto the Big fish site every week.

So, even in tough economic times, excellent opportunities still exist for the prepared and success orientated employee – not just for finding that dream job, but for career advancement and job satisfaction.

This month, we’ve put together some top tips to help you become prepared for any economic situation while proactively building what some experts refer to as your career capital – your value to both your current employer and future prospective employers - and what we refer to as building your brand.

Update your skills
If some of your skills have become outdated (e.g. you’re using Dreamweaver MX for web projects rather than Dreamweaver CS4) and others around you are better trained you could be vulnerable. Sign up for any appropriate courses and get your skills up to date. Remember in a difficult economic climate, businesses may cut back training budgets. So get in sooner rather than later. Check out some of the industry training courses by leading trade publicatiion, The Drum, at http://www.thedrumtraining.co.uk/.

Build your brand internally - Make yourself indispensible / add value
Stay ambitious. Even when times are tough, organisations will do their best to hold on to employees who demonstrably add value to the bottom line. So take on tasks that are above and beyond your usual remit. Volunteer to take on a responsibility which normally comes under your boss's job description. Follow-up with your boss on a regular basis so they know you’re on-going accomplishments. Bottom line - if your company is forced to draw up a list of employees they can't do without, make sure your name is on it.

Be positive and have a great attitude
When times are tight, polish your reputation as a can-do problem solver. Focus on ideas that will bring in new revenue or clients, or will save the organisation money. People who create value are the ones more likely to survive cuts.

Build your network and your brand externally
By working to become better known in your industry or profession, you will add value both to your current employer as well as to yourself. Attend networking events regularly and connect with industry peers and professional groups. Position yourself as an expert by writing articles for an industry blog, trade publication or website. Answer business questions on the Q&A section of LinkedIn to show your expertise.

Better still, buy a domain name (such as yourname.co.uk), and build an online presence by publishing your CV and portfolio online. Take it one step further and start a blog (or at least contribute to an existing one) on a topic for which you are knowledgeable and have passion about.

Update your CV
Make sure you take the time to update your CV with new skills, achievements and project highlights - as you never know when a great opportunity will present itself, and if it does, you want to be instantly prepared and ready to respond.

Don’t lose sight of your career goals
Employment slowdowns are only temporary so this doesn't mean that you can’t get your dream job. Channel any ‘panic’ energy towards your goals and keep your eyes open for any opportunities.

Overall, it’s all about thinking ahead and planning what to do during the tough times and then taking the right steps to recession-proof your job.  

If you would like further help steering your career through the ever-changing employment landscape, please contact our friendly team at Big fish and arrange a coffee and a chat. 

Until next time, best wishes

Carl Freelove
Marketing Manger
Big fish Recruitment