Recession-Proofing Your Career

With mass layoffs seeming to make the news around the clock, one way to ensure your career keeps moving forward is to apply a few “recession-proof” principles to it. From learning new skills, to earning new professional designations or expanding your professional network, there are several steps you can take now to ensure you remain employed down the road.

To better understand what those steps are we sat down with Tom Pauls, CCLP and Managing Director of SCL Search Consultants, a recruitment firm specializing in supply chain logistics. During that conversation, we heard some insights into our industry, and a few ways to keep your resume and career headed in the right direction.

Interestingly, according to Pauls, a great way to recession-proof your career is to work in supply chain and logistics, in the first place.

“From my perspective as a recruiter in supply chain, one of the best ways to recession-proof your career is to work in the supply chain logistics industry. It’s one of those industries that seems like everyone needs, from retailers to manufacturer. If you’re in supply chain, you’re part of the process of moving the products people and businesses need to survive. It seems to me to be one of those industries that really is recession proof.”

 

Develop Soft Skills

While we love to hear it, for those of us fortunate to work in supply chain logistics there are a few additional ways to build some added longevity into your career. One of these, Pauls explained, is to develop soft skills that can help you stand out from the pack when looking for a new job.

“From a recruiter’s perspective, one of the things employers are always looking for are the soft skills beyond the specific requirements and experiences you’d need to be successful at a particular job—things that can set you apart. For example, following up with a phone call after an interview, or reaching out to employers directly. It’s surprising how many people don’t do those basic things that can really demonstrate that drive and initiative.”

Pursuing professional development and training is another way of showcasing initiative. “Motivation and initiative are the number one thing employers ask me for” says Pauls. “But they’re sometimes hard to tell from a resume. Seeing that a person holds or is earning credentials and certifications let me and an employer know that the candidate is a person who goes above and beyond.”

Keeping out front of technology

Another way to set yourself apart, is to develop an interest and keep on top of the rapidly advancing technologies that drive our industry. “Technology has really changed over the last few years”, Pauls said. “You’ve got advancements in warehouse management tech, TMS and ERP systems, and Artificial Intelligence software that’s being incorporated into everything. There are drones being used for inventory counts and scanning barcodes in warehouses—fascinating developments. By developing an interest in it all, you can really start setting yourself apart in the supply chain industry.”

Build your network

As always, building an extensive network of contacts is a key feature of recession-proofing your career. By developing deeper connections within the industry, both for career and mentorship opportunities, you’ll have people you can call on when the going gets tough.

“Having a strong network is key”, says Pauls. “You can network within your organization, or by joining professional networks like the CITT. It’s important to get out there and learn about careers and various facets of supply chain. Often the way we find new opportunities is through those connections. Someone you know might know someone else that works for a company you’d like to get in touch with.”

Continue your education

Finally, a great way to tie it all together and build a career that can withstand whatever the economy might throw at it, is to study courses related to supply chain, or obtain a professional designation like the CCLP (CITT-Certified Logistics Professional). In Pauls’ estimation, “Whether it's taking courses in project management, new software, or Lean 6 Sigma, these are all important for build a career in supply chain and show a commitment to learning that employers are looking for.” Taking the next step and achieving CCLP designation goes even further in showing prospective employers that you’re serious about building a career.

“The CCLP program includes a variety of courses that really teach you how to properly do all the number crunching and data extraction that supply chain companies are looking for. Having it on your resume shows a commitment to learning, drive and initiative, the number one thing employers are looking for.”

Ultimately, there’s no silver bullet when it comes to recession-proofing your career, but with some initiative and forward-thinking, you can give yourself the best chance possible.