Career Cushioning: What it is and how to get the most out of it

So let's start here…how to be on top of your game, regardless of the economic uncertainty that's looming right now.

I know that the idea of what’s to come in the near future is top of mind. In fact, conversations around recession on LinkedIn are up nearly 900% since last year. But there are things you can do now to get prepared.?

Meet…Career Cushioning. Career Cushioning is taking actions to keep your options open and cushioning for whatever comes next in the economy and job market. Think of it like an insurance policy to set yourself up for success. It makes sense, right? I think I speak for most of us when I say we could all benefit from an extra plush cushion to fall back on if the unexpected arises. So, how can you get started? Here are a few easy steps.

Skills, Skills, Skills!? Forty percent of companies on LinkedIn globally explicitly rely on skills to find the right job candidate. Knowing that, take inventory of the skills you have, and the skills required for the role you want (Tip: the job description will tell you the skills they’re looking for).?

Once you have a solid list of skills needed, cross reference and identify any gaps to work on and make a plan to learn these new skills (whether through LinkedIn Learning courses , on the job training, volunteering, etc). For the transferable skills that you already have, start crafting your story on “how” you’ve applied them and how they made an impact in your work. To go one step further—because “cushioning” is all about the extra padding, after all— share more in the Work Experience section, or in your About section, on your Profile about what you’ve achieved with those skills.?

Don’t overlook the soft skills, too. Like one professional I personally know who recalls being told by a hiring manager that her bartending experience set her apart, because bartenders are good storytellers, very personable, work well under pressure, and understand how to prioritize, all of which are transferable skills.

Nurture Your Network: Don’t underestimate it!?Your network is an important asset over the course of your career. But your network is something that you need to nurture and grow over time. You don’t want to only ping people when you need a favor. Engage in thoughtful conversations with colleagues and connections—everyone wants to feel seen and heard, especially in a time flooded with uncertainty, and those exchanges can help bring a level of comfort you may have not anticipated.

It can be challenging to know who is hiring or who to reach out to for a referral. On LinkedIn, when you visit the “Jobs” tab, you can now see who’s hiring in your network , and in your network’s network. And we’ll also notify you of when people in your first- or second-degree network are hiring. It really makes all the difference; You never know who might be hiring for your dream role in the future.

Make a Plan: Concerns about the future shouldn’t prevent you from planning a path forward. With your skills, network, and learning-first approach, ask yourself questions like: What do you hope to accomplish in your next role and what are the pieces/people who can help you get there? What do you hope to take with you into your next experience and what do you want to leave behind?

These questions will help you not only keep moving forward, but will also help you continue narrowing in on your strengths as a professional. Determine what matters most to you on a personal level—whether it be more stability, benefits, salary—and make it a priority in your plan.?

An uncertain job market doesn't mean an unfruitful one, especially when you take a leap of strength and cushion the landing.?

Until next time and in the meantime, be sure to follow along!

My best,

Catherine