3 Tips for Staying Relevant, Even if You’re Not Job Searching

If you’re not looking for a job right now, you probably will be soon.

A recent survey by CareerBuilder found more than 20 percent of full-time workers in the U.S. plan to change jobs this year.

Couple that with the fact that the average American stays with his or her job for less than five years, and it’s basically guaranteed you’ll be in the job market in the future.

So, what can you do to keep yourself ready for a future job transition?

1. Update your resume with accomplishments at least once a year.
   With 2014 well underway, you should take the time to update your resume with any major achievements from 2013. Maybe you launched a new marketing campaign, developed a new product, improved your sales figures dramatically or simply changed roles within your company. Whatever you did, make sure your resume reflects that accomplishment. If you don’t take the time to update your resume when an achievement is fresh in your memory, you may find it harder to remember the important details later.
2. Build a network online using LinkedIn.
   There’s absolutely nothing more valuable to business than connections. It might sound cliché, but it’s important to remember it’s not about what you know, but who you know. Keep your profile up to date with accomplishments and skills. Take a few minutes a day to build your online presence by connecting with co-workers, business partners and industry leaders. Don’t be afraid to comment on a post or conversation you see happening on your LinkedIn Pulse feed, either. And, if you’ve already had a great experience with an employer, client or co-worker, ask them to give you a LinkedIn recommendation.
3. Keep your skills up to date.
   Technology is constantly changing, so try your best to keep up-to-date. For many, this might mean searching for new industry technology, staying up-to-date on social media or even taking an online course or attending a webinar relevant to your industry. Your current employer might even be willing to pay for some of this training, as it will improve your performance in your current position as well.