In periods of economic uncertainty, professionals need to adopt strategies that not only increase their marketability but also enhance their value to employers. The following approaches can help individuals remain indispensable within their organisations and improve their chances of career advancement, even in challenging times. The article is written by Victoria Lisitsyna, a UX/UI designer, art director, and mentor from Russia, exclusively for TechBullion
1. Combining Multiple Roles
In more stable times, taking on multiple roles might not be encouraged; however, difficult circumstances often require unconventional measures. Combining roles is not just about saving on the costs of hiring a copywriter, analyst, or designer—it’s also about reducing the overhead associated with communication. Rather than the typical cycle of “assign a task—wait—review the outcome—provide feedback,” a task can be completed directly by one person, which is particularly valuable during a crisis. Now is the time to resurrect any overlooked talents from previous careers or roles. Experience in design, marketing, sales, or development is not merely a “relic of the past” but a tangible opportunity to secure a job or even negotiate a higher salary. By saving the company money, you may also be eligible for a percentage of the savings realised.
Recommendation: Reflect on your diverse skill set and consider how you might apply these skills in your current role. For example, if you have experience in both design and marketing, consider taking on tasks that require both skill sets to demonstrate your versatility and value to your employer.
2. Identifying Growth Opportunities Quickly
As mentioned earlier, there is minimal investment in new ventures unless they are “proven” or “extremely low-cost” options. For example, businesses are unlikely to invest in new factories, completely rewrite their software stacks, or venture into new and complex business areas at this time. However, for many companies, old business models may have become less profitable or ceased to generate revenue altogether. Identifying growth opportunities is often their only chance to survive and return to profitability. Therefore, product managers who can identify one or two growth opportunities with minimal resources are more valuable than ever. This might involve launching a specific new product, identifying a new acquisition channel, or developing a clear method for entering a new market. If you can implement these solutions in a near “turnkey” fashion, your value increases significantly.
Recommendation: Stay informed about your industry and think strategically about potential low-cost growth opportunities. Consider new product ideas, market entry strategies, or alternative distribution channels that could be quickly implemented with minimal investment.
3. Experience in Optimisation Projects
Cost-cutting and optimisation have become standard practices for many companies today, often resulting in layoffs. However, beyond layoffs, there is substantial product work that can help save money. If you have experience and skills in optimisation projects, you may become highly sought after in the current market. Optimising unit economics, automating processes, and reducing marketing costs by improving conversion rates are all measures that can deliver quick results to businesses. If you have experience in these areas, now is the time to highlight it prominently in your CV and discuss it with your manager, proposing specific initiatives.
Recommendation: Focus on highlighting your optimisation experience in your professional portfolio. Prepare case studies that demonstrate your success in cost-cutting, process optimisation, or improving conversion rates. Present these to your employer as potential initiatives to help navigate the current economic landscape.
4. Language Skills
Recent political events have highlighted the fragility of business models that rely solely on a single market. Many companies are now looking to expand into international markets and are seeking to do so in the most cost-effective way possible. Knowledge of a foreign language and existing business contacts in these markets can become a key value proposition. Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are currently some of the most popular regions for international expansion. Now is the time to dust off your knowledge of languages such as Bahasa or Swahili if you have ever spoken them. If you do not know the languages but have studied or worked in the region, this is also a strong foundation. These skills can increase your market value as you become a sort of “cornerstone” for the company.
Recommendation: If you possess language skills, consider how you can leverage them to support your company’s expansion into new markets. If you don’t speak a foreign language but have experience working in specific international markets, highlight this experience and propose strategies for market entry or expansion based on your knowledge.
Preparing for Potential Layoffs: Practical Steps to Reduce Anxiety
In addition to developing these key skills, designers should also take proactive steps to prepare for potential layoffs and reduce associated anxiety. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Regularly Update Your CV: Keep your CV up-to-date with a strong focus on your achievements. Reflect on your experiences and clearly outline your career path and specialisation. Your CV should clearly convey what you excel at and what you have accomplished in previous roles. Remember, if a layoff occurs, you may not be in the best frame of mind to write or update your CV, so having a polished version ready is essential.
- Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile: Invest time in refining your LinkedIn profile. Complete all sections, write a compelling introduction that highlights your focus and ambitions, gather recommendations, and showcase additional projects. Attach case studies or presentations of products you have developed. A well-rounded LinkedIn profile increases the chances of being noticed quickly and receiving alternative job offers if your current position is affected by layoffs.
- Subscribe to Job Boards and Recruitment Channels: Stay informed about which companies are currently hiring by subscribing to several job boards and recruitment channels. This knowledge will allow you to act swiftly if you lose your job, giving you a head start in contacting companies that are actively recruiting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting these strategies can significantly enhance your professional value, increase your marketability, and improve your job security in challenging economic times. By combining multiple roles, identifying growth opportunities, leveraging experience in optimisation projects, and utilising language skills for international expansion, professionals can become indispensable to their employers and safeguard their careers against potential economic downturns.
This revised version uses a professional and slightly academic tone suitable for an audience looking for strategic insights on career development during economic uncertainty.
