I’m a career expert – and these top tips can help you ‘future proof’ your career and make yourself more attractive to employers
- ‘Career-cushioning’ is on the rise, with professionals keeping their options open
- UK-based LinkedIn expert tells FEMAIL the top tips to future proof your CV
- Being transparent, using your network and upskilling are listed as suggestions
- READ MORE: Etiquette expert reveals the ‘correct behaviour’ for the workplace – including being early and staying away from gossip
With the cost of living crisis plaguing many young professionals, it may come as no surprise that many are choosing to make sure they have a solid plan B in case anything at work goes wrong.
The concept of future-proofing your career appears to be increasingly popular, with many making the effort to ensure their CV is constantly groomed, and their skillset evergreen.
The phenomenon is called career cushioning – and LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies told FEMAIL that it’s definitely on the rise.
And getting involved doesn’t have to be an arduous task. Upskilling, casting an eye over who’s hiring, and constantly updating your LinkedIn profile are all ways to stay an attractive option for future employees.
The concept of future-proofing your career appears to be increasingly popular, with many making sure their CV is constantly groomed, and their skillset evergreen (stock image)
‘Career cushioning is employees taking action to ‘cushion’ or protect themselves and their careers,’ Charlotte explained.
‘Amidst ongoing economic uncertainty, it’s an insurance policy to set themselves up for success.’
The LinkedIn expert also said the networking platform has seen a definite surge in the trend.
‘We’ve definitely spotted a rise on LinkedIn of people upskilling,’ she added. ‘We’ve seen a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in members adding skills to their profile – 35 million have been added in the last 12 months.’
Charlotte says that it’s industries with high profile redundancies who may currently be seeking back-up plans – but warns not to ‘underestimate the transferrable skills you have’.
‘If you need to pivot into a new industry you rarely need to completely overhaul your skills and may already have the ‘similar skills’ needed to switch up your career,’ she explained.
The career expert also shared her top five tips on how you can cushion your own career with FEMAIL.
1. Be open
Charlotte says that, if you are feeling unhappy in your current role, it’s important to take the time ‘to have an open and transparent conversation with your manager to see if anything can be changed or if there are any opportunities for growth’.
‘Be sure to make it clear to your employer that you’re committed to your current role if that’s how you feel,’ she added.
The phenomenon is called career cushioning – and LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies (pictured) told FEMAIL that it’s definitely on the rise
2. Update your LinkedIn profile
The expert advises that it’s not just about the bio a and headshot. It’s important to let your network know the latest, most relevant news and keywords which could propel you to desired jobs. This can further boost your visibility in recruiter searches.
3. Get started on upskilling
For a lot of people, career cushioning is an exercise in building confidence.
Charlotte says that by taking advantage of online classes, (citing LinkedIn Learning Courses as an example), you can build up an arsenal of secret weapons to have up your sleeve.
This, she continued, could ‘give yourself the confidence that if things do go wrong, you’re armed with a wide set of skills to support a future job search’.
Charlotte says that it’s industries with high profile redundancies who may currently be seeking back-up plans – but warns not to ‘underestimate the transferrable skills you have’. Stock image used
4. Tap your network
Future-proofing your career means relying on connections old and new.
The important thing, Charlotte says, is actually utilising them.
‘There are 9,000 connections made every minute on LinkedIn,’ she explained. ‘And tapping the right person at the right time is the magic formula that can help get your foot in the door.’
5. See who is hiring
Keeping an ear for job opportunities out is important – even if you’re not planning on applying for anything.
‘You can also check out and follow companies who might be hiring,’ Charlotte said. ‘On LinkedIn, when you visit the “Jobs” tab, you can now see who’s hiring in your network, and in your network’s network.’
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