Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

Recession-Proof Your Career: Tip #2

With companies asking workers to "do more with less," these days, chances are you already work hard. But are you working smarter? Our blog partner on this series, The Employee Factor, has weighed in on just how to do this, so check it out. We too have outlined several strategies and skills you can put to work to boost your productivity. All of which will go a long way in protecting your job.

- Work on highly visible assignments. Volunteer to work on assignments that are attracting attention from those who count at your organization.

- Be an efficiency champion. Suggest changes to improve efficiency and help figure out how to make those changes happen. Essentially, be an agent of change, not an obstacle to it.

- Improve your multi-tasking skills. The key to effective multi-tasking is organization. Try prioritizing your to-do lists. Before leaving work at the end of the day, list all the tasks that need to be accomplished the next day so you can hit the ground running in the morning. Use tools such as a desk organizer to keep track of deadlines. Use a speakerphone or phone headset to free your hands to do other things while you talk.

- Work on time management. Net surfing, reading emails, co-workers who pop in to chat or making personal calls are time bandits. Save net surfing for after hours. For emails, set blocks of time specifically to manage email messages. Let co-workers know that unless their needs are an emergency, you'll speak with them later during a break in the day. Reduce distractions that absorb your time.

- Know the time of day you are at your best. Use those better periods of the day to spend on the toughest tasks you need to accomplish. Leave the easier ones for the times when you are less energetic. For example, if you are a morning person, try to knock of your most challenging items on your to do list.