According to the Labor Department, we are in the midst of the highest unemployment rate since 1994 and the competition is fierce. I know that some people might have gone into shock after reading that first article but it was just intended to wake you up so that you may realize that it's time to change. Don't automatically get discouraged thinking you won't find a job, but rather use this extra obstacle to push yourself further to expand your career and stay positive. It's cliche but it works, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." You will survive this recession, it's not the end of the world but you shouldn't downplay the situation either. Realize the circumstances and act. Expect and act to succeed and you will.
Roberta Chinksy Matuson of Human Resource Solutions said it so well, "During a recession it is best to move forward with force, while your competition is moving slowly. It is easy to use the economy as an excuse. Successful job seekers know that even in tough economic times, there are opportunities. You just have to dig a bit deeper."
- Not everyone is going in a downwards spiral, some industries are expanding as some are not. Find information on the industries you should target and those that you should avoid.
- "I am looking for a job" simply isn't enough. Look for something specific, arming yourself with a job title and a detailed plan that identifies what you want will help you find a specific job in your specific job search.
- It is hard to find employment in regular seasons but with a recession it is much harder. Find the time and the effort to put your job search plan into effect.
- Realize that there will not be as many job options available as companies will be cutting down on training and recruiting costs. Unless you have better options, if there is a job available to you, even though it's not the job of your dreams, the pay isn't quite what you expected and it's only part-time instead of full, do it anyway. It will be better to have a job, than none at all. If you can't find a job, consider doing a paid internship that will give you experience and compensation.
- Network as much as possible, this is a key element as the best jobs (Fortune 500) are usually not advertised outside the company, which means knowing someone that is in, is key. Network, Network, Network... can never be said or done too many times.
- On your resume focus more on results than skills. For example, "Effective in group environments" says you work well in groups (which most people already do), while "active group involvement in a project that helped raise $3,000 in donations for abused families" says that you not only work effectively in groups but you have the results to prove it (which most people might not have). Find out what skills companies are looking for and customize to that, be exactly what they are looking for. Same thing goes for work samples and portfolio, you have the proof, so show them instead of just telling them what your abilities are.
- Make use of every available option for job searching and market yourself whenever and wherever possible.
- Distinguish yourself in the interview by being well prepared. Practice interview questions and ask questions yourself about something that you read about the company that maybe they didn't mention, they'll be impressed that you took the time to research. Be sure to follow up with phone calls and e-mails to let them know you are interested. The attention will pay off because even though you might not be the most qualified, they will want to hire you versus someone more fit for the position that never bothered to call once.
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These are some other articles also dedicated to job searching in time of recession:
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Leyda Hernandez
leyda.h.v@gmail.com
www.makingmovesincollege.blogspot.com
