The global credit crisis and flat-lining domestic economy have turned this into one of the
most challenging times to be looking for a job in
recent history. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
approximately 14 million people are currently unemployed, about twice as
many since the recession started in December 2007. And while the
January 2011 unemployment rate fell to 9 percent -- the lowest level in
nearly two years -- that rate is still high by historical standards.
To be a successful job seeker in this climate, you have to be calm, patient and proactive -- and try any (or all) of these tips.
Pick and Choose Your Targets When Jack Hinson was laid off in mid-2008 from his job at a large Internet content company in Austin, he
prioritized his
search. “It’s important to put your time and energy into opportunities
that you’re the most interested in and that have the best chance of
coming to fruition,” he says. “Pick a few companies you’re interested in
and pursue them, whether they have current openings or not.”
Concentrate on Growth Industries Brent
Berger, a Las Vegas-based scenario planning and strategy consultant,
suggests focusing on growth industries and areas. “Look at energy,” he
says. “With oil costs where they are, the need for cheap fuel and cheap
heat is ever-mounting. And any job that alleviates pain is
recession-proof. Similarly, the National Guard,
Border Patrol,
homeland security and the defense industry in general will continue to thrive as the next stage in the war on terror continues.”
Work Your Network Hinson’s
new gig came from an old connection. “I’d spoken to the company’s
founders about a year ago and stayed in touch,” he says. “Then I ran
into one of them at a
networking function.” So flip through your Rolodex or business social media contacts and let them know you’re looking.
Sell Yourself San
Francisco PR account executive Samantha Rubenstein launched a job
search just as the economy began to flag. After three months, she got a
great offer from Atomic PR. She attributes her success to doing more
than learning about the company. “Preparation [includes] learning how to
talk about yourself in a meaningful and powerful way,” she says. “I
created a list of potential
interview questions and typed up bulleted answers to create speaking points.”
Consider Freelancing Russ
Carr, a designer and writer in St. Louis, has twice had a line on a job
only to see it slip away when the employer lost a key account or
decided to distribute the duties among current employees. To keep some
money coming in, Carr started freelancing. “I haven’t stopped trying to
shop myself for a full-time gig again, but freelancing certainly has
kept food on the table,” he says. “If you’re in a field that supports
it, don’t think twice -- just do it.”
Take a Temporary Position If
freelancing isn’t practical, try temping. “Consider interim staffing to
fill a temporary slot for work that needs to be done despite the
economy,” advises Ronald Torch, president and CEO of the Torch Group, a
marketing staffing firm in Cleveland. Or temp with a company that
interests you. “Many of these options pay well and can carry the burden
of bill-paying until a permanent position comes along,” he says.
Sweat the Small Stuff “Don’t
forget the personal touches,” counsels Felicia Miller, assistant
director of career services at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. “Don’t
use a template cover letter -- make sure each letter addresses specific
skills or qualities the company is looking for. And always send a
thank-you note or email after the interview. Use this correspondence as an opportunity to revisit weak areas of your interview.”
Stay Positive The
most important thing when searching for a job in tough economic times
is to retain a positive attitude, says Carol Vecchio, founder and
executive director of Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal
in Seattle. “Even in a job market with 10 percent unemployment, there’s
90 percent employment,” she says. “There is an average of over 3 million
jobs available in the US per month -- and each job seeker is looking
for one. Those are pretty good odds.”
Struggling to find a great
job in a bad economy can be a drag, but undertaking even a few of these
tips will improve your chances of landing a gig. “Remember it doesn’t
matter how many jobs are or aren’t out there,” Vecchio says. “You’re
just looking for one -- the
right one for you.”
(Based on
career-advice.monster.com )
