Career Talk JDR

During tough economic times, obtaining a good job can be more difficult than ever.  There are more people than usual looking for work and there are fewer jobs.  So how do you ensure that you will make it through the tough times?  Here are some tips for finding a position and other things that you can do to help make it through and keep yourself marketable.

·         Drop any unnecessary expenses immediately.  You can probably survive without getting your nails done or going out to dinner every night of the week, and cutting down on these things will be a big help in getting by on less money until you have found a job. 

·         Expect to look for 2 or 3 months before you cultivate anything promising; most job hunts are taking approximately 6 months so do not get discouraged.  Spend at least 4 hours a day job-hunting and if you run out of job ads for opportunities, spend your time networking or researching companies that you might like to work for.

·         Start looking immediately.  In the meantime, if you can supplement your income, do it.  Delivering pizzas or working as a cashier at a local grocery store are options if you can’t find temporary work in your field…and in these positions you might get some discounts on food as well.  Be sure to as the recruiters you work with if they have any contract projects you can do on an interim basis, as well.

·         Put your skills to work for you!  Especially in IT, there are opportunities to pick up side work.  Many smaller companies could use some help, but might not be able to pay a fulltime person.  Ask around everywhere you go.

·         Use this time to enhance your skills.  Study, take certifications and take any chance you have to use your skills, even if it is just volunteering.  Taking these steps will help keep your skills more up-to-date, in the eyes of any potential employer.

·         Only about 25% of all jobs are advertised, so you need to resort to less widely used tactics.  Pick one day a week to make cold calls, visit bulletin boards in company lobbies and attend as many local events as possible (user groups, etc…).  This strategy will help set yourself apart from others and help achieve recognition of who you are.  Its human nature, people are more likely to hire who they know.

·         Get rid of your pride.  Look at the jobs that are available.  If given the opportunity, take less money and a different role and at least you will get by until you can find something else.  Remember, if you take a lesser position with less money, it is often easier to work your way back up the ladder quickly once you are working within an organization.  And making $0 for a year while you look for the “right salary” job leaves you MORE in debt than taking the lower salary job in the first place.

·         Make a list of former colleagues who are now in leadership positions.  Carefully craft emails to each explaining that you are looking for your next challenge and remind that manager how your experience can make an impact for their current team.

·         Keep track of everything you do.  It is helpful to know which companies and people you have already spoken with or applied to, in order to seem more organized.  If your job search is not organized, why would anyone think your work would be?

·         Stay positive!  It is often helpful to get together with peers and colleagues who have also lost their job or been laid off.  Not only can this function as a support group, but you can also share information about open positions, people you know within organizations, interview situations, etc.  Network with your support group regularly, and get everyone together once a week to discuss any movement and leads.

There are many other things that can be done to secure a new job; but keep these tips in mind and you will be assured to have an easier transition period between jobs.