Looking for jobs in a recession requires job seekers to change their tactics. Follow these tips, and shift your approach to focus on the needs of the employer. Identify the skills that set you apart, and how you will bring value to their organization.
Consider Contract/Temporary work/Freelance
Think about contract or temporary work to pay the bills temporarily or to get your foot in the door with a company or industry that interests you. Often times these assignments can lead to full-time employment. Many companies will even offer benefits packages for temporary and contract employees.
Concentrate on Stable or Growing “Recession-
• Education
• Energy: jobs related to oil and gas, alternative energy and nuclear power.
• Health care: nurses, physical therapists, physician and medical assistants, home health aides and medical records/information technicians.
• International business: professionals with strong knowledge of other cultures and an ability to work in another country.
• Technology
• Environmental sector: growing interest in energy conservation and green energy is driving demand for people with skills in sustainability issues.
Diversify your job skills through additional training.
Specialized skills make you more valuable to your employer. Explore classes, workshops, and other training opportunities in order to set yourself apart and gain a professional advantage. Many employers offer tuition-reimbursement programs or professional development initiatives. Broadening your skill set will also make you a more flexible and versatile employee.
Recognize the Bottom Line
The current economic conditions have made businesses more bottom-line-
Develop a marketing strategy for yourself
Identify current and future pain points for the organization and how your skills will address those and add value. Stop asking “What’s in it for me?” and start asking “What’s in it for them?” Stay focused on what you can accomplish for your next employer. Show them that you understand the “bigger picture” of the role you play in moving the company forward, and let them know what you are going to do to create value and help them move forward.
Networking, Networking, Networking
They say it’s all about networking, and they’re right. With sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and blogs, you have the opportunity to expand your network even further online. Connect with new contacts and reconnect with those you may have fallen out of touch with. Follow blogs and become a part of online forums about job searching and the company or industry that interests you. There are industry-specific organizations that hold events open to the public. Get out there and meet industry professionals in person and make contacts. You never know where a job opportunity may come from. Some organizations in the Boston area:
• Boston Ad Club www.adclub.org
• NEDMA (New England Direct Marketing Association)
• AMA (American Marketing Association)
• MITX (Massachusetts Innovation and Technology Exchange) www.mitx.org
• Boston Chamber of Commerce www.bostonchamber.com
• Mass High Tech www.masshightech.com
• Boston Young Professionals www.bostonypa.com
• NEHRA (New England Human Resources Association)
• Boston Business Journal www.bizjournals.com/
Stay Positive
The most important thing when searching for a job in tough economic times is to retain a positive attitude. Even in a job market with 10% unemployment, 90% of people are still employed.
By combining these strategies with job seeker best practices like having a clear, clean resume and maintaining professionalism during an interview, you will be able to effectively navigate the challenging job market.
