The Secret to Job Searching in a Tough Economy

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When the economy looks bleak and newscasters continue to talk doom and gloom, it can be easy to lose faith in your job search. However, no matter how terrible the economy gets, people are still working and companies are still creating products. Even though companies may be laying off employees, others will need to hire. So although there may be fewer jobs to choose from, they are still out there.

In order to be successful in your job search during these tough times, it will take some innovative techniques and a little bit more effort. Here are a few ways that you can successfully capture employers’ attention:

1.     Highlight your skills: When you are up against a ton of competition, you need to stand out more than ever. So make sure to properly highlight your skills in your resume and cover letter, as well as your top achievements. Also pay attention to transferable skills that can be applied to many job areas, such as teamwork, leadership, and organization. You can’t afford to be shy during your job search. Don’t forget to play up these skills and achievements in the interview as well. 

2.     Market Yourself: Mentioned earlier, in your job search you are a product that you need to sell to potential employers. The way you appear in your resume and cover letter has a lot to do with your appeal as a product. After you’ve gotten the attention of a hiring committee, you need to package your product properly by dressing for success, being prepared for your interview, and practicing interview questions.

You also need to develop a marketing plan. It should utilize all available resources in order to find job leads, and should also help you represent yourself to potential employers. Remember to make your plan as detailed as possible and stick to concrete and attainable goals. 

3.     Get Running Out of the Gate: As soon as you find out that you are in the hunt for a new job, get out there. You don’t want to waste any time getting yourself out there because you don’t want to lose any opportunities. Especially when the competition is tough, you need to get out there. Many people take their time starting their job search, while others will decide to go back to school … this will mean that some of your competition is subtracted, so it’s the best time to get going.

4.     Target Your Job Search: When times are tough, it is essential that you target your job search effectively. Focus on companies that are most likely to be hiring. You can find this out by staying up to date on the news to find out the happenings of businesses. Small to medium sized businesses tend to be the best bet for companies that will continue to grow and hire. There are also industries like healthcare, government, and teaching which are recession proof, meaning they will always be hiring. 

5.     Stay Calm and Optimistic: Job searching can be emotionally charged no matter what the circumstances, but in challenging economic times it gets even more stressful. Remember that a job search takes time, especially to find fulfilling employment, and so you need to stick with it. Many job hunters get quickly frustrated and abandon their search or return to school. Try to avoid making any rash decisions, and remember that when your competition gets frustrated, the candidate pool will decrease and, therefore, could be the perfect time for you to find your perfect job.