ShareThisMargot Carmichael Lester, a Monster.com contributing writer, offers the following advice for job searching during our current global credit crises and flat-lining domestic economy:
"To be a successful job seeker in this climate, you have to be calm, patient and proactive -- and try any of these tips," Lester says.
-- "Pick and choose your targets. When Jack Hinson was laid off in mid-2008 in Austin, Texas, 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. Energy, and anything related to the defense industry in general will continue to thrive."
-- "Work your network. Flip through your Rolodex or business social media contacts and let them know you're looking." And that includes all family and all friends.
-- "Sell Yourself. San Francisco PR account executive Samantha Rubenstein found job search success in three months. She says, 'Preparation includes learning how to talk about yourself in a meaningful and powerful way. I created a list of potential interview questions and typed up bulleted answers to create speaking points.' "
-- "Consider freelancing. Russ Car, a designer and writer in St. Louis says, 'Freelancing certainly has kept food on the table. 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." Temping helps you network with employers that need you, and it helps with the bottom line -- bills!
-- "Sweat the small stuff. Says 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, and always send a thank-you note or e-mail after the interview.'"
-- "Stay positive. Carol Vecchio, of Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal in Seattle, says, 'Even in a job market with 10 percent unemployment, there's 90 percent employment. There are an average of over 3 million jobs available in the U.S. per month -- and each job seeker is looking for one. Pretty good odds!' "
Thanks to Margot Carmichael Lester, Monster.com. Good advice.
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)
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