Job Searching in a Tough Economy
News of layoffs and company closings continue to dominate media
headlines. What does this economy mean for active job seekers?
These 12 tips and tools, from Career Management Alliance
colleague, Susan Whitcomb, can help expedite a search during
challenging economic times:
Manage your mindset. You create your own reality based on the
words you use to describe things. If you say, "This economy is a
mess, and I'll never find a job," you'll likely create that
reality for yourself. If you say, "This economy is challenging,
and I'm going to look for ways to create opportunities and solve
problems in the midst of it," you'll likely create that as well.
Solve immediate/near-term problems. Don't focus your
interviewing/networking conversations on your long-term career
goals or even on what you can do for the employer long term.
Employers need people right now who can help them cut expenses
and fix the problems. Consider this metaphor. If you were in the
middle of a remodeling project and a fire started in the
kitchen, would you be interested in looking at blueprints and
sample elevations? No. You'd be interested in putting out the
fire. That's where most employers are right now--putting out
fires. Help them by focusing on their pressing needs. Those
needs might center on cutting costs, generating sales, helping
reorganize, and, if in the banking world, bringing systems into
compliance or improving underwriting standards.
If your industry has tanked, focus on your value and skill set,
not your industry expertise. I recently reviewed a resume for an
individual who had specialized in real estate finance but was
looking for opportunities in different industries. The resume
typecast him in real estate finance so that no one outside of
that industry could see his valuable skills in business
development and sales. (This is where professional resume
writers can be of tremendous help.) At the same time, if you're
looking into making an industry change, choose one that offers
growth opportunities such as renewable energy or, regrettably,
healthcare specialty areas such as cancer and diabetes.
To conduct the shortest possible job search, look for a
"Quadrant 1" position. There are essentially four types of
positions you can look for, which I'll describe in terms of four
quadrants. Quadrant 1: same position, same industry. In other
words, positions that are similar to what you've done most
recently and in the industry you've been working in. Provided
the industry is not in a downward trend, Quadrant 1 positions
will be the easiest and fastest to attain. Quadrant 2: different
position, same industry. Again, assuming the industry is not in
a downward spiral, Quadrant 2 positions will be relatively fast
to attain. Quadrant 3: same position, different industry.
Quadrant 4: different position, different industry. Positions in
a Quadrant 4 job search will take the longest to secure.
Network with a long-term attitude, even if you need work in the
short term. Networking contacts can smell fear and anxiety.
Don't go into a networking situation focusing on whether your
contact knows of any jobs. Instead, ask about where they see
opportunities, what companies would be aligned with your values
and work style, and whom they know who might benefit from
someone with your skill set and ability to contribute value.
And, spend the majority of your time networking. Limit the time
you spend applying online to no more than one hour a day--the
remainder should be in making and staying in touch with
networking contacts. This should include social
networking--LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and so on. Just make
sure your updates on these sites are full of valuable ideas and
resources for readers, rather than drawing attention to the fact
that you're out of a job!
Stand out by helping others. To find top talent, recruiters
visit sites where passive candidates congregate. For instance, a
recruiter looking for an IT expert for nonprofits might visit
www.nten.org, the Nonprofit Technology Network. The potential
candidates who will stand out to recruiters are the ones who are
taking a leadership role, serving in volunteer capacities,
answering questions for people on forums, and so on. Don't be a
secret--get out there on the radar screen. (And, there's
something almost magical that happens in being generous with
your time and talents when you yourself are in need. It's as if
giving to others plants the seeds of abundance for your own
harvest down the road.)
Be flexible. This is not the time to "hold out" for the perfect
opportunity. Know the essence of who you are and what you do
best. Shift your perspective about potential jobs to recognize
how you can use the essence of your skills, even if it's not in
the exact position or with the title you'd initially desired.
Consider the potential for an internal promotion. The majority
of jobs in larger companies are filled through internal
promotion. When considering whether to take an opportunity that
is not exactly what you dreamed of, factor in the long-term
potential with an organization.
Don't overlook companies that are cutting their workforce. There
may be opportunities within those companies if your expertise is
turnaround, cost controls, or change management.
Broaden your geographic boundaries. It may not be your first
choice, but pulling up stakes and moving to a region where the
job market is stronger than your current location can open up
new opportunities.
Take advantage of free career resources. There are a number of
free and low-cost job search services available, both public and
private. To locate the nearest Career One-Stop (sponsored by the
Department of Labor), go to http://www.servicelocator.org/. As
an example of services, you may find resume writing and job
search assistance at these centers. On the private sector, check
into career ministries offered through not-for-profit
organizations. For example, CrossroadsCareer.org lists churches
that offer job-search support groups (see http://www.crossroadscareer.org/crossroads_career_explorers/ce-career-tools-find-church.php).
Don't overlook the personal lessons to be learned. Challenging
times cause us to be more reflective and tap the deeper
reservoirs of our capacity to achieve. Ask yourself, "What do I
want to learn about myself that will increase my ability to take
action?" Or, ask this future perspective question: "What
attitudes and actions will I be most proud of as I look back on
this time?"
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