Job Hunting in a Tough Economy

Job Hunting in a Tough Economy

A tough economy usually results in a tough job market. Below are tips to keep in mind during your job search.

Be patient.

Your job search will probably take longer than it would in a strong economy. Start early. Even in a strong economy, it can take a while for organizations to hire people, sometimes 2 to 6 months or more.
After you've applied for a position, follow up occasionally to ask about the positon's status. If you're wondering when to follow up, there's no set answer to that, because each organization's hiring process is different. The point is to show your interest without overdoing it. Use your best judgement about that, and follow application guidelines.

Be open to different types of jobs.

Stay open-minded about where you might work and what field you'll work in. Keep your options open. Be flexible.
Be sure you research job openings at large and small organizations, at businesses and nonprofits.
Consider temporary employment. Companies are using temps for help desks, service areas, event planning, marketing, and other positions. Temp positions are listed on GoldPASS. You can also search for "temp agencies" or "staffing agencies" in your local yellow pages or online. Note: Don't use temp agencies that charge a fee—reputable ones don't charge.
Some staffing agencies (for temporary positions) seek specific skills sets, like graphic design, IT, marketing, and so on. These temp jobs can offer a way to gain experience in your preferred field, and get your foot in the door.

Get an internship or a volunteer position.

By doing an internship (or multiple internships), you become a stronger job candidate. Internships grow your skills and provide you with another position to list on your resume.
Be open to unpaid internships, not just paid ones. They both carry equal weight on a resume.
It's increasingly common for employers to convert internships into full-time jobs, rather than hire someone new. This may happen more in a bad economy, because it allows employers to simplify the hiring process and see if the intern would be a good fit. (An internship can also help you decide if the organization/job is a good fit.)
Volunteer somewhere. It's a great way to grow a network of contacts. Intensive volunteer positions are similar to internships. But even if you volunteer just a few hours a week, you'll benefit from it, and you'll have another experience to list on your resume.

Network.

Networking is the most important skill to gain right now. Ask for business cards when you meet people. Stay in touch with people you meet.

Don't Be Afraid of Networking
It doesn't have to be intimidating. See our Networking page for tips.

Remember to build relationships in person too, not just online.
Network by going on informational interviews. The point of these is not to ask for a job. The point is to get information and advice from a professional in a field/organization that interests you.
After you've made a new contact—or conducted an informational interview—ask if they recommend anyone else for you to talk to. This is an easy way to grow your network.
Once you've made a contact through networking, stay in touch every 2 or 3 months. You might just say hello, or you can ask for advice about the current job market and/or openings you'd be qualified for.
Take the initiative to contact the human resources department of organizations you'd like to work for. Ask to talk to a recruiter or someone informed about job openings. Sometimes you'll be turned down and sometimes you won't. If you talk to someone, ask if you can send a copy of your resume, or visit the organization to learn more about it.
Get creative. Offer to do volunteer work or special projects at organizations that interest you. Lots of organizations will say no, but some will say yes, and you might gain a great contact from the experience.

Build your skills.

If you can list a lot of different skills and experiences on your resume, you're more likely to be successful in your job search. Employers seek job applicants who are well-rounded and have the specific skills needed for the job.
Hone your writing and communication skills. Demonstrate these in your resumes, cover letters, and interviews.
In your resumes or interviews, don't just talk about specific skills you have (like knowledge of a computer program or language.) Also talk about the broad skills you have. For example, if you've held a retail or waitressing job, focus on the fact that you gained these skills from it: conflict resolution, people skills, communication, attention to detail, working under pressure, responsibility, teamwork, meeting deadlines, and leadership. Employers like to know you have these skills because they're important in all jobs.
According to employers, these are some of the traits/skills they seek most: communication skills (written and oral communication), strong work ethic, ability to work well on a team, initiative, good problem-solving, leadership skills, creativity, ability to learn quickly, strong critical-thinking abilities, flexibility, computer skills, organizational skills

Work on the way your present yourself—on paper, online, and in person.

Be mindful of everything you post online, especially social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. Some employers look at those sites to learn about job applicants. Even if your privacy settings are high, people might find a way to view your page. (Potential employers might even ask you to show them.)

The secret to a successful interview is to plan ahead and practice. See our Guide to Effective Interviewing.

When you apply for a job, learn everything you can about the organization and the position, so you're well prepared if they contact you. This is always important, but more so during a bad economy, when the competition is tighter.
Tailor your resume to each job description. Be sure your resume includes key words from the job description.
Proofread everything. Proofread your cover letter and resume, and any emails you send. Have someone else proofread them too. Be sure you addressed the right person and the right organization, and that you spelled the names correctly.
When you're in a social situation where you might meet people to network with—be sure to speak articulately, dress professionally, and be confident. Look people in the eye and be yourself.

Try to stay positive and active.

Jobs will open up! Job turnover is inevitable. Positions will open up because people retire, move, change jobs, and so on. If you're persistent, you'll get a job.
Remember the percentages—the majority of working-age people are employed, even during a very bad economy.
When you network or meet with employers, be positive. Employers aren't likely to hire someone with a negative attitude. Try to be positive without seeming desperate for a job.
Keep doing activities that will make you a strong job applicant and grow your network, and maybe be fun too!

created 5/09

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