Friday, July 26, 2013

How to Find a Great Job During a Recession

Steps

  1. 1
    Update your resume. This is the first impression that employers have of you, so make sure that it is perfect.
    • Make sure all job and education information is current.
    • Have someone else or more than one person proof it for you.
    • Make sure your references are up-to-date and that you have permission from the people to include them on your resume.
  2. 2
    Post your resume online. Many job search engines not only have job postings, but allow you to share your resume online and add keywords so potential employers can search through the files to find you. Headhunters also scour through online posted resumes to try and pair people up with potential employers.
  3. 3
    Search the job section of your local newspaper. Sunday editions usually have the most listings, and a large number of newspapers post them online as well.
  4. 4
    Use the web to advance your job search. Use an online search tool to search locally, regionally, nationally or even globally if you are willing to relocate.
    • Visit http://www.monster.com/ to run a search in the geographical area or areas that you are seeking, search by job type or search by keyword. Monster also give you resume tools, career tools and an advice section.
    • Search for jobs at http://www.careerbuilder.com/. You can also use the site's advice and resource section.
  5. 5
    Speak to a headhunter service about placing you in a job. Such services usually work with higher-end clients, so your income potential may be greater.
  6. 6
    Realize that the more applications that you put out there, the greater your chance of finding that new job. You will only get the first interview from a percentage of the people that you apply with, and subsequently you will only get further interviews or offers from an even smaller percentage of those.
  7. 7
    Treat your application process like a job. Allocate an assigned number of hours each day to your job hunt process. Use this time to fill out applications, submit resumes, send thank you letters for interviews and more. This will help keep you in a routine and will help you make an organized effort to find a new career.
  8. 8
    Practice for your interview with family and friends. Consider downloading interview questions to have them read and create a dialogue with you.
  9. 9
    Dress professionally and come prepared for your interview.
  10. 10
    Follow-up every interview with a handwritten thank you.