Looking for a job in a tight economy can be daunting. Many industries have been all but decimated and countless others are struggling through reorganizations and downsizings. On the surface it seems that there couldn't be a worse time for job hunting. However, today's climate offers opportunity for reinvention. Job seekers who find themselves with few prospects in their previous field have an opportunity to discover previously untapped talents and think creatively about putting those talents to work for them.
Identify and Define Strengths as Benefits to Potential Employers
The first step to job hunting in this economy is to make a list of personal strengths. Consider tasks managed in previous positions, duties performed in volunteer roles, and specific things used in everyday life.
Employers want to know how strengths can be used to help their company achieve its objectives and goals. Once a list of strengths has been created, job seekers must find a way to paint a picture of how those strengths can help a business. Where possible, the strengths should be tied to tangible examples so that employers can get a clear visual picture of how the strength plays out in the real world and relates to their business.
Write a Resume That Sells
It's essential that the resume clearly conveys the benefits of a prospective employee's strengths to the potential employer. Use clear, concise, tight language when writing the resume. Provide facts and figures using a bulleted list so that an employer can quickly review the qualifications.
Customize the Cover Letter to Match the Job
The biggest mistake made by most job seekers is to use a generic cover letter. By customizing the cover letter, a prospective employee has an opportunity to really dial in the benefits to the employer of hiring them. The cover letter should open with an attention grabbing line, followed by a quick summary of why this resume is different from all the others.
To accomplish this, get online and do a little homework. Check out the company website and blog. Read about the key players, prominent customers and top employees. Use this information in the letter to showcase resourcefulness and persistence.
Network With Prospective Employers
When targeting a specific company, it is a good idea to find out who makes the hiring decisions for a specific department then get to know that person. Find out if they are involved in any clubs or networking groups, then attend a fun and get someone to make an introduction.
Online resources like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter offer an opportunity to connect with people that might normally not return a phone call. A word of caution, if an online profile includes photos or posts that an employer might object to,don't use that profile to connect with the decision maker.
Follow Through on the Job Search
This is where the rubber meets the road. After putting time in to identify prospective employers determine the best approach, send out the resume and start making phone calls. This paints a picture of proactivity, which is very attractive to employers.
Prepare Answers to Common Objections
Being aware of stereotypes regarding a former field is essential. These stereotypes serve as a great foundation to preparing the list of objections that someone about to make a hiring decision might consider. For example, sales managers are sometimes thought of as salespeople who couldn't make it on their own. Mortgage brokers are often perceived as aggressive closers. Overcome these misconceptions by showcasing accomplishments that prove the opposite.
To find a job in this economy, it's essential to be proactive and prepared. Even if a friend offers a referral into a company, don't bank on the relationship securing the position. Every dollar counts more now than ever before. Employers want to know that employees will be part of the team working to advance corporate objectives. Job candidates must demonstrate that they are willing and prepared to get to work.
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