Handling the Job Search: Tips for Getting a New Job in a Recession

Millions of people have recently revised their resumes in search of new jobs during this economic recession. With an open mind and strategic approach, it is possible to find jobs in a recession. Read on to discover helpful hints for a successful job search.

Did you suddenly find yourself in the midst of an aggressive job search due to the recent recession? Millions of other professionals are also looking for ways to find jobs in a recession. However, this means that you need to develop a strategy and a competitive edge to get your resume noticed, ace that interview and join an exciting new organization. Whether you are a blue collar worker or guru on an executive job search, these tips for getting a new job in a recession will position you for professional success.

Don’t Limit Your Possibilities

Have you spent the last 20 years working in the exact same industry? The recession has created a golden opportunity for you to transfer your skill into an exciting new field, so don’t limit your possibilities.

If you only perform a job search within the field you are used to working in, you are probably missing out on the real opportunities to find jobs in a recession. For example, if you’ve spent 20 years in manufacturing and suddenly found yourself off the line, consider exploring related fields that require the same types of skills, such as agriculture or transportation.

Highlight Skills and Not Experience

Modern businesses are looking for employees with certain skill sets, not necessarily experience in a certain field. Perform a broad, skill-based job search instead of limiting yourself to a certain industry. Your resume should contain a bulleted summary of the practical workplace skills you possess, such as management, public speaking, working with multidisciplinary teams, scheduling, accounts payable/receivable, just to name a few.

These are general skills that are applicable across a broad range of industries. If you showcase your skills during your job search, you will find that employers are more likely to interview you despite your lack of direct experience in a certain industry.

Use Your Networking Skills

Jobs in a recession are scarce; therefore employers are very selective about advertising job vacancies. Rely on your networking skills to acquire inside information from your friends, family and professional contacts. You might discover a fabulous job vacancy that didn’t turn up online or in the papers during your initial job search.

Networking skills are especially important during an executive job search. For the executive job search, competition is generally fierce and you must stop at nothing to be recognized above other candidates. Having a personal contact also increases your chances of landing an interview and the job.

Be Open and Flexible

Millions of people are engaged in a job search during this recession. It is important that you maintain an open mind and a flexible approach to find jobs in a recession. This might mean relocation, commuting, or even accepting a job with lesser compensation or fewer benefits. The key to success in any type of job search in a recession is weighing the costs and doing what it takes to survive during these difficult economic times.

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