Finding a Job in a Tough Market
Searching for a job can be difficult, but when the market is down the challenges only seem to increase. The following tips will help you land a job no matter what the circumstances.
1. Investing Time and Energy Will Pay Off
Invest as much time in your search as you would a full-time job. Create a daily routine that has clear start and end times for your daily search efforts. The time you devote to the effort will pay off and make a difference.
2. Practice Reflection and Self-Awareness
Before beginning your job search, start with self-reflection and self-awareness. These practices are best achieved through active listening and can give you a better understanding of yourself and the skills others see in you.
From reflection and feedback, develop a clear vision of what you’re looking for, what you’re good at and what you’re interested in. Know your strengths, values and limitations and be able to describe each succinctly and clearly.
3. Network, Network, Network
Letting others know that you are looking for a new opportunity can create potential shortcuts in your search. Talk to people you know in the industry — recruiters, former colleagues, bosses, mentors, family and friends — and ask for help.
Your connections can make introductions, provide references, review your resume or LinkedIn profile or help you with a round of mock interviewing. The more connections you make the more opportunities arise. Take notes and build an electronic job file so you can keep track of what you learned along the way, with whom you spoke and any required follow up.
4. Leverage LinkedIn and Other Job Websites
A LinkedIn profile is essential in the professional world. Using LinkedIn and other job websites as a portal for your resume can help get you noticed by a variety of different employers.
Be sure your resume and profile are updated. Check out our previous article for more tips on how to do this: Crafting Your Resume & LinkedIn Presence to Land Your Next Role.
5. Use Skills Enhanced by the Pandemic to Your Advantage
COVID-19 has brought about many challenges in the workplace. Rather than viewing this negatively, use the skills you have gained through navigating these unprecedented times to your advantage. These skills may include:
Working/producing remotely
Leveraging technology platforms and your digital acumen
Demonstrating agility by shifting from role to role as needs and priorities change
Communication — internal and external
Retaining/deepening working relationships with clients, vendors and third-party professionals
6. The Interview and Follow-Up
While on the look-out for a new job, dedicating time to sharpen your interview skills is vital. Check out our other articles for more tips on cleaning up your interview: Enhancing Your Interview on a Video Conference, Developing a Remarkable in-Person Interview
Remember that no one has a perfect work history. Stuff happens during the course of a career, and we learn valuable lessons in the process. Do not shy away from an unpleasant history or missteps. Instead, fully address or confront those realities as early in the process as possible.
Follow up and periodically check in with recruiters, hiring managers, and networking contacts. There is no substitute for dedicated persistence or keeping people in the loop. Timing is crucial, keep yourself top of mind and in the right place at the right time to distinguish yourself from other candidates.
Remember to write thank-you notes to everyone you contact throughout the process. Doing so will leave a good impression on the person and may be of benefit to you in the future.
7. Stay Open-Minded
Throughout the entire process, try your best to remain open-minded, creative and positive with regard to your search. The right opportunities will come at the right time.