Sunday, January 18, 2009

5 Ways to Find a Job in a Bad Economy

1. What Will You Bring To The Company?
Stop this, “I need to interview a company first and see if they are worth my time.” If you look at unemployment, there are more candidates looking now than in recent history creating more competition. You can still see if you like the company, but change the focus. During the interview, talk about how your accomplishments will help you be successful in your new role. The candidates who focus on how they will benefit the company and why the company should hire them will get further in the interviewing process and will have more job offers.

2. Target Growing Companies
Today’s economy is affecting everyone and everything! Yet some companies are growing while other companies in the same industry are doing lay-offs. Search for lists like, Forbes’ Fast 25 Technology Companies, The Inc. 500 list, or even just Google “fast growing companies in your city.” If the company is growing, apply. If there is not a job right now, there will be. Begin making the connection.

3. Do More Than Just Apply
Do not submit your resume and assume you are being considered for the position. I receive over 200 resumes/day for job openings and know I am guilty of missing a qualified applicant every now and then. Follow up with a phone call to make sure someone sees and reviews it. Don’t pressure and call every day, but do call and make sure someone knows your name and is reviewing your application.

4. Make Friends
You will be hired faster if someone is rooting for you on the inside. If you see a company you are interested in, call someone and ask for their time to learn more about the company and share how you will make a difference. Send this person a thank you and build the relationship. Many employees receive a bonus for referring someone in and this same person can talk to the manager for you. You will be hired faster, have less competition and overall more job opportunities with the more friends looking for openings in their companies.

5. Bring on New Business
Companies are laying off left and right, yet sales people are truly the last to go. Look for positions where there is a direct connection to the amount of revenue to your job title. Even if you do not see yourself cold-calling all day, find another way to connect revenue to your position. If you can talk about how you will save or make an employer money in this economy, you are one step above of your competition.

6 comments:

  1. Trisha- This is a great way to start your job search advice; well written, concise and on target. I particularly like #4, Make Friends, it's a valuable recommendation you don't frequently hear. The corollary is to search for introductions on networking sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook but this approach is more personal. Keep up with HR by reading The HR Answer Blog on www.allbusiness.com.

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  2. I agree with Rebecca. I especially like #4 as well, but #3 should be taken note of as well. I think to many people, including myself, are afraid of that "pressure" you talk about. Just do it in moderation and it should make a big difference.

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  3. Trisha - these are all great tips. I often forget, or put off calling hiring managers.

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  4. Trisha- great blog! This is definitely a necessary subject in these times.

    The company I work for- VisualCV- just did a webinar covering these topics and more called "Your 2009 Job Search." It's definitely worth watching for professionals at any stage of their career.

    http://tinyurl.com/chxf5j

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  5. Rebecca,

    Great advice about using LinkedIn and Facebook! I also like spoke.com too to find hiring managers!

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  6. Katrina-I love the concept of your company and having more than a paper resume! It seems to me a more effective way of job searching too!

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