| Finding a Job in Today's Market
At one time, a job candidate with a decent resume
and little or no experience could walk into virtually any interview knowing that
an offer was inevitable. Candidates would send out 10 resumes hoping to get 2 or
3 responses, but they would instead get 20 responses, many from headhunters,
whose business was booming like never before.
It used to be almost impossible to find a company that *wasn't* hiring. Today, the job market
appears the very antithesis of those glory days. Seemingly endless layoffs,
missed forecasts, a major NASDAQ correction and events abroad have led us to an
uncomfortable phase of economic unrest. Jobs, of course, are no longer easy to
come by; and many of the unemployed have found themselves "on the
bench" for weeks, then months.
But the cyclical nature of the US economy is a known fact; and a downturn was
not only expected but inevitable. Instead of stressing and worrying at such
times, we should rise to the occasion and meet the new challenges. In this job
race, the only survivors are those who fit themselves with a stellar resume and
a die-hard attitude.
Following are some tips on accelerating your search for a new job:
- Get a Positive Attitude:
While it may not be easy these days, it is an absolute must to remain
positive and optimistic.
- Be Aware of Job Security:
Don't wait for your company to go out of business before you start looking
for a new job. If you have any reason to believe your job is in jeopardy,
update your resume and start testing the waters. When the time seems right,
make the jump if it is to a better, more secure job.
- Search Online:
Regardless of the industry you are in, you are missing out on major
opportunities if you aren't looking for a job online. Internet use allows
you to send out more resumes far quicker than any other way. Create free
accounts at sites such as Monster.com, ComputerJobs.com, or HeadHunter.net
and begin sending our resumes with a just a few clicks.
- Be Proactive: If
you would normally send out 5 resumes a day, start sending out 10 or even
20. Don't be picky with the companies you choose -- get in as many
interviews as you can now, and be pick with the *offers* later. If a job
listing has a both a contact phone number and email address, pick up the
phone and call them -- it is far too easy for an email to be filed away for
later.
- Totally revamp your resume:
While your old resume might have landed you a job in yesterday's booming
market, today competition is as tight as ever. Your resume is your first
impression with an employer; it will get you interviews or cause you to lose
them. Consider having your resume re-written by experienced editors -- for
example, the Killer Resume offers resume editing and writing by Harvard-educated
professionals who have a great deal of experience with what works and what
doesn't in resumes.
- Polish Your Interviewing
Skills: Once you begin interviewing, be sure prepare yourself for
each meeting. Interviewers are impressed by confident individuals who show
strong communication skills and eagerness for the position. When in doubt,
always wear a suit and tie to the interview. Mention a willingness to work
in groups but the ability to carry your own weight. Research the company's
website before the interview, and if you are able to slip in a few facts
during the interview (e.g. "I'd particularly be interested in working
with your Open Server product") it will score you extra points.
Remember -- the more you interview, the better you will get at it. This is
particularly true because most interviewers ask the exact same questions.
Soon enough, the answers will flow out of your mouth before you even hear
the whole question.
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