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Posted by Editor on July 4, 2005 4:43 PM to Career News and Resources

Career News and Resources: How to Find a Job in a Jobless Recovery

Prepared by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

1. THE RESUME:
2. Obtaining INTERVIEWS:
3. THE INTERVIEW:
4. THE FOLLOW-UP:
5. BUILDING AND USING CONTACTS:

It is not what you know, it is who you know.

This adage is true to some extent. In the case of finding a job, the more appropriate wording would be — first, it is who you know, then it is what you know.

Very few people find employment solely by knowing the right people. The right people can help you get in the door, but it is still proving to the employer that your skills, experience, intelligence, etc. match the company’s needs.

Advertise your job loss. If knowing the right people helps to get your foot in the door, then it is essential that the right people know you are seeking a job.

An unfortunate obstacle to job search success is pride. Too often people are embarrassed to tell anyone about their job loss, but this secrecy will not provide any job leads. The minute you lose your job or decide you want to change jobs, start telling everyone you know that you are looking. Begin with friends, family and neighbors. Talk to former co-workers and even casual business acquaintances you may have dealt with in your position. Share your plight with people at your house of worship. You can also join new social groups, professional associations and volunteer organizations to expand your circle of potential contacts.

More Ways to Generate Contacts Prepared : Create your own personal job fair. By creating a social event such as a cookout and inviting people you do not usually see socially and who you know hold managerial positions, you can develop leads and opportunities. You learn about jobs by talking to people. In a relaxed social atmosphere, you can meet the most important job search requirement, making yourself liked, and gain valuable rapport with prospective employers.

• Pursue leads through your working spouse. The benefits of a working spouse in providing job leads through professional and social contacts have been well documented. If your spouse has a job where couples are invited to social events, you should always attend. New vistas may open up as a result.

• Accept plenty of invitations. Go to as many weddings, dinners, and parties as you can. These get-togethers offer you a marvelous chance to set up appointments later in the week where you can really sit down and talk.

• Check your local chamber of commerce . Here, files of contacts in a wide range of industries exist. Industry directories and service clubs also are good sources.

• Check the business section of your newspaper. The newspaper carries announcements of plant expansions, management changes, sales campaigns, product introductions, and other facts that can suggest where to inquire about jobs in your area of expertise.

1. THE RESUME:
2. Obtaining INTERVIEWS:
3. THE INTERVIEW:
4. THE FOLLOW-UP:
5. BUILDING AND USING CONTACTS:


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