Tips For Job Hunting During A Recession

By Hucky Austin

We are fortunate in the executive protection field; crime doesn’t stop when the economy is in recession. Unfortunately, crime can actually increase. Jobs in the security field such as international security experts, police officers, private security guards, theft prevention specialists and even detectives are in high demand.

If you are a job-seeker, this time can be somewhat challenging, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience or training. Here are some tips to help Job Seekers during these trying times.

1. The Job Search is Your Job

Establish some sort of a routine for your search; start at a certain time every day to begin your work and have a game plan. Set a specific number of places to send materials every day or every week and plan on spending a specific amount of time every day devoted to the search. Plan to spend at least the amount of time you would spend working a part-time job at the task of finding employment (4 hours).

2.  Success is in the Details

Treat every single job opening you apply for as a unique circumstance. Don’t use a template cover letter. Write your own or have a professional assist you. Each letter should have one paragraph that addresses the specific position and skills the company is seeking. Make sure materials are clean, neat, and free from typos or grammatical errors. Nothing will eliminate you from the talent pool faster than a poorly written cover letter. Revamp your materials during these difficult times so you can be competitive. Use good paper. Send thank you notes after interviews and always, always be nice to the receptionist at the front desk!

3. Keep Accurate Records

Keep records of every resume you send, to whom, and the date. This will serve as your guide later to follow up with employers. You’d be surprised how many people just send out resumes all over the place and never follow up. Take note of the job title, specific skills or experience they’ve asked for, the H.R. person to whom you’ve sent your materials, and the date that you’ve sent it. Follow up within 3-5 days with a brief letter or e-mail or telephone call confirming that your materials have been received. Also, keep those notes handy, so that if you receive a call (or make a follow-up call) you can refer to your notes to better discuss the job, the company, and other important details. That phone call is important; it is an easy opportunity for the H.R. person to pre-screen so they make good use of their time when scheduling interviews.

4. Communicate With Colleagues & Your Network

A lot of individuals get depressed when they cannot find work, and tend to pull away from friends and even become isolated. Don’t let your pride get in the way-tell your colleagues in the business that you’re looking for work-and need their help. Just getting out and socializing is good for your morale, and you will be able to hear about potential opportunities. Ask if your colleagues could arrange for an informational interview with their employer. This is an interview where you’re not being considered for a specific job; you just would like to learn more about the company and more about what job skills you need in order to be considered for future employment.

5.  Educate Yourself

Just because you’re not working doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for you to advance in your career. Maybe this is the perfect time for you to take a temp job or part-time job working undercover surveillance at a department store or working the guardhouse for a gated community, while also doing coursework to enhance your EPS skills. Be sure to do your homework as to reputable training programs. If it looks to good to be true; it probably is.

Above all, stay positive and motivated, with your eye on the prize. Remember, these hard times are not going to last forever.