Tips for Job Hunting During a Recession

By Doug Belton

Like so many things, searching for a job has taken on a new look.  Several people have found themselves out of work and displaced from the profession that provided their living for years.  In the old days a person could simply open up the help wanted section of the local news paper and see what was available.  These days the game has changed significantly and the job goes to the one who is employs the most effective tips for job hunting during a recession.

The problem for job seekers during a recession is that there is a flood of qualified applicants for every job that opens up.  In a phrase, we have an employers market as opposed to an employees market.  Employers will advertize for an opening via various websites or printed publications and receive hundreds, even thousands of applications for each job.  The key is not necessarily to be qualified; the key is to get your resume noticed by a hiring authority.

In most cases employers screen applications based on a number of criteria before the application gets to a hiring authority.  Most hiring authorities would rather not sift through all the data contained in applications and resumes, they rely on insiders giving them tips on who will be a good fit for the opening.  This is why you must have a well written resume and a strong networking strategy worked out.  Here are some tips for job hunting during a recession.

Put together a strong resume with an even stronger executive summary.  The people screening applications are looking for key action words in your resume and if they do not see them your resume goes in the round file.  In your executive summary include words like, dependable, strategic thinker, planner, organized, energetic, responsible, reliable, and key words specific to the industry you are applying for.

When describing your past employment talk about specific actions you took to solve specific problems.  Make sure the employers have a good sense how your work made a difference for former employers.

Get some business cards right away.  The cards should list your name, your best contact numbers, your email address, and if you have a website you should put that on the card as well.  If you do not have a company of your own, the card should simply announce you as a professional in security operations, personal or executive protection, operations management specialist, or whatever title you think best describes your services.

Learn to love networking in every way possible.  These days, the application and resume that is hand delivered to a hiring authority from someone within the organization, is the one that gets the attention.  Remember, there are in many cases thousands of applications and resumes in cyberspace for the very job you are trying to get.

Make effective use of networking websites like Facebook and Linked In.  Strike up conversations wherever you are and make sure you always have a business card on your person.  When you talk to people ask them what they do and where they work.  Find out what opportunities are available, tell them about yourself, and find out if they would be willing to take your resume in to the hiring authority.

Remember, finding a job, is a job.  Getting hired requires a great deal of dedicated time on your part.  Plan to spend at least four hours per day searching websites and other publications for opportunities, then find out who you know that works for the company that is hiring.  If necessary, find someone that can help you put together a strong resume.  Don’t give short shrift to this kind of detail.  Finally, keep records of where you have applied so you can follow up later; often persistence is the key.