Looking for work in
tough times takes effort
By Gary M. Moore
Employee Asset Development Consultant
Newspapers and news Web sites nationwide recently shouted that 2001 ended
with the unemployment rate at a 6-year high (5.8%). There had been five straight
months of serious business payroll slashing and the Associated Press wire
story implied that we experienced the largest loss of jobs in recent years.
So what does this mean to those of us who are interested in getting another
job? Does it mean it's harder to get a new job these days? Yes.
Are there any positives to be out looking for a job right now? Absolutely.
Think about it in these terms.
Point 1: Finding a job takes a lot of your valuable time and energy.
During the mid-late 90's many jobs were created as the economy was growing
quickly. The assumption was the growth would continue.
However, many of those newly created jobs have now been eliminated leaving
many individuals and families without an income. The hard work many placed
on finding those jobs must start over again.
Point 2: Jobs available today will probably be positions tomorrow.
Most jobs that are available today have been closely scrutinized. They are
the positions whose worth the company has evaluated and has concluded that
the job is needed in slower times as well. And that's good news for you when
you get hired. In fact, a fair question to ask a prospective employer is,
"What economic factors would have to take place before you'd eliminate
this position we're discussing."
Point 3: More applicants are out looking for jobs and they are less
qualified than you are. Promising candidates like you stand out better when
a prospective employee has to search through a larger stack of resumes. Make
sure your application clearly highlights your strengths, skill sets, and knowledge.
Take additional time putting together your resume. It may be an excellent
investment to contact a professional resume service to make yours stand out.
Your newspaper's employment Web site has excellent tips for putting together
a resume with punch.
Showcase your skills and experience that offers value to their company. Your
goal is to have them thinking, "We don't want to lose this one."