It's clear with the uncertain economy many employers are hesitant to add to their workforce. Competition for each open position can go into the hundreds of applications. Many job hunters in the face of these facts have given up the idea of finding a new job.
Job hunting during an economic downturn can be different but the fundamentals remain the same. A well written resume showing your accomplishments, focused cover letters and careful interview preparation are the same in any circumstances.
The job hunting differences where there are many more applicants for every open position means you have to build a high degree of flexibility into you job hunting plan. Moreover, it requires extra effort in finding possible jobs and a daily flow of additional job hunting activity.
Here are some ideas to incorporate into you job hunting plan:
1. Be as flexible as possible on job offers. Evaluate offers to work on a contract basis or on a specific project. Perhaps you'll be offered a part-time position. If the opportunities give you the chance to build your skills, keep some income coming in and allow you to continue your job hunt it may be a viable option.
2. Be flexible on location. With the housing values dropping all across the country, and employers eliminating moving assistance there are less candidates willing to relocate.
Don't turn down a job in another area before it may be offered. With telecommuting, possible travel assistance and other options being flexible in this area could uncover just the right job. At the very least you'll get more experience interviewing, your confidence will get a boost with an out-of-town job offer and with some negotiating it may be the right fit for you.
3. Add flexibility to your networking. Be more willing to personally meet with contacts. Building the proper relationships will pay off in more referrals and it gives you additional opportunities to effectively communicate and connect with those in your network.
Make full use of social networking sites. Get you profile on LinkedIn improved and updated so a recruiter can easily find you. Use your social networking contact to add to your networking efforts.
4. Finding possible jobs in the hidden job market requires flexibility in generating creative ways to unearth these jobs. Get help from your network. Find contacts working at possible employers and look for job opportunities. Do your research on prospective employers. Tailor all you marketing efforts to closely fit the needs of the employer.
5. Work smart in your job search plan. Increase your job hunting activity, but at the same time focus you actions on the specific and not the general.
Keep your times in front of a computer screen down to about 20% of your job searching activities. Participate at networking events, attend meetings of like-minded job hunters, have short coffee meeting with those in your network, follow-up and make phone inquiries are all important job hunting activities.
You'll get greater results targeting ten possible employers who employ individuals working in your career that just sending out 200 resumes to the names in a directory or yellow pages.
Plan to make more contacts every day, spend some time analyzing and improving your efforts and you'll get closer to the right job.
Finding the right job in a downturn can be a challenge but if you build a robust job hunting plan, work the plan every day, stay flexible, you are well on your way to a successful job hunt.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/6273304