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ENHANCING YOUR CHANCES
OF GETTING A JOB
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TIPS FOR FINDING A JOB IN A DOWNTURN
1. Network, network, network
People get jobs through those that they know. Get in touch with relatives, friends, acquaintances, business contacts, professors, etc. Tell them what you're looking for, and ask if they have advice. The first person you ask won't likely be able to hand you a great job, but he or she might know someone who knows someone--you get the point.
2. Thoroughly investigate the hidden job market
"In good times, about 80% of available positions go unadvertised or posted. In a slower economy, even fewer jobs are publicly announced in any way, because employers don't want to be inundated with resumes. So dig deeper into uncovering unadvertised openings through networking, and by contacting potential employers directly. Whenever possible, register on companies' web sites to receive e-mail updates about new openings that fit your experience and skills.
3. Communicate and build relationships offline
Engage in human interaction. Don't spend all your time online. Use the phone and communicate face to face.
4. Use online networking strategically
Despite the need to network face to face, a small amount of online networking is worthwhile. But it should be done sparingly and specifically. Myworkster.com is a good site because it allows users to connect with alumni from their own college. Alumni who put themselves on that site are saying that it's OK to contact them about jobs or advice. Another key site is LinkedIn.
5. Be open to relocating
Job candidates who are willing to move are in even shorter supply than usual these days - partly because tumbling real estate values in many places mean that relocating involves selling a current residence at a bargain-basement price (in some cases, for less than is owed on it). But being open to the idea of moving improves your chances for success by giving you a much greater playing field.
6. Think outside your major
While industries like real estate and financial services contract, others like health care and insurance continue to grow. There are lots of job opportunities within those fields that aren't obvious. For instance, hospital systems need marketing, finance, and public relations employees. You might have better luck applying there instead of the more popular, big-name employers.
7. Make your resume perfect
This might seem obvious, but in past years employers were willing to overlook a few small typos since they needed to hire so many new employees. This year hiring is slowing, so employers are looking for a few candidates that come as close to perfect as possible. Put your best face--and resume--forward.
8. Attend alumni networking events
Alumni like hiring from their alma mater, so if you hear about an alumni event, attend it--even if it's not for a group you're affiliated with. It'll give you an opportunity to meet people face to face and ask questions about hiring and available positions. Again, the first person you meet might not work in your intended field, but that person might lead you to another contact.
9. Regiment yourself
Looking for a job is a job in itself. Schedule a time each day to send out resumes, conduct follow up phone calls and network and discipline yourself to do it. Increase the number of letters and phone calls you make. Plan on 15-20 mailings and 40 or more phone calls a week. Reward yourself for accomplishing your daily or weekly goals.
10. Send thank you notes
Always thank those who have given you assistance in your job search. A handwritten note means so much more than an e-mail. Take the time to write a note and it may pay off big time in the future.
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