The labor market is not showing signs of a decline in the unemployment rate
just yet, and the first employment report of 2009 does not indicate signs of a
rebound for at least several months. However, it’s not all gloom and doom on
the job front. There are bright spots in certain industries. More good news is
government’s massive economic stimulus plan, which will help create jobs and
stimulate the economy. Opportunities are certainly present in tough economic
times, but searching for a job in this economy does require some extra effort.
As long as you stay determined, hone your most marketable qualities, and keep a
positive attitude, your job searching efforts will pay off. Here is advice on
landing a job in 2009:
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Utilize online social networking. Networking is a tried and true technique, and
with today’s technology, there are many ways to network. Consider joining a
professional online networking site, such as LinkedIn or Brightfuse. Facebook
is another online networking source that can help you advance your job search.
Also, online resume posting services are extremely useful and create more
opportunities for prospective employers to contact you for an interview.
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Consider creating your own Web site or starting your own blog. These are great
ways to showcase your skills, publicize your credentials, and advance your
communication networks. A forward-thinking approach may be your ticket to
standing out in a crowd.
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Connect with a recruiter. Working with a recruiter is a job search method that
can open up new doors and accelerate your search. A recruiter can help you find
a part-time job or freelance work, which would help you to polish your skills
and expand your network.
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Attend job fairs. Job fairs give you an opportunity to sell yourself directly
to the people most likely setting up the interviews. It’s an ideal venue to
meet new contacts and increase your network. Also, attending a job fair can be
a confidence booster because of the positive interactions. You can also get a
feel for the competition you’re up against, which may encourage you to augment
your job search plan.
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Keep informed on what’s going on in the industries you’re most interested in.
Learn where job growth is most likely to occur—CareerBuilder.com and the Bureau
of Labor Statistics are useful resources. Being knowledgeable about specific
job sectors will help you focus your search and energies in the right places.
You don’t want to sell yourself to a company that doesn’t seem to have growth
potential or cannot match your needs and values.
Even though job cuts have been a reoccurring topic in the news, there will
always be consumer needs that influence product and service demands, which
ultimately rely on the execution of jobs. There are currently job opportunities
in a variety of industries that promise security, and as more stimulus tactics
get underway, these opportunities will multiply.
