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4 Ways to Find a Job in This Economy

4 Ways to Find a Job in This Economy

Annemarie Segaric | DivineCaroline

September 01, 2008

Whether you are currently working and are looking to make a change, or you’ve lost your job and are eager to get back into the workforce, this is a challenging economic climate. You can find a job, but you need to do things that your peers are not. Let me share with you four things that will help you stand out:

1. Stop taking it all personally.

It’s frustrating to apply for positions and not get any responses. The truth is, hiring managers and recruiters are being inundated with resumes and applications right now. The fact that they haven’t replied to your application has nothing to do with you. By personalizing the situation, you waste time and energy, often with the end result of feeling bad about yourself. Realize that if you want to stand out from the competition, you’ll have to stop wasting time and focus instead on the next best action to take.

2. Ask for feedback.

Find out how you can improve your chances of being hired. When you get those opportunities to speak to employers make sure you ask for specifics: Do you have feedback on my resume? How did I do in the interview? What advice do you have for me? What can I do differently to stand out next time? Many employers welcome this as an opportunity to help someone out.

3. Be proactive.

Don’t just apply for jobs online or e-mail your contacts asking for leads. Pick up the phone and make sure you follow up each contact. Call your network of friends and family and remind them of what you are looking for, and ask if they are willing to help. Be sure to ask for focused assistance. Don’t just ask them to pass on any leads they come across. Instead, ask if they have contacts in the field you are interested in or a company you would like to know more about. Will they make an introduction? If you’ve had an interview and are wondering what happened, stop wondering, pick up the phone, and find out. By following up, you demonstrate initiative and remind a busy hiring manager who you are.

4. Get out of the house and meet people.

You may feel uncomfortable with the whole idea of networking. Here’s another way to look at it. It’s about getting to know people and having them get to know you. Don’t go to functions because you feel you should. Find gatherings of people with whom you have an affinity: alumni, special interest clubs, exercise groups, community associations, classes, etc. Make it your intention to simply meet people—don’t weigh yourself down with expectations! Be open to people and to having them get to know you. We help people we like. For someone to like you, they need to get to know you. Be interested in people and what’s going on in their lives. Give yourself the gift of sharing something about yourself. If you keep the focus on building relationships you’ll naturally connect with people who will want to help you and vice versa.


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  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Denise

    8 days ago

    12 comments

    I am currently working on the get out of the house part and meeting people. This evening I will attend a presentation on how to make and extra five hundred to one thousand dollars a month at my church.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    freecherry

    12 days ago

    12 comments

    # 2 is really helpful to me. When I send my resume I just stay waiting for response passively
    Yeah, Why don't I pick up my phone? It never hurts to ask .
    I like this article.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    adar

    17 days ago

    20 comments

    I love this article, insightful and informative, just be patient and have a great attitude and you will attract good things into your life! and never stop learning...

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Jasminewalker

    19 days ago

    12 comments

    I needed this boost...now I'll follow up with the interviewer..ask his advice on how I can become MORE qualified than the rest. Thanks!

  • Annemarie_segaric_max50

    segaric

    19 days ago

    2 comments

    Hi everyone. Thanks for the great comments on my article. I see it all of the time--job seekers hoping there is some trick to finding a job. The truth is you have to be willing to work hard, feel frustrated at times, and keep taking action--especially when you want to just stop and give up! It's not supposed to be an easy, comfortable process. Yet, the truth is, you're more likely to find your next great job sooner than you'd imaging the more you reach out and connect with people than if you sit at home and complain about it. I have many more free career change articles and tips on my site. Click on my user name for my company's web address --thecareerchanger.com

  • Img_3696_max50

    HockaDaisy

    20 days ago

    24 comments

    Great Advice! Sounds easier said than done since looking for a job is never easy, but definitely just maintain good energy and do all of the above. Sooner or later, someone is bound to recognize you for who you really are!

  • 108_max50

    ninaeve

    22 days ago

    40 comments

    I really needed this as a reminder to keep going.

  • I_did_it_3_max50

    JaniAniM

    23 days ago

    20 comments

    Wow, I really was starting to take this personally. I know I'm not the only one out there looking, but sometimes you just lose sight.

    I really think the "in person" meeting or follow up is the way to go. I don't want to make a fool of myself, but get noticed - in the right light. I think that might be tricky. If anyone has any tips, please let me know. Thanks!

  • Blue_top_closeup_max50

    mom2my2kids

    about 1 month ago

    3484 comments

    Very insightful and useful tips!! Thanks!

  • Engagement_photo_edited_max50

    mzbrown

    about 1 month ago

    678 comments

    Very informative. Thanks!

  • 2175216849_5d008b5788_o_max50

    DawnK

    about 1 month ago

    2 comments

    Very informative for the job hunt of today!!!

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    yaya

    about 1 month ago

    8 comments

    Thanks for the ideas, I'll have to get out their again.

  • Dscn0150_max50

    pmckee

    about 1 month ago

    6 comments

    I wonder if there is divine intervention sometimes for the timing of articles such as this. Thanks for the "good friend" talk.

  • Me_at_moms_max50

    sonyag00

    2 months ago

    4 comments

    I thought this was a very insightful article

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    suezonn

    2 months ago

    32 comments

    Thanks for the imput and insight on todays job market

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