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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.

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.
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.
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...
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!
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
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!
ninaeve
22 days ago
40 comments
I really needed this as a reminder to keep going.
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!
mom2my2kids
about 1 month ago
3484 comments
Very insightful and useful tips!! Thanks!
mzbrown
about 1 month ago
678 comments
Very informative. Thanks!
DawnK
about 1 month ago
2 comments
Very informative for the job hunt of today!!!
yaya
about 1 month ago
8 comments
Thanks for the ideas, I'll have to get out their again.
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.
sonyag00
2 months ago
4 comments
I thought this was a very insightful article
suezonn
2 months ago
32 comments
Thanks for the imput and insight on todays job market