subject: Job-Career Search During Downturn is Challenging - Time to Turbocharge Your Approach [print this page] Job-Career Search During Downturn is Challenging - Time to Turbocharge Your Approach
In retrospect, I do know what I did "wrong." I assumed, as is natural, that there was bound to be a job for me--even during such a tough time. I refused to dye my graying hair. And I spread my job search too far and wide for optimum results. Luckily, I did find work eventually and started a new, rewarding career.
A job search that seems never ending can be crushing. I'm sure you know the feeling if you are reading this now. You feel worthless because even if you once commanded a decent salary in a field you were supremely qualified for.
Have you taken a look at your resume lately? Many people try to write, print and disseminate their own without professional advice. You may well need MORE than one resume, and a "functional" approach may work better than a "chronological" approach. Resumes have changed little over the years, except that now electronic submissions are much more the norm. I don't WRITE resumes anymore, but I do do resume critiques.
By the way, if you DON'T have a resume, you simply must get one unless a particular employer doesn't require it. (Even if he/she doesn't, it shows you're serious if you do).
Now, another tip about a successful job search is that no one is going to offer you employment unless you can SELL them on your qualifications in person. All your energies must be directed to getting an interview, which I consider to be "half way to home base." Like most, I used to dread interviews but when I was job hunting I began to realize they were HUGE opportunities. So I got to be a very good interviewer. If getting in front of people, especially a GROUP or PANEL, intimidates you, it's time to join Toastmasters or any organization that can hew your speaking, convincing and negotiating skills. And always keep in mind, especially at a time when companies are extremely cognizant of the bottom line, that you must convince them that you can both MAKE and SAVE them money at the same time. Those are magic words!!
Spending ANY kind of dough when you're bleeding savings is threatening--and, believe me, I would not suggest you do so unless it really pencils out. (Having a good resume written may, however, be money well spent.) Also, if you're looking down a rabbit hole of financial problems, you might at least consider some of the alternative investments I have come up with. My book details quite a few and I guarantee you can do better than the paltry 1-2% you are getting at your bank today--with very little risk.
Best of luck with your career and financial goals. If I can help you I will.
William L. Seavey is former director of Professional Resume Writers Association, and a one-time job counselor in Oregon. He has written articles on job search techniques for the Wall Street Journal's Business Employment Weekly and other periodicals. He also recently wrote a book to help small investors weather the economic downturn, called Crisis Investing and Entrepreneuring: 10 Innovative Strategies to Help YOU Achieve Financial Success and Solvency in a Down Economy. His website is http://thecrisisinvestor.com
