Job Seekers Tips for a Bad Economy

The February job losses in the United States totaled 651,000 and raised the employment rate to 8.1%. But most job seekers don’t give up and neither should you. There are many methods to get an employer’s attention and increase your chances of landing that job but be prepared to be competitive.
Scenario: You send your resume out and get no response
Answer: Send a follow up letter or email reminding the employer you are still interested. This is extremely effective if you have a direct address to the HR department or the hiring manager. Not only does a follow up show your enthusiasm it most likely gets your resume a second look. The employer may not be aggressively searching for applicants and if so the follow up email is essential. Make sure you included how you submitted your resume and when. Timing is important so it’s recommended that you wait a week. Remind them about your enthusiasm and repeat your skills that are good for the job.
Scenario: You’re stuck in one location
Answer: Part of being prepared and competitive is willing to make those sacrifices not necessarily once but on a day to day basis. If you’re willing to travel farther or even move, your chance of finding a job increases because you opened up your reach.
Scenario: Not one job you come across is worth your time
Answer: Freelance!! If you have hard skills then market yourself online. Use websites like ODesk.com where you can find recent job posts and bid on them. You can also take tests to show an employer that you have the skills they need. If you don’t want to freelance then maybe you can start that company you always wanted to do or go back to school. The point is to keep going and find a new start.
More and more recruiters are using online advertisements so make sure if you look in different places and branch out. Don’t stick to just one employment website or recruiter; that job maybe right under your noise you just have to look in the right places. Try not to be nervous in your interview and always have a backup plan in case you don’t land that job. If you write out what you are going to do if you cannot find that job you will be less nervous and a feel better in an interview. Good luck!
Author: Peter Klausz New York, NY