Coimbatore Taxi News

Even in tough times you can land a good job

Whether you are hunting for a new job after a layoff or want to break out of the rut you have got yourself into, positioning yourself to do well is a challenge in these chaotic times. But that said, it is not beyond the average job seeker to land a great job in a not so great economy, provided one is willing to invest the additional effort and persistence that it calls for. Here are a few tips to get your target job even when market conditions are not in your favour.

Get the fundamentals right: In a down market you will have to invest a lot more time and energy into your job search. Prepare a smart, easy to read resume that will impress employers. Be diligent about writing your covering letters and thank you notes, and of course, consistently follow up. Set goals for yourself, network with recruiters, agencies and other contacts in your network that could put you on to a new opportunity. Keep your skills updated with short-term courses that will keep you market ready while you hunt for your dream job.

Start talking money: Come recession, employers love the tinkle of money in their conversations, so focus on how you can translate your skills and expertise into monetary terms, both in your resume and in the interview. Interviewers will definitely be all ears if you can cite solid examples from your past work experience. Ask yourself, “How did I help save time, make money or otherwise improve the bottom-line for my company in the past and how can I replicate that performance here?”

Go for face-to-face meetings: As far as possible make calls in person to contacts in your network, to peers, recruiters and to business associates. People will remember you better and take you more seriously if you meet them directly rather than relying on email or telephone calls. Face to face meetings also give you a better chance to gauge the other party’s interest levels and get instant feedback that could benefit your job search strategy. They are also more likely to translate into concrete leads.

Be flexible: With the job market going into hibernation, the average jobseeker will be able to find a job only on the employer’s terms. So it is imperative to be flexible in things that count. Be willing to travel and relocate, and be willing to negotiate on other expectations.

Increase the volume: With tough times predicted, opportunities are as likely as not to bear fruit, so it is important to keep feeding as many of them as possible into the pipeline. Don’t depend on a single platform, go all out and launch your job search through every available medium.

Search job boards online and in print, register with recruiters and work your friends, family and peer group for possible leads. In a down market, there is strength in numbers.

Be bold: If your efforts are not bearing fruit, it’s time to try something different. The tough market could actually be a blessing in disguise, the nudge on the brink that you needed to make bold decisions that you have been putting off for years.

Think about a career in a different line of work than what you’re currently doing. Consider freelance work or see if you can get a consulting position.

Going into your own business too is not as tough as it sounds, provided you have the creativity, confidence and willingness to take on a few risks along the way.

Last but not least, keep the faith. Even with the cloud of economic woes darkening our horizon, a positive outlook and cheerful spirit will keep you grounded and help you put your best foot forward for the challenge of finding the ideal job in a down market.

BINDU SRIDHAR

-The Hindu