How to Get a Job in a Recession

It’s the question on everyone’s lips, but career coach, Denise Taylor, explains all in her latest book How to get a job in a recession.

 
1. Understand what you have to offer Don’t be constrained by your CV. Start with a blank sheet, think about every job and what you liked/disliked about each. What were you good at, what really interested you, what sorts of tasks and activities made you lose track of time? Then think of specific examples that could be incorporated into your CV, covering letter and application.

2. Be very well organised Know where everything is, both on paper and electronically. You will be able to reuse much of what you write so keep track of every application and your answers to competency-based questions. It’s going to save plenty of time as you can reuse what you wrote and your answers can be revised through a process of improvement.

3. Go for quality of applications, not quantity Have clarity over why you’re right for a particular job. Too many people act like job searching is a numbers game and that it’s just a case of applying for a certain number of jobs and you’ll be successful. Wrong! Don’t just chase anything; you’ll be wasting your time. Each application should be fully focused on a specific job and you should be clear why you’re applying for the particular job.

4. Research the job and the company Act like a detective and find out as much as you can about the job. Carefully read the job description and person spec, review the company web site and make sure your application covers both the requirements of the job and also something else that shows you really understand the company’s requirements. Being very well organised will help you follow up with applications and keep track of communications with your contacts and direct approaches.

5. Go beyond adverts Of course you’ll still look out for jobs to apply for, both in the print and online media, but don’t rely solely on these methods. This is where most people will be looking and the competition will be great so spend at least the equivalent time on contacting companies direct and building relationships with people who either may be able to offer you a job or help you find out about possible openings.

6. Let people know what you are looking for Have a succinct and clear description about your strengths and the type of work you seek. Practice so you can say this in around 30 seconds – this is called an elevator speech. It will help other people to ‘get’ what you are looking for and so can help you find it.

 
7. Make use of web 2.0 Use LinkedIn, Twitter, a blog or personal website to let a potential employer know more about you. As you’ll do an internet search on the company and interviewer, so they’ll do the same on you. Provide interesting content, more detailed examples of what you have done and recommendations from clients to help them understand what you can offer their company.

8. Make even more use of web 2.0 You can use this for networking. Be helpful to others, look for useful things you can share but also be proactive and let people know what you’re looking for and what you can offer. LinkedIn and Twitter are effective ways of doing this.

9. Don’t give up Expect to get rejected from jobs. You have to be ‘in it to win it’ but there’s so much competition that no matter how good you are you may not be successful for an application. After each interview, review your approach, make a note of anything you could have done better (and what went well!) and keep your spirits up for the next application. Each time you go for an interview you must be as enthusiastic and upbeat as the very first time. Don't come across as resigned to rejection, or that you’re going through the motions of saying the same thing - you must keep your sparkle and enthusiasm.

10. Follow up after the interview Send a letter stating your interest and enthusiasm for the job, reminding them of your strengths and also cover any weaker areas that you can now think of a better way of addressing. Few candidates do this and this action can really make a difference if an interviewer is undecided between you and someone else; but you have to get it out as soon as possible. It’s perfect if you can hand-deliver it the same day but, if not, send an email and follow up with a hand-written note.