Jpb Hunting in the Current Economic Gloom..................

Current Economical Gloom, layoffs, companies closing down, credit crunch in the US affecting the global economy, etc, etc

This is all we hear - no matter where we look. In spite of the current situation in the employment market, I suggest we deal with the employment situation in a different manner.

My humble recommendations are as follows:

1) Stay Energized - I know it is easier said than done. Keep your spirits high, no matter what, because you control how you feel within. Stay away from the doom media and choose not to be negative. Enjoy the little things in life that give you joy like playing with your kids, a walk in the park, a quiet dinner with a loved one, etc.

2) Be Consistent - Make a conscious effort to do at least one thing daily that will get you closer to your next job.

e.g. Build a new contact, send out an email, ask for a referral, register with another recruiter.

3) Elevator Pitch - Sharpen your 30 second pitch. I am referring to your condensed introduction of professional skills and value add.

4) Be Aggressive - Make an extra effort to put out your resume in more places than one. Attend Networking meetings, job fairs, etc. Talk to more Recruiters and build relationships.

5) Focus on Benefits - Tailor your resume and applications for jobs based on benefits accrued to the employer than just on your skills. e.g. how your skills can add to the bottom line of any organization? Cost saving, revenue generation, etc

6) Offer Part Time Help - In case you are attending interviews for permanent positions, offer part time assistance to the employer. They will appreciate the effort and reward you for it in the future.

7) Social Media - Make sure you have a profile built on social media sites like LinkedIn, myspace, facebook, etc. Very critical in the current environment.

8) Be Professional - Do not make a potential employer feel that you are desperate for the job. Be cool and act as though you are going for other interviews as well.

9) Use of Time - Attend interviews during lunch hour if you have to. Preferably do not take time off work in the current scenario, unless you are really fed up with your current job.

10) Gratitude - Be truly grateful for what you already have. Most others do not have that and are willing to offer an arm and a leg for your current job.

Finally, make a list of things you already have like family, home, car, job, friends, health so that you can VALUE that and be THANKFUL to God.

Believe in yourself and Have Faith.