Wired for Success

How to fulfill your potential.

by Ray B. Williams

How to get a job during tough economic times

How to get a jjob during the recession

Published on July 11, 2010 by Ray Williams in Wired for Success

The whole process of recruitment and job hunting has changed because the nature of the economy. It is now a world of impermanence. Of the top 100 companies in 1900, only 16 were in business in 2000, and fewer today. Of the companies that made up the Fortune 500 in 1955, only 25% were on the list in 2005. Of the current S& P 500 companies, 25% are family run and their total wealth exceeds the other 75%. Over 90% of all new job creation is currently done by small business and entrepreneurs. Further, there is no guarantee that the jobs lost during the economic downturn will automatically get replaced when better times return.

These facts and conclusions have a significant impact on job hunting during lean and turbulent times. Here's some myths about finding a job that hold true in tough and good times:

Myth 1: It's better to go for job security. The fact is job security no longer exists, even in the public sector. The only security you have is the value you bring personally to your employer.
Myth 2: Your education and training has prepared you for the job you'll retire in. Because of rapid technological change and the global economy, any job can change or disappear tomorrow. More than 80% of the jobs today didn't exist 30 years ago. The average person who is 30 today will have at least 14 jobs during their lifetime.
Myth 3: It's who you know that counts. In fact, it's who knows you, and what they know about you. Which requires you to be more visible through the various means of networking including using virtual means like Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and Twitter.
Myth 4: Most job opportunities are advertised. In fact at least 70% of job opportunities are never advertised. And if you rely on the traditional methods of job boards, responding to ads or working with recruiters, you'll be doing what 95% of the job seekers do. Most jobs are filled because of personal recommendations or connections, or you are so valuable, a job is created for you.

So what are some strategies you can use to optimize your chances of landing a good job, or even a job? Here's some suggestions:

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Develop your personal brand. Our world today is not just about what you do but who you are and the image your project. And people will judge the kind of person you are very quickly.
Focus on and develop your strengths. Too much of our education system and workplace has focused on correcting your weaknesses, an exercise that frequently ends up in you becoming mediocre at something. Develop your strengths so you can minimize your weaknesses.
Treat every encounter and conversation you have with someone as an interview. You never know where that next job opportunity will come from.
Never be unemployed even for a day. Volunteer in an organization where you can use your talents, so you might network with someone that can help you, and you avoid the cycle of negative thinking about being jobless while sitting at home.
Find mentors. Hire a coach, find a wise person to give you ongoing counsel, preferably outside your family or work. Is the best investment you can make, far greater than your latte every day.

And my final and most important piece of advice: Develop your inner self first, your outer self second. Who you are as a person--your character, your beliefs, your values, your attitudes, your ability to get along with people, and your interests outside of work--help you show up as the kind of person employers want to hire. It's not just about your training, knowledge or skills.