Find a Job in a Slow Economy

Whether you were laid-off, just graduated, or simply want a change from your current job, it's especially stressful to look for work during bad economic times. It's completely normal if you're having a tough time landing the right job. Luckily, there are some key strategies that can help. Try these important steps to find postings, tailor your applications, and nail interviews, even in a bad economy.

Steps

Focus your search on growth industries.

1. No industry is recession-proof, but some are more resistant than others. Some of these industries actually grow during poor economies, depending on where the recession is focused. If you search in these sectors, you have a better chance of finding and landing a job.
   • In general, healthcare, education, civil service, law enforcement, IT, cybersecurity, and law are stronger industries during a recession.
   • You might have to do some extra work in your application to explain why you’re a good fit for certain jobs if they’re outside your normal sector. This is why a strong resume and cover letter are so important.
   • Service sectors like restaurants, travel, or retail tend to suffer during recessions. Manufacturing jobs tend to fall as well.

Zero in on the largest companies in strong industries.

1. Big companies are more likely to make it through the recession. Once you identify the major industries that are safe during the recession, go a step further and find the biggest hirers in that field. You’re much more likely to find job postings and land a job that will last through the downturn.
   • If you’re looking in IT, for instance, companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple are usually solid choices.
   • Not all of these companies post on general job boards like Indeed. You might have more luck checking on their main websites.
   • Businesses with a lot of debt or financial trouble before the recession are still at risk, no matter how big they are. It helps to do some research and confirm whether or not a company is healthy.

Tap into your network to find job openings.

1. Don’t be shy about asking for help in your search. There's no shame in it! Reach out to friends, family, old coworkers, or even casual acquaintances to say that you’re looking for work and would appreciate any leads on job openings. One of them might know about an opening that could be your next job.
   • Networking like this is also a very important way to get your foot in the door for a job. Companies are probably receiving hundreds of applications, and a recommendation from someone could put you ahead.
   • Many jobs, maybe even up to 70%, aren’t even advertised publicly. That’s why networking is so important to uncover these openings.

Partner with a recruiter to help find jobs.

1. Recruiters match candidates with jobs that they’re a fit for. They can be great resources during a recession since recruiters already have industry contacts that will make your job hunt a lot easier. Even better, recruiters are paid by the companies they match with, so their services won’t cost you anything. Try contacting some recruiters or recruiting agencies to see if they can help.
   • Recruiters can also review your job materials and resume, which is a big help for you.
   • Sometimes, recruiters will reach out to you if you set your LinkedIn or Indeed profiles to say you’re looking for work. Try doing that to make yourself more visible to recruiters.
   • Don’t just work with any recruiter. Investigate the person to make sure they match people in the industry you want to work in and have a good track record of success working with major companies. If not, then they may not be much help.

Contact companies even if they haven’t posted jobs.

1. Find the contact information for a hiring manager with the company. Email or call and briefly state your qualifications, then ask if there are any open positions. Since a lot of jobs aren’t advertised, you can find some hidden openings this way.
   • You’ll be a lot more successful with this tactic if you know someone who works at the company. They can put in a good word for you.
   • Be prepared for a lot of “no’s” with this method. It’ll be frustrating, but it only has to work once to find you a job. Try to stay positive and keep up with it.

Don’t be too picky about the jobs you apply for.

1. You might not find your dream job during a recession, and that’s okay. You need to be open-minded and step outside your comfort zone a bit. Consider applying for jobs for companies or industries that you didn’t think of. Be prepared to take a smaller salary if you have to. Staying flexible like this gives you a greater chance of success.
   • You might even discover a new passion by getting a job in a different field!
   • Even if you get a job that’s not ideal, you can start looking for a new one when the economy improves. You only need to take care of yourself until things get better.
   • This doesn’t mean you have to take a job you know you’ll hate. It’s okay to pass over jobs that you could never see yourself doing. Just try to keep an open mind.

Do some freelancing or temp work in the meantime.

1. If you’re like most people, you need income while you’re job-hunting. There’s no shame in taking temporary work to make ends meet for the time being. Try looking for part-time, temporary, or seasonal positions while you’re sending out other applications. It might not be ideal for you, but the income will be a huge help.
   • Around the holidays, delivery companies like FedEx or Amazon usually hire seasonal workers to help with the increased demand. Getting one of these jobs could give you a nice income for 2-3 months while you look for other work.
   • If you have any particular skills like writing or graphic design, you could also freelance on a site like Fiverr to bring in some temporary cash.
   • Some positions might even become full-time when things improve, so this is another reason you shouldn’t discount temporary work.

Revamp your resume and cover letter.

1. Having both of these prepared means you’ll always be ready to apply. Old or poorly-written job materials can make you look bad, and you definitely don’t need that in a bad economy. Revisit your resume and make sure it’s up-to-date, readable, and really displays your skills. Then put together a strong cover letter template that explains your qualifications and interests.
   • Make sure to list any recent accomplishments, awards, certifications, and promotions on your resume. Make these front and center so employers see them clearly.
   • While you should write a new cover letter for each job application, some sections can be reused. Your greeting and explanation of your past work, for example, can work in most cover letter versions.

Tailor your application to each job you apply for.

1. It's more work, but generic resumes and letters show a lack of effort. You need to show each hiring manager that you’re a hard-worker and enthusiastic about the job. Review each job posting and be sure to address some of those points in your cover letter and resume. This shows that you’re familiar with the position and willing to put work in. This will be time-consuming, but it gives you a higher chance of success.
   • Simple things like naming the company, hiring manager, and job title in the cover letter show that you did your research and personalized the application.
   • It’s helpful to have a few different resumes tailored for different fields. An IT resume could highlight your technical experience, while a salesman resume focuses on your interpersonal skills.

Explain your relevant skills when you apply.

1. This is very helpful if you’re applying for jobs in different industries. Your old job role might not be relevant to the new position, but the skills you used are. Try to highlight how the skills you have will help in this new job. This shows a hiring manager that you’re a good fit, even if your old job doesn’t seem relevant.
   • If you were an event planner, for instance, you probably have excellent communication and negotiation skills. These would transfer well into a sales position, so be sure to highlight them.
   • This is especially crucial if you’re trying to enter a new industry.

Prepare extensively so you nail the interview.

1. Be ready to really sell yourself when you do land an Pass-a-Job-Interview. A bit of extra work will go a long way, so try these important prep tips to impress the hiring manager:
   • Learn about the company and the position so you can explain how you’ll be a good fit.
   • Prepare some stories to highlight your qualifications.
   • Be on time!
   • Dress well and be polite to everyone you meet. Stand and sit up straight so you look confident.

Follow-up after every interview.

1. Don’t be passive after applying and doing your interview! Let the hiring manager know that you’re enthusiastic by sending a follow-up email. Thank them for their time and say that you’re still very interested in the position. This might convince them to move forward with you if they were on the fence.
   • If you don’t follow up, it could make you look rude or disinterested. This could definitely hurt your chances.
   • Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get a response or they tell you that you didn’t get the job. These are normal parts of the process. Move on with your applications to find another opening.

Tips

• Try to stay positive! Job-hunting is tough during a recession, but you can pull through if you’re consistent.
• Take care of yourself during your job hunt too. Eat right, get some sleep, and exercise to stay healthy.
• If you name any references in your application, be sure to let them know ahead of time so they're ready to put in a good word for you.

Warnings

• With so much competition employers will be more selective. Don't lie on your resume' or inflate your credentials. This could cost you the job.

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