Job Hunt During a Recession

Searching for a job during a recession is a stressful, time-consuming, and frightening process. News headlines about massive layoffs can make you pessimistic about finding work. While it may take you longer to find a full-time job during a recession, it’s not impossible. Be persistent and stay patient, and you’ll find a job that’s right for you.

Steps

Making Professional Connections

1. Let people know that you’re looking for work. Friends, former classmates and colleagues, and people you might meet in everyday encounters may know about job opportunities that would be perfect for you. However, if they don’t know you’re searching for a new job, they might not think to mention them to you. Make it clear to your immediate social circle, as well as anyone else you get to know, that you're actively hunting for jobs.
   • Though you may feel embarrassed and hesitant to tell others that you're looking for a job, remember that many other people are in the same boat. Being open about your unemployment situation may help you resolve it quicker than you otherwise would.
   • Carry a bundle of business cards around with you wherever you go, so you can hand them out to people you meet.
2. Ask people in your professional network for help. When contacting someone in your professional sphere, send them a personalized email. State exactly what type of position you’re looking for, and be specific about what kind of help you want from them.
   • A specific request could be something like: “Can you introduce me to a hiring manager at your company?”
   • Include your resume in your initial email so your contact won’t have to write back and request it.
3. Volunteer at an organization to build your network and develop skills. Find a charitable organization that does good work that can benefit you're your expertise. While volunteering, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people from a variety of backgrounds. One of these people may be able to introduce you to a job opportunity that you didn’t know existed.
   • Look for volunteer opportunities in your local newspaper or community magazine.
   • You can also ask friends and neighbors if they know of any volunteer opportunities.
4. Create a professional presence online. If you don’t already have one, create a profile on a professional networking site like LinkedIn. Use other social media platforms to highlight your skills. Create a webpage to display examples of your work.
   • Showing your work online is especially important if you work in a creative industry.
   • Follow companies, industry leaders, and employees in the field you want to work in on social media to stay up-to-date with current trends.
   • Having a unique online presence is something that can help differentiate you from other job applicants.

Applying for Jobs

1. Focus on applying to jobs in growth industries. Recessions do not affect all industries in the same way. While many industries will lay off large numbers of workers during a recession, other industries may actually increase hiring.
   • Take a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/) and other publications put out by the agency for information about what types of industries are most likely to be hiring during a recession.
2. Narrow down your job search. Instead of applying to hundreds of companies, focus on sending a resume to just 1 or 2 positions a day. While the internet gives you the ability to find and apply to dozens of jobs a day, try to resist this urge. During a downturn in the economy, HR recruiters will receive dozens of resumes from qualified candidates, and a resume that you haven’t customized for the specific position to which you’re applying won’t let you stand out from the crowd.
   • Select between 5 and 15 companies to focus on when first embarking on your job search.
   • Narrow your search based on factors that are important to you. For example, you could restrict your search to a few regions where you’d like to live, or only look for jobs that offer certain benefits– such as health insurance or paid time off– that you may want or need.
3. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job. When you come across a job posting that you find interesting, read through it carefully. Make a checklist of the qualifications and skills the company is looking for and the responsibilities of the position. Then edit your resume and cover letter to match these.
   • In your cover letter, be as specific as possible when describing your skills and qualifications. Explain, for example, when you used a specific skill and the outcome you achieved. Avoid simply stating that you have the skill.
   • Many companies use scanning software to screen applications, so make sure you use keywords from the job posting and terms that may be commonly used in the specific industry to which you’re applying.
4. Search yourself online to see what employers can find out about you. Employers will probably plug your name into a search engine before extending you a job offer. If you come across something that you don’t want your potential employer to see, try to have it removed or make it private. If you can’t find anything about yourself, try to make your online presence more prominent by setting up a professional-looking webpage or a social media account.
   • Double-check the privacy settings on your social media profiles to make sure your photographs and conversations with friends and family are private.
5. Prepare and practice ahead of your interview. Research the services and products offered by the organization online. Closely review the description of the job so you know what type of candidate they’re looking for. Anticipate what questions they may ask you and practice your answers.
   • Have a friend or family member interview you and give you feedback.
   • Be sure to prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers at the end of the interview. Ask questions that display your interest in the company and knowledge of the company and its work.
6. Send a thank-you email after your interview to help distinguish yourself. Sending a thank-you email after your interview gives you a chance to signal to the hiring manager that you want the job. It will also help show that you are organized and well mannered, which are two key qualities that hiring managers always look for when assessing candidates.
   • Sending a thank-you note will also help keep your name in the hiring manager’s mind when they’re making their decision about who to select.
   • A post-interview thank-you email can also give you a chance to clear up any issues that came up in the interview.
   • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the end of your interview.

Dealing with Job-Search Stress

1. Make yourself a daily schedule and try to stick to it. Try to wake up at the same time every morning, and stick to a normal work schedule of 9-to-5, or something similar. During your work hours, concentrate on nothing but your job search, and then spend the time before and after your work period spending time with friends and family and doing other things that you like. This will help prevent the stress of the job search from consuming your life.
   • During your work period, put on some slightly more formal clothes so you feel more professional.
   • If there are lots of distractions at home, try to work from your local library.
   • Resist the urge to watch TV or look at your social media pages during your work time so you can stay fully focused on your job search.
   • Write down daily, achievable goals for yourself so you can see the progress you’re making.
2. Continue to participate in activities that will help you stay relaxed. Searching for a job during an economic downturn will likely take longer than when economic times are better. It’s natural to start feeling depressed, anxious, and pessimistic about your future. Anxiety and depression can negatively affect your focus and motivation, so it’s important to make time for activities that will help you recharge your batteries.
   • Continue to pursue any hobbies you may have, or find a new hobby that will help keep your spirits up.
   • If you can’t think of any hobbies, take an art class or join a book club at your local library.
3. Exercise every day to stay healthy and positive. Add a brisk walk, jog, or workout session in your daily schedule. Regular physical activity can help relieve the stress of your job search and keep you feeling optimistic.
   • Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day.
   • Joining an exercise class or community sports team will also give you the chance to network and find leads to potential jobs.
4. Spend time with others to remind yourself you’re not alone. If you’re living alone, pick up your phone and call family and friends. Consider participating in an online job seekers’ forum, or joining an in-person support group.
   • If money’s tight, try to think of free activities you can do with your friends and family.
   • Consider, for example, renting movies from the library for a family movie night, or having a picnic in the park with friends.

References

See also

• Get a Temporary Job Over 50
• Speed Up Your Job Search
• Search Global Jobs From Your Mobile Phone
• Get a Job During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Prepare for an Informational Interview
• Make Money in the Winter (Kids and Teens)
• Look for a Summer Job
• Find a Job for Your Skill with SkillLot.com
• Find a Job on GAPbuster
• Apply for a Job via Careerbuilder

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