How to Find a Job in a Weak Economy

Finding a job when the economy is weak can be tricky. When large corporations have massive layoffs and small, independent companies can't afford to sustain their payrolls, there's suddenly tremendous competition for the job openings that remain. Here's how to find jobs in these challenging conditions.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Network. Contact friends, coworkers and even former classmates to let them know you're looking for a job. They can give you the inside scoop if their company is hiring--or put your resume in the right hands.

2. Find what industries in your region are growing, despite the economic slump, and apply for any jobs posted. You might need to rewrite your resume to emphasize what skills you have that would translate in this new industry or take an entry level job, but you can probably count on a more stable work environment than at a company facing corporate layoffs.

3. Create a website for your resume and include a professional biography of yourself with a photograph and any relevant clips or samples of your work. Include the website URL on your resume and any emails to prospective employers.

4. Be willing to work for less money than you used to make at your last job. When there's high demand for jobs, you have less room to negotiate your salary.

5. Use the time you're not working to train for a more lucrative job. Sign up for some courses at your local college that will qualify you for either a higher paying job, or for work in an industry that has lots of job openings.

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