How to Get a Job Interview During a Recession

Landing a job interview is difficult enough under normal circumstances, but getting a interview requires a fresh yet well planned approach.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Take a multi-tiered approach:
   
   Because the internet is part of our professional, social and personal lives, we can use it in a number of different facets. And when looking for a job, it’s typically one of the firsts places (if not the first place) we look. But during an economic downturn, the internet is simply not going to be enough.
   
   You’ll have to go the passé route of combing through the newspaper (not just the want ads as there are often local news pieces that provide information about a community business expanding or being opened, et cetera).
   
   Likewise, in an age of digital communication, phone and face-to-face communications are seen as not only professional but portray those who are willing to actually take the time to take the time to get noticed.
   
   This doesn’t mean that email and internet aren’t necessary, they are necessary for information but they won’t help a jobseeker nearly as much as personal communication.

2. Network:
   
   As during normal economic circumstances, you’ll want to use your social circles and previous coworkers to network. Also, you can network among your alumni groups, at your church, your children's school, your fellow hobbyists. I continually network for my business, Retail Consulting Solutions in these circles. (But you must do so in a polite and respectful manner, you don’t have to stress how much you need a job when unemployment is nearly 10%.)
   
   Don’t forget to keep notes on who’ve you spoke to and about what. You can use those notes to schedule a time for following up. Not only that, but it will help you to focus your job seeking efforts instead of chasing your tail.

3. Present yourself professionally:
   
   Make your resume, cover letter and thank you notes professional. Don’t just dig out your old resume and add the latest tasks you handled in your last position. Tasks don’t show you can be responsible and just listing responsibilities don’t show accomplishments. Where you’ve saved money or added to the bottom-line are entries any company is looking for, particularly during challenging economic times.
   
   If you hire a resume writer, don’t think they’ll be handing you a magical document that no hiring manager can refuse, you’ll still have to sell yourself and you can do that with a little coaching (I typically charge a flat fee for both).
   
   No matter how good your resume, you can blow it by not living up to it. You don’t want to go beyond what you’ve said in writing you can or have been. In order to be convincing (and appear professional) everything should “line-up”. That is, your resume and cover letter, your thank you note and interview – consistency is key.

4. Be prepared:
   If it’s been awhile since you’ve interviewed for a job, it’s in your best interest to get a sounding board and practice. You can hire someone a business coach like myself or ask a friend or your spouse. Your spouse is best suited to suit you, but for interview preparation, you’ll need someone who doesn’t know you intimately.
   
   Your interview skills will have to be a cut-above as so many applicants are seeking the same position. It won’t be enough to be dressed professionally and speak well; you’ll have to sell yourself.

5. Treat “no” as one step closer to finding a job:
   
   It may be counterintuitive, but getting a “no” or “we’ve found someone who’s a better fit” can be a positive thing. Take it as a chance you had to sharpen your interview skills. And remember, it isn’t impolite to inquire as to why you didn’t get the job.

Resources

• Retail Consulting Solutions

[cca1049501]

on 11/3/2009 Great advice!! thx!

[fishindad]

on 10/28/2009 Sounds like great pointers!