The job market is tight. Competition is tough. But if you want to move more quickly from the unemployment line to a job offer, you’ll need a reality check. Begin by tackling these common myths about job-hunting during a recession.
Myth: No one is hiring.
Reality: Layoffs are happening, but some employers — even those laying off workers — are still hiring. Companies often eliminate full-time employees with budget-busting benefits only to replace them with contractors or consultants to save costs.
Myth: The Internet is the best place for finding a job.
Reality: The Internet is an efficient way to survey jobs among many companies, but personal interaction is still the smartest way to find a job. Truth is, employers are bombarded with thousands of résumés from the Internet. So the chance that your new boss will choose yours out of a pile of prospects is slimmer than ever. Focus on finding a position, apply for it, and then do some research and connect personally with a hiring manager in the company to follow-up. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn offer a great way to connect with targeted employees on your company dream list. These connections are golden because they can give you insider info about unpublished positions and help you sail past HR “blockers.” Personal recommendations go much farther in landing a job during a recession than random résumés.
Myth: Searching companies in hiring freezes is a waste of time.
Reality: Like many situations in life, hiring freezes are not absolute. Savvy networking, the right face-to-face meeting and the ability to sell skills essential to the prospective company can be the right formula for lighting a fire under an employer in a hiring freeze. Behind closed doors, hiring managers are told to make exceptions for spectacular candidates that can show them the money, especially in a recession when every dollar counts.
Myth: Companies are not interested in hiring older workers.
Reality: In a struggling economy, employers value seasoned workers’ shorter learning curves (aka: less money invested in employee training) and their ability to do the work of several younger, less-seasoned workers. Separately, like a fine wine, experienced employees get better with time. Plus, clients tend to gravitate to more experienced employees, adding up to more value for employers.
Myth: Experience and advanced degrees guarantee a job.
Reality: While experience and education have their plusses, they aren’t guarantees to landing a job. In a deep job recession, experienced and degreed people come a dime a dozen. It’s important to sell your world experience, your concrete accomplishments and expertise; things that make an impact on the company rather than just your knowledge. Research what skills the employer values most in order to tailor your sales pitch accordingly. And, because the market is so tight, though you are experienced, someone with more experience is likely applying for the same job. Take time to create your brand image and sell yourself!
Reboot My Résumé 