Blog Post: 5 Tips for Job Hunting in a Difficult Economy

The economic news is a downer these days. I don't know about you, but I hate to pick up the morning paper, check my daily online alerts about the job market and view the lead stories on the web and TV news outlets because they are almost always about the bad economy.

While the news is certainly not a pick-me-up in instilling confidence about the state of the job market, we need to realize that companies are still hiring. Even companies that are laying off employees in some departments and functions are still looking for talent to fill other positions.

Here are 5 Tips for Successful Job Hunting in a Difficult Economy:

1.) Develop and Implement a Strategic Action Plan

The need to plan an effective job search campaign is always important, and in difficult economic times it is vital to develop a strategy for finding the job that's right for you. Here are the steps of a Strategic Career Plan: 

• Assess your talents and strengths and prioritize them in terms of what are most favorable to you
• Research the job marketplace and identify opportunities that are a fit for you
• Develop a marketing campaign, including written communications (resume, cover letter, biography) and verbal communications (interviewing and negotiating), that will allow you to effectively represent yourself to prospective employers
• Identify and utilize all the avenues available to identify job leads including job fairs, recruiters, referral sources and direct research and contact with companies
• Set realistic goals on a daily and weekly basis and follow-up on all leads 

2.) Keep a Confident Attitude and Strive to Build and Maintain Momentum

By developing a plan and sticking to it, you are setting yourself apart from a lot of people who have lost confidence and are not maintaining a high level of job search activity. This results in less competition for you, so take positive advantage of this and increase your lead development.

3.) Consider Temporary, Part-time and Project Opportunities

Even though they may be looking to fill less full-time positions, companies may increase their need for workers to fill temporary assignments, part-time positions and project-oriented roles. While these may not be the best match for your needs and interests, they can provide you with cash-flow while you continue to look for full-time opportunities. Also, these contingency positions can turn into full-time jobs down the road.

4.) Increase your Networking to Expand Information and Job Referral Sources

Especially in difficult economic times, word-of-mouth job searching can produce quick and effective results. Pull out all the stops to develop and maintain referral sources not only for job leads but to get introduced to people in companies you are interested in working for and individuals who can provide vital information on trends affecting your field, function and industry.

5.) Don't Go It Alone: Seek Support

The job hunt is an emotional roller coaster to begin with, and it is much more stressful in a challenging economy. Seek both emotional and professional support from those around you. Take advantage of job search support groups offered by a number of non-profit organizations and government agencies. Utilize the expertise of a career coach to bring efficiencies to your search. Don't operate in a vacuum. There are many sources of support ready to assist you in developing a strategic plan for continued career success.