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Job Hunting in a Down Economy? Here’s how.

02.11.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

Recently, a former Presidential cabinet member predicted that the United States unemployment rate would soon reach 10%. That’s pretty frightening.nnBut, that is not the end of the bad news. Underemployment, which effects far more workers, is also spiraling upward rapidly. nnAre we all to simply hope for the best for ourselves and our friends, or can we protect ourselves against unemployment and/or underemployment?nnWe can help ourselves. Here are 10 ways. nn1. If you suspect that your job may be in jeopardy, or if you believe you have hit the glass ceiling, begin searching for other opportunities without delay. But, be sure you “cover your tracks” so your current employer does not learn what you are doing.nn2. Improve your educational credentials. Take online courses. Think about earning a certificate, certification or degree. The more letters you can put after your name, the better you will look to employers.nn3. Network, network, and network some more. You can never have too many professional contacts.nn4. Choose your references carefully. One mistake can be a “killer”. nn5. Ensure that everything about your resume and letter of interest is of the very highest quality. Do whatever it takes.nn6. Practice your interviewing skills with friends or acquaintances with hiring experience.nn7. The internet is the home of thousands of job hunting articles. Read a few dozen, especially those dealing with commonly made mistakes. nn8. Get your resume into the hands of appropriate employment agencies. Those specializing in your profession are the best places to start, but “cast as much bread onto the water as possible”. Don’t forget to contact the job placement offices at the schools and/or colleges you attended. nn9. Bs sure that everyone who may be in a position to help you, including friends and family members, is aware of your job search. nn10. Develop or improve on an important skill that is valuable but rare in your field. Try to get so good at whatever it is that it separates you from your colleagues. Everyone can be a star in at least one area. nnJob hunting can be a disheartening experience, even in a booming economy. These days, it is even tougher. But, as my father used to say, “it only takes one”.

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