Staying Positive - Job Search Success Tips in this Economic Climate
by Leana Birk (09-01-28)
In the midst of discouraging economic reports, layoffs and other gloomy news it may seem hard to stay positive. However, staying positive and being organized is exactly what job seekers need to do to be successful during their job search in this economic climate.
Tips for Success
- Focus on the Positive. Do an inventory of your strengths. Look at what you are good at and what you enjoy. You will have even more than you realized! Look at books like "What Color is your Parachute" by Richard Nelson Bolles to help. Surround yourself with encouraging positive people.
- Still be Selective. Apply for the jobs and companies you are truly interested in and fit your skill sets. It is hard to feign enthusiasm for a company you aren't interested in or be convincing when the job doesn't fit your skill set and strengths.
- Research the Company. Spend the time to familiarize yourself with the company you are applying for. It may seem obvious, but many job seekers don't take the time to do that. HR sees this as a flag for future turnover; the applicant is just looking for any job versus enthusiastically looking for a career with this particular company.
- Send a Customized Cover Letter. Specify why you want to work for the company, show enthusiasm, and describe how you fit the job requirements. Many candidates don't send cover letters or if they do they are generic and don't indicate why they want to work for the company.
- Prepare for the Interview. That way when the HR interview questions "What do you know about us?" and "Why are you interested in working for our company?" come up you can genuinely state your case in depth.
- Confirm References. Have your references ready before they are asked for. Also, make sure you have recently contacted them and can provide multiple contact methods including phone and email. If you make sure HR can reach your references easily, it may be the difference that gets you the job instead of someone else.
- Network. Social Networking is a great way to expand your circle of connections. You know more people than you realize. With Linked-In, Facebook, Twitter, and other Social Networking sites you can connect with many people you may have lost touch with. Some of these sites even have job opportunity sections.
- Embrace Reciprocity. Volunteer, do a favor, help others. Be helpful to others and chances are they will help you too someday, even refer you to someone else they know that can help. That's how lots of opportunities begin.
For other tips and links to helpful articles visit "Tips for job-seekers: Be positive, be ready" on Canada.com.
Also worth following is the newly launched "Stay Positive Vancouver" movement on Facebook.com, providing one example of how people locally are staying positive in this economic climate.
Leana Birk is the Founder and Principal Consultant with Foresight HR Solutions, offering "Just the HR expertise you need, just when you need it" with services that include: Strategic HR, Recruiting, Retention Strategies, Change Management, and Green HR. She can be reached at lbirk@foresighthr.com.
|