5 Ways to Find Employment in a Down Economy

August 29, 2012

While the economy may be slowly recovering, the unemployment rate remains high, consumer spending is down, and a double-dip recession is a definite possibility. If you’re looking for employment in this environment, you may feel as if your hands are tied. However, that’s just not true. There are, in fact, a variety of effective strategies you can use to find employment in a down economy. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Dig Deeper

Often, simply posting your resume on job boards like CareerBuilder and Monster just won’t cut it. You need to dig deep to find those available positions – post your resume on every website you can find, and if you’re not having any luck, consider delivering it in person at any place of business you have interest in. Showing enthusiasm and initiative just might land you an interview.

2. Use Social Media

More than 14 million people found work via social media last year, proving that it is a burgeoning method of gaining employment. Convert your current social media accounts to make them attractive to hiring personnel as many human resources professionals scour social media to find prospective employees. Be sure that your pages are professional in appearance and remove any comments, stories, or photos that may reflect on you in a negative light.

3. Be Creative

If you’re dying for a job with AT&T, post a video on YouTube entitled “Why I Want to Work for AT&T.” The goal is to separate yourself from the competition and make people take notice. For instance, model and actress Kate Upton was discovered due to an innocent video posted online – and she’s now a multi-millionaire. So you never know where your next job offer may come from.

If you’re not very tech-savvy, consider including an extra document with your cover letter/resume submission titled “Top 10 Reasons Why Company X Should Hire Me,” and then highlight your 10 best characteristics that make you the best choice for the position.

4. Take Anything You Can Get

Anyone can wash dishes – but are you willing to take such a job until you can find what you’re looking for? If you need money, regardless of your educational background or pedigree, take whatever you can get. You never know where it might lead, and more importantly, you can earn money while you find your dream job.

5. Expand Your Network

You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not what you now it’s who you know.” This is never more important than during the job search process. Therefore, expand your circle of contacts. One way to do so is to meet up with professionals in your area, which you can find through a website like meetup.com.

Final Thoughts

When you do finally receive that elusive job offer, don’t sell yourself short in the salary negotiation process. Research average starting salaries at salary.com for an idea of where to start the discussion and accentuate your key talents for the position when you get around to discussing money. It is possible to land a job in a down economy – just make sure you don’t settle for anything less than what you’re worth.

What other strategies can you think of to find a job when the economy is struggling?