Job Hunting in a Recession

What, exactly, does “during a recession’ mean? And how does job hunting differ during a recession?

What is a Recession? A period when the economy of a country is not successful and conditions for business are bad. A period when the economy of a country is not successful and conditions for business are bad. The never-ending doom and gloom in the media can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you feel you will have a hard time finding a job because of the economy……you will. Why? Because you can’t fix something you don’t have control over.

The MOST IMPORTANT THING: Stop thinking like a victim

Realize that no matter how bad things seem, no matter how bad the media says things are…. there are actions you can take to increase the chances of finding jobs.

Are you aware that the open job market accounts for only 20% of the jobs? Jobs considered “open” are advertised.

Job openings exist even during times of fewer jobs and higher unemployment: retirement, people who quit or fired, maternity leave, moving up & opening a job for someone new

In a recession, jobs retreat into the job market

Ten Tips to Job Hunting during a recession

Tip # 1 The key strategy in a recession is being able to “shop” the candidate around to employers who know you, to see if the candidate fits the timing and hiring needs of this employer. To get an employer to consider a candidate when a decision to hire may not have been fully decided, the employer must trust YOU.

Employers must truly understand that you know them and what their employment needs are.

They must believe you have their interests at heart when you make a business proposition like… “I have a candidate you should be interested in.” “I have a candidate you should be interested in.”

If the employer believes that you have their interests at heart, than you can present an unsolicited candidate. This is a candidate who offers potential solutions.

Build Business Relationships Friendships are great but often slow at creating job opportunities

Build Business Relationships If your sole purpose is to educate the employer about our services, you run the risk of creating employer resistance. Engage the employer in conversations and questions to learn their business.

Get to know employers and their business needs about employees, regardless if they have a job opening or not.

By getting to know the employer’s general business needs, even when they are not hiring, positions you to be a future supplier. You earn the right to present a candidate before or when openings arise.

How do I start the conversation? An opening line might be: “Bandon High School is trying to build an effective employment program to help out employers in these tough times. We want to be able to help our community and have the resources to do so. I was wondering if you would spend 15 minutes with me discussing your business needs?

You are not there to give the employer information… you are there to collect information from the employer. Relationships are built because you listen rather than talk.

Start asking yourself, Start asking yourself, What’s in it for them?

Tip #2 Concentrate on growth industries to find recession proof job sectors that are experiencing job shortages: Health Care, Health Care, Teacher Aides, Teacher Aides, Energy, Energy, National Guard, National Guard, Border Patrol, etc. Border Patrol, etc.

Tip #3 Consider Interning…. One of the best ways to get your foot in the door is to apply for internships either at a company were you wish to work or let the community college set up an internship with a preferred company.

Tip #4 Consider volunteering during the senior year. A great way to add measurable achievements to a resume

Tip # 5 Take a Temporary Position with a staffing agency if you are not locating work right away after graduation. Many permanent job offers come from temp. positions. As the YTP specialist, this expands your network of future employers.

Tip # 6 Youth must be proactive. If a student’s idea of finding work is to post a resume on Monster.com or to a few companies, that’s waiting for work to come to you.

According to Kensington International, a top recruiting agency, the response rate to an on-line ad represents only a 0 – 15% probability of landing a job interview. Encourage youth to get out of the house and meet people. Encourage youth to get out of the house and meet people.

Beware Of:

Tip #7 Focus on Achievements….. What future employers want to know is what chance of success will I have when hiring this student? Rethink a resume in terms of achievements. Identify strengths and put them on resumes. Rethink a resume in terms of achievements. Identify strengths and put them on resumes.

Tip #8 Show how the student matches the job requirements… Generally, a person lands a job because they are a good match. By using key words in the cover letter, resume, or in an interview shows the employer that the student knows what the employer is looking for.

Tip #9 Informational interviews….. Setting up informational interviews and meetings with business recruiters not only provide opportunities for personal growth but exposure to the employer. When the timing is right, the employer may be calling you, as the YTP coordinator, to give the student a job. Setting up informational interviews and meetings with business recruiters not only provide opportunities for personal growth but exposure to the employer. When the timing is right, the employer may be calling you, as the YTP coordinator, to give the student a job.

Tip # 10 Coach students on what NOT to say during an interview: “No, I don’t have any questions for you.” Signals to an employer a lack of interest.

“I’m going to need to take these days off.” Avoid bring this up until the job is offered. Avoid bring this up until the job is offered.

“And another thing I hate…” Practice mock interviewing to help eliminate a student’s need to rant. Practice mock interviewing to help eliminate a student’s need to rant.

“I don’t know anything about your company.” Gives a less interested impression.

“I hated my last boss.” Makes an employer wonder whose is responsible for making life miserable, the student or the last boss?

On the Brighter Side: Even with 10 % unemployment, there are 90% employed. there are 90% employed. Best advice: Be persistent and stay positive.