Career Advice for Employment in a Recession

With our economy in a recession, there's never been a better time to think about your career. Whether voluntarily or not, many people may be losing their jobs in the coming months, and being prepared for the sudden change is the best way to survive in a tight job market. Hopefully you will be one of the ones that gets to stay at your current job, but if you're are soon to be one of the unemployed, then this could be a big opportunity to take advantage of.

Career Advice #1-Education and Development

When the economy is tough, and a recession is looming over your head, getting more education and training is an excellent idea. Career development and training is one area where many businesses cut costs when economic times are tough, so you may be on your own in this. However, if getting more education allows you to keep your job, is it worth it?

Being better educated generally makes a person a more appealing employee, and it can also make that person a better job search candidate if he or she happens to lose a job or make a career change. A job opportunity that would be otherwise closed to a lesser-qualified applicant could open up for you after a little extra training and development. I am currently working toward getting certified as a Professional in Human Resources, because I believe it will help me when I am applying for a new job. I certainly believe that education and development are essential when performing a job search or career change in a recession.

Career Advice #2-Career Changes

The economy is in a recession. Jobs are getting tighter, and the ranks of unemployment are swelling. However, that is a cause for celebration for some people. Yes, you heard me correctly. Some people are thrilled that they are finally able to throw off the "shackles of corporate oppression" and live their dreams. History has shown us that in tough economic times, a large number of people utilize creative means to produce an income stream. If you've always wanted to start a blog, create a home-based business, or make a career change, this recession could be just the ticket.

A great resource for making a career change can be found in the book 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. I have read this book, and I wanted to get out there and start my own business the very next day (although my circumstances precluded that option)! The book shows readers how to change careers, create their own business, and generally live a more fulfilling life. Making a career change during a recession may seem like a strange idea at first, but it could definitely pay off in the long run.

Career Advice #3-Job Search

Searching for a job is like searching for a needle in a haystack. A haystack the size of Idaho. However, that doesn't necessarily have to be the case. There are ways to find jobs that don't involve sending dozens of resumes and cover letters to places you don't even really care to work for. I have been searching for jobs fairly recently, and I used a method that was much more successful than my initial mass-emails of my resume.

I was sick of the job search routine, so I decided to start targeting individual companies. I used the local Chamber of Commerce Website to find the largest employers in my area, and I started contacting them one-by-one. That way, I could see the employer's status in the community and I could adjust my search for jobs accordingly. Another way that I increased the effectiveness of my job search was by using the Indeed job search site. This pulls job search information from dozens of job search Websites and puts it into a functional and easy-to-use format for those hunting for a job.

Conclusion

I wish everyone success in future job search endeavors. Whether you follow the path of education and development to enhance a current job, make a career change to enjoy life more, or utilize the job search tips listed above, I hope that you are satisfied with your long-term career goals.

Additional information on good career advice that could be helpful to you in your job search can be found in the article "Great Career Advice for Any Economy."