How to Find a Job in a Bad Economy

Finding a job can be a difficult task. It takes time, dedication, and persistence, especially in this tough economy. Finding a job can very well be like having a full time job. This article will give you a guide line or check list, that, if followed, will greatly improve your chances of being hired, as well as, help to shorten the process.

Step 1: Update EVERYTHING. If you are being laid off, fired, or even think your job may be in jeopardy this step is extremely important. In fact, even if you have a secure job, you should still always have you job searching tools up to date. First, and most importantly, update your resume. Make sure your contact information is accurate. Always include an objective in your resume, so employers can see in your own words what type of position you are interested in. Update your education on your resume. Any certificates, diplomas, degrees, or special licensing you have earned should always be on your resume. It is very important to have your work history up to date. You want to start with your most recent employment and work backwards. Try to be detailed in this section, with dates, positions held, and job duties. You may want to have 3 or 4 different variations of your resume. If, for example, you are applying for a sales position, you should create your resume to emphasize your sales background and any skills that would be beneficial to a salesman. If you are also interested in a delivery driver position, you many want a version of your resume to emphasize your experiences and skills as a driver. You should also create a cover letter geared towards the type of job you are looking for. The changes may be very minimal between your different variations of your resume and different variations of your cover letters, but these small changes will go a long way.

Step 2: Update or create a professional contact/reference list. If you don't already have a contacts list, you absolutely need to make this your next step. You want to compile a list of contacts that can give you a personal or professional reference. You typically want at least 5 of each, but the more the merrier. For professional references, a teacher, professor, or coach with whom you have a good relationship with is a great start. Any previous employers with whom you are in good standing with are great references, whether its a previous boss, human resources personel, or any person who held a supervisor position is a good addition to this list. Depending on your previous positions, you may have created great relationships with customers, these are also very good professional references. As for personal references, a long time friend is a good start. Maybe a close neighbor. You also want to think about people that you do business with outside of work, such as a barber, or your doctor. If you are married, in-laws are good personal references. Once you have put your list together, you should get current contact information for all of these people. Once you have accomplished that, you should contact as many of them as you can, if not all of them. Tell them you are searching for a new job, and politely ask them if you might be able to use them as a reference. Most people would love to help. Sometimes, your contacts can even refer you to a job opening that they know of. Once this group professionals know you're in the market, most will try to keep an eye out for you. This is a very helpful step.

Step 3: Search everyday. There are many places that post job listings. Check your local news papers help wanted section. If you have access to the internet, there are many way to search online. Start by searching on monster.com, hotjobs.com, careerbuilder.com, these sites give you the opportunity to search for specific types of jobs in the areas in which you are able to work. These site also make it very easy for you to apply right there online. Craiglist.org is another good place to find jobs. You can also visit your local unemployment office.

Step 4: Promote yourself. On most of these websites where you are searching for jobs, you can also post your resume for employers to find you! This is very efficiant because an employer whom you didn't even apply to, can find your resume, and pitch his position to you! Always be as detailed as possible and list any accomplishments, teams, clubs, leadership rolls, or any special skills you have. The more versitle you appear the more job offers you will get. If you have a specific company you are interested in working for, go to their website. Most companies have a careers or job opportunities section on their website. In this section of their website you will find any job openings the company is promoting to the public. Even if you don't find a position you can apply for at the moment, a lot of bigger companies allow you to make an employment profile on their website, and post your resume, so they'll have your imformation on hand when a position becomes available.

Step 5: Make a log book. Once you begin applying for different positions, you want to make a log book. Each time you apply for a position you should make a note of it. Write down the company you applied for, and when you applied. If it was online, take down any information they give you, ie; contact person, phone numbers, email, etc. If you apply in person or inquired over the phone get the names of anyone you spoke with. It is important to do this step because you will want to follow up on these opportunites if you do not get a quick call back.

Step 6: Follow up. Once you have applied for a job, or interviewed for a job, and you do not hear back from them, you should make another attempt to get in contact with person responsible for filling the position. Unless you are told ahead of time not to follow up. Generally after a week, you should follow up. During the follow up, you want to thank whom ever it is that took the time to review your resume, application or who interviewed you.

By following these steps you will be well on your way to landing you next job, or begining your new career. Keep in mind there is a lot that goes into getting a job besides these 6 steps. You should always be polite and courteous when appling or interviewing for a position. If you have an interview you should "dress for sucess" You should NEVER show up in jeans, or sweats. Anything less than business causal in not acceptable. For men, a suit, or at least slacks, dress shirt, and tie. Best of luck on you search for a new begining!