Top Five Tips for Landing a Job in a Tough Economy

Are you unemployed and seeking a job? What lengths are you willing to go to in order to earn a decent living? In a tough economy, you may have to lower your standards. Doing what you love may entail doing what you can tolerate until you find the job you love. I was a divorced Mom of three for over twenty years. In that time I learned quite a bit about surviving rough financial circumstances. Here's my top five tips for finding a job when times are hard.

Show them your value. It's not about what you need, it's about what the employer needs. In a tough economy, competition is fierce. There may be a hundred people applying for the same position. Your qualifications, reputation and experience have to outshine ninety nine (or more) other applicants. What's special about you? What can you give your future employer that no-one else can? Those qualities need to be on your application or resume.

Be the person your resume describes. When you go to your interview, be sure you are who you say you are. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Not if your resume is exaggerated or worse, false. When you write up your resume be truthful. Don't say you're a people person if you're a wallflower. You'll be happier in a job that fits your qualifications (and more likely to be hired).

Be willing to settle, temporarily or permanently. You want to find the job that's right for you, but you still need an income. Several years ago, a friend of mine applied at a major fast food chain in between jobs. She figured she could work the night shift and hunt for jobs during the day. Turns out she liked it. Now she's a district manager. You don't have to go that far, but you might have to take a less desirable position to pay the bills while you look for your dream job.

Follow up is vital. Two people with the same qualifications apply for the same job. One gives a call to the company after sending in their resume. The other lets their resume speak for itself. Who do you think the company will hire? Putting forth the effort it takes to land the job is a great way to demonstrate your on the job ambition and enthusiasm to future employers. People will remember that girl who took the time to make personal contact.

Walk tall and never give up. Adopting a positive and steadfast attitude is likely the single most important thing you can do to land a job. Know that you are qualified. Have confidence in your own abilities. That confidence will show in your resume and in your interviews. If the first hundred places you apply aren't interested, apply at a hundred more. Landing a job in a tough economy is difficult, not impossible. Perseverance, determination, honesty and a good outlook will win out in the end.

Source:

Personal Experience