| Even in good times, getting a new job can be | | | | a job. |
| stressful and now we're into a recession, you | | | | The first thing you need to do is create a great |
| might feel like it's a mission too far, especially if | | | | CV (more articles about this later in our series) |
| you've been out of work for a while. You need to | | | | and then surf, surf, surf. If you haven't got a |
| pay the bills and everything you read and all the | | | | computer, get dressed and be at your local |
| news you hear doesn't make you any less | | | | internet cafe by 9am sharp! Make sure you have |
| anxious. It isn't going to be easy to be optimistic | | | | printer paper / notepad and pen to keep a record |
| and positive, but that is exactly what you do | | | | of the jobs you've applied for, helpful websites |
| need to be. | | | | and job leads. Everything you do matters and you |
| It's not all bad | | | | will reap the rewards for the efforts you make. |
| There is an upside and downside to most things | | | | Market yourself |
| and where unfortunate companies have laid off | | | | You'll need to market yourself well and I'll say it |
| staff or had to close in a particular service sector, | | | | again, the strength of your CV can decide your |
| other firms will pick up the business available | | | | fate. If you look at the top retailers, they know |
| which may lead them to having to increase their | | | | that great quality products have great packaging, |
| own workforce, thus creating an opportunity that | | | | great promotion and sell well. You need to do the |
| just may suit you. | | | | same. |
| Network | | | | Think about your quality with all the qualifications, |
| When you find yourself becoming frustrated and | | | | experience and skills you've gained and your |
| down, take the afternoon and go for a walk, read | | | | packaging - well you are a nicely turned out, |
| a book or do something which will help you clear | | | | friendly and professional person - now you should |
| your mind so that you can be ready to face the | | | | really be in demand. |
| challenges ahead. Talk to your friends and family, | | | | Now it's about promoting yourself. Yes, I'm going |
| go online and chat to others in similar | | | | to mention that great CV again, which should be |
| circumstances and surround yourself with | | | | complimented by a relatable covering letter (there |
| supporting elements to help you feel stronger. By | | | | is more about covering letters later in this series). |
| networking with others, you never know what | | | | Once you have identified jobs that are suitable for |
| opportunities could come your way. | | | | you, send in your application / CV and covering |
| Gain new skills | | | | letter. If you don't get interviews, it may well be |
| Whilst you are looking for a job, learn a new skill | | | | that your CV lacks information or clarity. If you |
| and look into whether there are any additional | | | | get interviews but no offers, you need to revise |
| qualifications you could get or courses you can | | | | your interview technique (more about interview |
| study as cross training will give you the | | | | techniques later in this series). |
| advantage. Check out online courses that will give | | | | There are many ways you can get your CV in |
| you additional knowledge and qualifications, so that | | | | front of prospective employers by using the web, |
| you can continue studying when you do get that | | | | registering with job boards - particularly those that |
| job. | | | | are specialist or niche to your industry, contacting |
| Focus | | | | employment agencies, local papers, trade press, |
| You must focus on showing others the positive | | | | using social networking tools and cold calling or |
| side of your personality and remember all the | | | | making speculative applications to relevant |
| skills you have that you can bring to an employer. | | | | industry companies in your area, to see if they |
| When you get to an interview, employers want | | | | are looking to hire. |
| to see a confident person who knows their value | | | | Salary |
| and what they can bring to the company. | | | | Don't price yourself out of the market - things |
| Of course, your ideal would be a job which | | | | have changed now and you need to focus in on |
| matches or betters your previous role in your | | | | getting the right role even if it means taking a |
| chosen industry, but you must now be realistic | | | | pay cut. It's better to be in work on a slightly |
| and practical which may mean taking a job a | | | | lower salary than on none at all. Of course you |
| couple of steps down the ladder so that you can | | | | shouldn't undervalue your skills and experience but |
| work your way back up again. You need to be | | | | you must be realistic of what the market place |
| realistic because there is a lot of competition out | | | | has to offer and how much competition there is |
| there and you have to stand out. | | | | for each job. |
| Start doing | | | | By following these simple tips, you're on the way |
| Searching for work should be your full time job | | | | to beating the blues, getting out of the doldrums |
| until you get a paid one! To succeed you must | | | | and getting gainful employment. |
| get into a 'work' routine of job hunting from | | | | So make the best out of the person you are, and |
| 9am-5pm at the very least. And yes, take a | | | | as Nelson Mandela once said "The greatest glory |
| break for lunch! Be organised and prepare for | | | | in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every |
| your day. You must be committed, focused and | | | | time we fall. |
| invest your time and energy into securing yourself | | | | |