12 March 2009
By John Vasicek, Team Leader - Darnell International

Like everyone else, I have been following the upsetting news regarding unemployment across the UK.  BBC reported that unemployment will reach 3.2 million. Another business group reported that unemployment will reach just over 10% of the workforce by the second half of next year.

For the unemployed, or those preparing for a layoff, that translates into an increasingly competitive job search. With all of this in mind, I was thinking, how can today’s job seeker gain the advantage to find their job during this recession? It is for this reason that I decided to give put together my top ten tips, in the hope to help.

1. Networking: Networking for your next job is always important, but with higher unemployment and more job seekers in the field, it is even more important. Many job seekers learn about the openings through their network before they are advertised. Friends, family, business associates, trade associations, alumni groups, and church organizations may provide a head start to your next job interview before the public finds out. So take the initiative to reach out to your network.

2. Stay Organized: Nowadays, job seekers are soliciting more companies and networking with more people to find the next job. This requires that today’s candidates be extremely organized during their job search. Establish a centralized database to store information, such as: the company and interviewer’s name and title; the company’s products and services; the date of the job interview; and the status of interviews, thank you notes, and other follow-up tasks.

3. Focus Your Accomplishments: A resume is the perfect place to boast. Clearly list key accomplishments, and the correlating impact under each job listing. Each impact statement should begin with the results of the achievement. For example, “Cut overhead costs by 25 percent by streamlining workflow and centralizing operations.” Load the resume with active verbs and keyword nouns. Active verbs sell the employer and keyword nouns increase the odds of your resume being found in a resume database.

4. Consider a Functional Resume: If you are considering a career transition–as is the case for many job seekers in recently impacted fields, such as the high tech, travel and airline industries–a functional resume is needed. A functional resume highlights cross-over skills and achievements and downplays job titles and industries. This is an ideal way to show prospective employers that you’re perfect for the job, even though your experience may not be directly related.

5. Broadcast Your Resume: Candidates are plentiful in today’s job search, so it is important for a job seeker to get in front of a prospective employer first. A direct way is by e-mailing the resume to targeted companies and recruiters, and posting it to major career Web sites. This automatically provides job seekers with the broadest reach to any hiring manager in search of candidates.

6. Search Local Company Directories: With fewer jobs available but more job seekers, companies are not advertising in the classifieds; they don’t need to because candidates are showing up on the company’s doorsteps. Research local company directories and Web sites, and proactively contact the company for available opportunities. Also, to demonstrate further interest, the job seeker should tailor the resume to fit the job description.

7. Research and Prepare: Make a distinct impression by being the best-prepared job candidate. Research information on the company before the interview, and use this information to ask educated questions during the interview. Some employers have even interviewed candidates who were armed with a printout highlighting important facts about the company’s products and services found on the company’s website. 8. Follow-up Frequently: Since employers are now interviewing many job seekers for one position, it is important to regularly remind prospective employers that you are still available and interested. Reminders work well through frequent follow-up with phone calls, e-mails, and written notes.

9. Be Realistic About your salary expectations: The high-flying days of the dot.com era are history. Have realistic expectations while negotiating a compensation package. Research the competitive salary range for the position within the specific geographic region, along with vacation time, 401K plans, and other components of a compensation package. Hold out for you’re worth, but be open and flexible. And remember to always let the employer bring up the topic of compensation first.

10. Present Sample Work: Since you want to stand out from the rest of the competition, impress prospective employers by bringing a portfolio of best work samples to the interview, even if it was not requested. Compile both recent and dated samples of work to demonstrate expertise and results achieved at prior jobs. Be ready to discuss the ideas and strategy behind each sample.

The market is fierce when it comes to finding a job today, but job seekers who follow these tips are sure to come out on top.  Contact me or any of our other recruitment consultants to close the gap between you and your job.