In today's economy it is always wise to keep your job options open. Whether chatting with co-workers or watching the evening news, the risk of recession seems an impossible topic to avoid. If you think your job is at risk, you should be looking for alternatives. Just how safe is my job?
Merrill Lynch economist David Rosenberg recently wrote that he expects unemployment to reach 5.75% by year end and 6% by early 2009 (vs. 4.9% last month) "To be sure, this is low by historical standards," he wrote, "but would still be very close to the peaks posted during the 2002-03 jobless recovery." As the job market tightens, it becomes more important than ever to have the right approach when you are job hunting.
Here are ten techniques for a successful online job search. Use them to search for jobs more effectively and increase your odds of getting hired.
1. Job Sites: There are thousands of different job sites out there. Be selective. Use sites that specialise in your area of expertise.
2. Refine Your Job Search: Use keywords. Add more string terms. Narrow your search. Use the advanced search feature.
3. Email Alerts: Set up Email Job Alerts. Save your searches to receive daily or weekly email alerts . You can also save your searches as an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) job feeds using any reader. This will help you apply for jobs as soon as they are posted.
4. Focus!: Only apply to jobs you are qualified for. Ignore the rest and don't lie about your skills.
5. Scam Job Listings: Do not be tempted to apply for " quick money" jobs. If it is too good to be true...it probably is....
6. Customise your Cover Letter: A well-written customised cover letter shows the employer you are serious. Show how your skills and experience can help the company.
7. Post Resume on Job Boards: Post your resume on as many job boards as you can. Allow companies to find you online. You will be surprised how many people are able to find you.... including your current employer.
8. Clean Up Your Act: Check your resume and cover letters for typos and grammatical errors. Use consistent font sizes and formatting in your resume. Potential employers may look at any online profile of yours, so keep them up-to-date and free of content that would embarrass you.
9. Brush up your Interviewing Skills: If you have not interviewed for a while, make sure you rehearse and practise your interviewing skills. Practise...Parctise...Practise
10. Research: Learn as much as you can about the company's products and services. Read up on company news and trends in the industry – use sites like Wikipedia and ZoomInfo. Find out who is interviewing and Google their names to learn about them.
It is always easier to find a job while you are in a job. Keep your options open if your job is vulnerable.
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Merrill Lynch economist David Rosenberg recently wrote that he expects unemployment to reach 5.75% by year end and 6% by early 2009 (vs. 4.9% last month) "To be sure, this is low by historical standards," he wrote, "but would still be very close to the peaks posted during the 2002-03 jobless recovery."
ReplyDeleteUPDATE As April 2009 Canada Unemployment is 8.0% and US is 8.9%.