Next topic- Unemployed in 2009...things you should know.
We will discuss filing unemployment, changes to COBRA and the current job market. If you have any specific topic areas you wish to discuss, send me an email at Rebecca@agency8recruiting.com.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Optimism in a Recession
Optimism in a Recession
Make it your goal this quarter is to remain optimistic. Simply put but difficult to achieve. With unemployment at a 6.5% in Houston and the news out-right depressing, this is a challenge for sure.
When we log into Facebook, LinkedIn or email we are constantly being reminded that the people being laid off are our friends, family members and business acquaintances. It is personal, it hits home. So my message to you is that you might get laid off or be directly impacted by this recession. But how you handle it will make all the difference in your success.
Have your resume ready to go
Even if you have a stable job, make sure your resume is current. Always have a network of job references or reference letters ready. Agency 8 offers resume writing services and there are many online tips to help you out. Often candidates get laid off and then spend a month getting their resume together. This leads to helplessness and desperation. Don’t wait for your unemployment to run out or your severance money to dry up either… HUGE mistake! Be prepared and act quickly.
Have People
Make sure you are always meeting new people in your career by attending networking events. Setup online network groups like LinkedIn so that you are visible to leaders in your industry and field. Don’t be afraid to add friends and meet people. I am happy to be your friend and I know others out there feel the same.
Know your Power
Just because your employer cannot afford to keep you on staff, it is not always a reflection on your job performance. You have something to offer a future employer that is unique to you!
Be Flexible but not Weak
You might have to lower your salary expectations, drive a little further or lose some benefits in your next position. When the economy picks up (and it will) you can be more selective; but now is not the time. On the flip side, when you suggest that you could work at a 30% pay decrease and would drive 3 hours a day to work, the Recruiter/ Employer is wondering what is wrong with you! Expect to compromise, but don’t “give in”.
Run the Show
Recruiters and companies are getting lots of resumes and they are overwhelmed. If you send your resume out, follow up in 3 days. Send a thank you email or note 1-2 days post interview. Keep following up (weekly) on nonresponsive resume submissions. You can’t expect someone to manage the job search process for you.
Keep your Cool
Don’t call daily, pout or get angry with Recruiters or Employers. You will hurt your reputation and ultimately lose. As hard as it may be, remain polite and professional, I know your mamma taught you better! Most of the candidates that I place have worked with me for years. Maybe they did not get an offer on the original position they were recruited for, but they remained professional and kind. Down the road a better opportunity came along and they were the first person I considered.
Do More than Just get through the Interview
Often, the person that gets that job offer had the same required skills, but they did a better job selling their expertise to the employer. You must sell your skills to the employer in a way that solves their problems. See each interview as a chance to learn and improve this skill. Many people have a hard time with this, so I suggest to pretend you are selling your friend’s skills. Practice with 3 key arguments as to why you are the best candidate for the position.
Don't give up, be a Contender
I am not saying this just because I don’t want to pay your mortgage. You will find something and you will grow from this experience. It will take work, compromise and stepping out of your comfort zone, but you will get there. In this economy each job has more competition and you are a contender…. so fight!
Thank you for taking time to read my blog. If you have any topic suggestions, please email me at Rebecca@agency8recruiting.com
Make it your goal this quarter is to remain optimistic. Simply put but difficult to achieve. With unemployment at a 6.5% in Houston and the news out-right depressing, this is a challenge for sure.
When we log into Facebook, LinkedIn or email we are constantly being reminded that the people being laid off are our friends, family members and business acquaintances. It is personal, it hits home. So my message to you is that you might get laid off or be directly impacted by this recession. But how you handle it will make all the difference in your success.
Have your resume ready to go
Even if you have a stable job, make sure your resume is current. Always have a network of job references or reference letters ready. Agency 8 offers resume writing services and there are many online tips to help you out. Often candidates get laid off and then spend a month getting their resume together. This leads to helplessness and desperation. Don’t wait for your unemployment to run out or your severance money to dry up either… HUGE mistake! Be prepared and act quickly.
Have People
Make sure you are always meeting new people in your career by attending networking events. Setup online network groups like LinkedIn so that you are visible to leaders in your industry and field. Don’t be afraid to add friends and meet people. I am happy to be your friend and I know others out there feel the same.
Know your Power
Just because your employer cannot afford to keep you on staff, it is not always a reflection on your job performance. You have something to offer a future employer that is unique to you!
Be Flexible but not Weak
You might have to lower your salary expectations, drive a little further or lose some benefits in your next position. When the economy picks up (and it will) you can be more selective; but now is not the time. On the flip side, when you suggest that you could work at a 30% pay decrease and would drive 3 hours a day to work, the Recruiter/ Employer is wondering what is wrong with you! Expect to compromise, but don’t “give in”.
Run the Show
Recruiters and companies are getting lots of resumes and they are overwhelmed. If you send your resume out, follow up in 3 days. Send a thank you email or note 1-2 days post interview. Keep following up (weekly) on nonresponsive resume submissions. You can’t expect someone to manage the job search process for you.
Keep your Cool
Don’t call daily, pout or get angry with Recruiters or Employers. You will hurt your reputation and ultimately lose. As hard as it may be, remain polite and professional, I know your mamma taught you better! Most of the candidates that I place have worked with me for years. Maybe they did not get an offer on the original position they were recruited for, but they remained professional and kind. Down the road a better opportunity came along and they were the first person I considered.
Do More than Just get through the Interview
Often, the person that gets that job offer had the same required skills, but they did a better job selling their expertise to the employer. You must sell your skills to the employer in a way that solves their problems. See each interview as a chance to learn and improve this skill. Many people have a hard time with this, so I suggest to pretend you are selling your friend’s skills. Practice with 3 key arguments as to why you are the best candidate for the position.
Don't give up, be a Contender
I am not saying this just because I don’t want to pay your mortgage. You will find something and you will grow from this experience. It will take work, compromise and stepping out of your comfort zone, but you will get there. In this economy each job has more competition and you are a contender…. so fight!
Thank you for taking time to read my blog. If you have any topic suggestions, please email me at Rebecca@agency8recruiting.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
