Recession Job-Search Do's and Don'ts

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/////////////Do's///////////////

Start your job-search with a plan. Your plan should include the type(s) of job you seek, the employers you prefer, and a strategy for obtaining a
position with one of your preferred employers.

Understand that completing all the preparation (job-search strategy, writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for job interviews),
is the most essential element to your success in finding a new job.

Put in more effort into your job-search than ever before. You'll need to make some tasks daily like completing several job-search
activities (such as applying for jobs, obtaining job leads, following-up on them, making new network contacts, connecting with existing contacts,
conducting informational interviews, revising your resume, responding to job postings, going on job interviews, etc.).

Create a resume that focuses on your key accomplishments and successes when describing your experience. Do use action verbs to describe
those accomplishments. And do consider using a "Qualifications Summary" section on your resume to highlight your key qualifications and
accomplishments.

Conduct detailed research on every employment opportunity and employer so that you know exactly the type of employee each seeks -- and
so that you know you are a good fit with each organization's cultures and values. (Especially management & HR people need to do this and the IT
people to see what platformt the employer is in or the clients it is servicing)

Prepare for your job interviews. Try to determine the type of interviews you can expect (individual, panel, group, traditional questions,
behavioral-based questions, etc.) so that you can develop and practice solid responses to prospective questions. Once at the interview, don't
forget to get the correct name (and spelling) of each person who interviews you. Do ask questions, and do ask about the hiring timeline.

Try to follow up on all job leads until you know for certain the job has been filled or no longer exists. In a weak job market, the most successful
job-seekers are both patient and persistent.

Follow all proper job-hunting etiquette, from job-search attire to writing thank-you notes. Especially in a weak job market, continuing to show your
interest by following-up with the employer is extremely important.

Do consider finding/accepting a temporary position or a survival job -- one that will help you pay your basic bills and living expenses -- while you
search for your next career position.

Use all the people you know (plus the people they know) to keep alert of job openings that match what you seek. It is an important part of any job
search. In a recessionary economy networking is an important part of your job-search strategy, as very few organizations are actively seeking new hires.
Do develop online networking skills as well as more traditional networking methods.

/////////////Dont's///////////////

Don't allow yourself to get easily discouraged or distracted. Your ego may get bruised a bit in a long job-search, but the more you stay focused and
upbeat the better your chances of success. Remember that it will take much longer for just about all job-seekers to find a new job.

Don't rely on any one technique to find your next job. The best approach, especially in a weak job market, is a multifaceted approach using a number
of job-search techniques (including networking, Job sites, company job postings, job boards, cold contact, job fairs,news papers).

Don't spend the majority of your time -- or even more than 5 percent of your time -- on the major job boards (a very typical job-seeker mistake).
When you do want to use a job board, spend the majority of your time at specific employers' Websites or to niche job boards for your industry or
profession. Consider using a job-search engine to keep track of the most recently posted job ads.

Don't forget to match your resume and cover letter to each job lead and job opportunity. One of the best ways to show that you potentially fit well
with a prospective employer is by inserting into your cover letter and resume some of the same words the organization uses to describe itself.
If you are responding to a specific job opening, tailor your materials to the specific needs and qualifications outlined in the job description.

Don't let the bad economic news stop you from job-hunting. In fact, many companies that announce layoffs today are hiring for new positions
tomorrow.

Don't use your current employer's resources when job-hunting. Use a personal cell phone and email account when job-hunting. Seek interviews
during your non-working hours -- or take a personal day.

Don't fall for any job-hunting or work-at-home scams. Reputable headhunters and recruiters earn their fees from employers, not job-seekers.

Don't panic if weeks go by and you have heard nothing from the employer as hiring cycles continue to get longer and longer. But do keep following
up with the employer regularly to show your on-going interest in the position.

Don't ever give up if you are struggling to find a new job. It is bound to come if you keep trying.
Source: Content taken and Changed from quintcareers.com