Keeping Active in Your Job Search - Especially in a Slow Economy

I have talked with several people recently who are having a hard time keeping active in their job search. They started out energized by the possibilities, but along the way, they have lost steam. They have looked through the want ads, although there isn't usually much there, they have posted their resume to a few sites, and they have looked at job sites but they are just not finding much in advertised jobs. In this economy, it does seem that "no one is hiring" but that is not entirely accurate.

In actuality, many employers are hiring, some of them are the same companies that have recently reduced their staff. The thing is, they are hiring people who can solve some of their problems, help them reduce costs, or find ways to increase their sales or business income. As a job seeker, you should be prepared to help a potential organization recognize the value that you would bring and in which way(s) you could help them.

I encourage my clients to continue to network to identify potential employment opportunities they may be able to pursue. It is still primarily a matter of knowing someone who knows someone who can provide you with a way "in" to a potential hiring organization. I also encourage my clients to do some research to learn more about those organizations that may offer potential employment and develop a plan for how they could present their value to those organizations in a meaningful way.

This is certainly not the time to be shy about what you could do for an employer. Although that is not to say you should be overbearing. But you should be able to identify ways in which you could help with some of their problems and provide some supportive statements relating previous successes in similar situations. You should develop at least a few accomplishment statements to share with potential employers that demonstrate how you have been successful in the past. Networking may get you in the door, or on the phone, with a potential hiring manager, but you must be able to communicate your value.

Don't lose heart, but you may need to allow more time for your search. Ideally, you can conduct your search while you are still employed, but if not, you need to take advantage of the additional available time to step up your search activity. And keep a positive attitude - it shows!

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to over 20 years' experience as a career counselor and coach, she also has years of experience as a college academic advisor. She provides career coaching and counseling for life's transition in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.

Visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. Contact Ms. Davis at (513) 665-4444 x3 or YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.