Job searching is never fun, nor is it something that is particularly comfortable for the majority of people out there. It can be frustrating, but ultimately, it can prove to be an extremely rewarding experience. There are additional challenges that exist, however, when it comes to job searching in a recession.

The term recession is likely to be as frightening to many as a job search. Because of this, it’s important to remember that there are ways to simplify job searching in a recession. Whether you are currently employed and concerned about the possibility of a layoff or you are unemployed and eager to find work, the following tips will help with job searching in a recession.

1.Take an inventory of your skills. Whenever you are searching for a job, it’s important to make sure that you know your strengths and that you are able to identify the areas where you could be stronger. While job searching in a recession, if you are aware of the potential for growth in a given area, you may want to make an effort to develop those skills – particularly if they will make you more marketable to employers.

2.Identify your long term goals. When you are searching for a new job, you have a great opportunity to get a fresh start. If you’ve always felt that you aren’t doing the right type of work, you have the opportunity to explore other options – and what you would need to be able to break into a new field – rather than just looking for more of the same.

3.Step up your confidence. When you are frustrated and down about your circumstances, it is going to show. The more that you are able to overcome the stress that you’re experiencing and exude confidence, the better the position that you will be in to go in for the interview.

Ultimately, confidence is one of the strongest factors out there; when you are committed to doing your best work, when you are focused on learning about the companies that you apply to and you are able to focus on developing the full skill set that they are looking for, you will have an advantage.

Staying marketable is something that you can focus on whether or not you currently have a job and regardless of whether you are starting into a new field or looking for a similar position. When there are strains on the economy, there will be more applicants for various positions and that means that there will be more competition; remember that competition can be a good thing – provided you let it drive you to be your best.

Job searching in a recession, in other words, is really just a matter of ensuring that you are at the top of your game – that you have all of the necessary skills, that you know what you are working toward and that you know that you’re able to accomplish all of the things that you set out to do.

Copyright: Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Image taken on 2010-07-18 12:50:42. Image Source. (Used with permission)