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The economy has been uneven for two years since the recession ended. Normally spending and hiring bounce back quickly after deep downturns, but the housing crash and credit troubles left households and businesses in weakened financial shape, slowing the recovery.
Having worked as a career counselor and now as a portfolio manager, I see the employment picture clearly: jobs aren’t picking up quickly, and wages and hours haven’t rebounded. For people out of work, competition for openings is intense. Economic cycles will improve over time, but that’s little comfort when you need a job now.
The more people you know and reach out to, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities. To build your network:
– Increase the number of contacts you make.
– Stay active in your field.
– Promote yourself subtly (for example, “When I worked in this area, we raised regional sales by doing X.”)
– Keep growing your network as you collect more contacts and potential leads.
In a world dominated by email and texts, you’ll stand out by talking with people in person or on the phone. Folks are more willing to meet if you ask for a short informational chat about the field rather than requesting a job outright. Each conversation helps you make a strong impression, learn more about the industry, and raise the chance that someone will mention a job lead. Plus, being busy with job-search activities leaves less time to dwell on worries.
Taking action builds confidence and produces results.
Which job-search strategies have worked for you?
