How to find a Job in a “Jobless” Market

A lot of people are unemployed and feeling down on their luck. Many believe the situation with the economy and the job market is hopeless. I've been there; I was unemployed and underemployed for about a year. I got by on gigs on Craigslist and other side jobs, all the while going to job fairs and applying to jobs like a maniac.

First thing you have to do is change your attitude and outlook. If you believe the situation is hopeless, then it will be. Plus no one will want to hire you if you’re in “Debbie Downer” mode.

Use your resources: ask your friends, family, ex-coworkers and previous supervisors to help you with your job search; they may know someone who is hiring. Also try buddying up with one of your unemployed friends and take turns helping each other apply for jobs, check each other’s resumes, etc…

Put yourself out there! Emailing your resume a million times isn't enough. Go to networking events, join Yahoo Groups, Meetup, LinkedIn, and join different groups of professionals in your area and/or your field. Many times job postings are listed there (especially LinkedIn). Also try reaching out to your school’s alumni network and get in contact with some alumni in your field.

Post your resume and make it visible on websites like Monster, so that recruiters are able to get in contact with you. Also join different temp and employment agencies. Headhunters can provide a great deal of help with your job search. Don’t sleep on temp jobs! Many positions start out as temporary and may become permanent. Plus the advantage of having a temp job is that if you don’t like it, the end will be near.

If you still can’t find a job, how about creating one? Why not start your own business? Don’t be scared; it’s very easy to start a business, especially a home business. There are tons of resources at your disposal to get your business started.

Lastly, don’t forget to take it easy once in a while. Looking for a job is a job in itself. You deserve a mental health break every so often, especially if you find yourself exhausted and overly stressed from the job search. It’s OK to take a break! Sometimes you need to replenish your energy to get back in the game.

Good luck with your job search and by the way, check out my post on Government Benefits for the Unemployed, to help you out during this time.

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