Recession.. sounds scary.. especially for the unemployed.
I get that; it’s a tough time with lots of change.
But…
How you react to this recession is crucial, and it doesn’t have to be so intimidating if you know how to combat the job search.
I have documented a few points that I would want to know should I end up in this position.
Firstly, lets us understand what a recession is and what this means for job seekers.
In simpler terms, a Recession is a slowdown or a massive contraction in economic activities. Generally, during this period, retail sales decrease as people have less money to spend. As these decline, the impact on the economy can be substantial. Businesses may have to lay off workers to reduce costs or reduce hiring, and some businesses may close. This means it may be tougher for people to job search as businesses will be sceptical about making new hires if there is no guarantee that they are secure.
Some good news, however, is that recessions haven’t been known to last longer than between 2 to 18 months, with the average spanning about 10 months. Light at the end of the tunnel.
Next up, ‘things to consider when actually looking for a role’. These are some steps you can take to maximise your search.
Set up job alerts – this is so important. The minute a new role is posted, you will know about it. You can also then be one of the first applicants to apply.
Make sure you are available to start immediately. That way, you can have interviews back to back, and the process will move along much more quickly. This also means you can start earning sooner and be back on top of your finances.
Look for roles within secure industries and ones that are in high demand – Research companies that may be less threatened by the recession. These may be harder to get into due to others also having the same ideas … that’s what setting up job alerts is for!
Make your CV great – stand out from everyone else. Tell the employer what makes you unique. Tell them what you have that others don’t. This is your chance to really sell yourself and your previous experience. Employers don’t want a novel; keep it precise and relevant to the role you are applying for. A quick tip: Research and be ready to answer a question like ‘Why do you want to work for us?’
Write an intriguing cover letter – similar to improving your CV but writing this letter is vital to landing that role. So many employers decide on the ideal candidate based on their CV.
Don’t waste time – If you are looking for roles, keep active on the search. The longer you wait, the less likely your dream role will be available.
Volunteer! – In between searching for roles, make sure you try and get as much experience and exposure as possible. Volunteering looks great on a CV and, above all else, can provide you with relevant skills for the roles you may be looking for the longer term.
Lastly, don’t panic - stay positive. There will be a job out there. It’s not always as easy as sending a CV and landing an interview, but it won’t always be as difficult to find a role. Just follow the above steps and ensure your CV is professionally constructed, and you will get there.
If you are looking and need support, contact us here at Lily Shippen. We are happy to help!