Looking for a job in this bad economy is a full-time job. It seems like every other day companies are laying off employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15.3 million Americans were unemployed in December.
While the nation’s unemployment rate dropped from 10.0 percent to 9.7 percent in January 2010, some Americans have found other ways to scope out job leads.
(1) Service is Rewarding
One year ago, U.S. President Barack Obama sounded a “ Call to Action” for all Americans to volunteer or to give back to their communities. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, “between September 2008 and March 2009, more than a third (37%) of nonprofit organizations” reported an increase in “the number of volunteers they use, and almost half (48%) foresee increasing their usage of volunteers in the coming year.”
While volunteering is one way to help people who are less fortunate or to do something meaningful, it can also be therapeutic. It can make you forget about your own problems, especially if you’re jobless. Moreover, it’s also a chance to network with people, improve or learn new job skills or volunteer in your downtime with an organization that interests you. To find a volunteer opportunity in your area, visit: http://www.serve.gov/
(2) Consider Part-Time and Temporary Work
In this economic crunch, you have to think outside of the box. Get creative with your job search. Network. Do everything you’re expected to do as a job seeker and then more.
Everybody is reading the want ads, applying online, or in-person for a job. Why not consider working part-time or with a temporary agency to get your foot in the door?
A friend of mine, who had been out of work for two years, recently began to network, and just landed a temporary job as a secretary with a cemetery. And, there’s more good news. There’s a possibility that the position may turn into a permanent job. Sometimes opportunity is where you least expect it.
By researching a company that you’re interested in working for, visiting them in person, telling others that you’re looking for a job, increasing your skill set and networking, your chances of finding your next job should increase.
(3) Do Freelance/Contract Work
To stay afloat and save money, some companies have cut their employees’ work hours in half. The result? Employees now have to find other ways to supplement their income. If you haven’t been able to find part-time or temporary work, search out freelance or contract assignments through your network of contacts. Freelance work will give you better control of your time because you’ll be able to sell your work or services by the hour, day or job.
(4) Be an Entrepreneur
Do you have a favorite hobby that you enjoy doing such as fixing computers, reupholstering furniture, designing jewelry, selling items, babysitting, taking photographs, creating websites, interior decorating, catering, cleaning, sewing or organizing events? Why not take inventory of the skills you already possess? It may be time for you to start your own business. See if you can fill a void or need in the job market? Once you’ve found your niche, create a business plan, research the market you want to pursue, the consumer, the type of product needed by the consumer, and financing for your business.
(5) Stay Motivated in Job Search
It’s hard to stay motivated while looking for a job in this recession. On Essence.Com, branding strategist Melissa Dawn Johnson helps readers to change their image, and start new journeys in life with the weekly Wednesday video series called “The Brand Me Minute.” Check out her first video on “How to Stay Motivated in Challenging Times.”
(6) Reinvent Yourself
This will allow you to move into a new direction in your life. Maybe it's time to change your current career and go back to school to get the training you'll need to start a new career. What skills do you already have that can be transferred to another career?
(7) Network- Don’t Burn Bridges
The latest trend in job searching is using social media to find your next job. For example, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin are used by employers to check out potential job candidates. For job seekers, it's a good way to find out which company is hiring, to meet top level executives that can give you career advice, to obtain the contact name of a hiring manager or to find out the type of problems or conversations that occur on the employer's Facebook or Twitter page that affect the company.
Whatever you do, keep everything on a professional level. Whether you're networking on a social media site or in person, know what you can offer the company, know which company you want to work for, and do your research on the company. Most of the people you’ll meet won’t be able to offer you a job. However, that doesn’t mean that they won’t keep you in mind if a job should become available or know other people or companies that might be hiring. Remember, while you’re networking, don’t burn any bridges. The person you work with today just might be your boss tomorrow.
Photo Credits: progressohio.org
