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8 Tips to Beat this Recession
Being at your best is critical in any job search, but especially during a recession. Here's eight things you can do.
Plan Well
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You know what they say about those who fail to plan. This applies with a vengeance in the job search. Be focused on what kind of job you want (or at least, two or three clearly-articulated areas you are exploring). Do your homework to find the companies that can hire you, and what they need. Develop a good strategy for reaching the hiring decision makers.
Prepare an Impeccable Self Presentation
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Don’t waste your time—or theirs--talking to people until you can clearly articulate how you can contribute and help the hiring decision maker with his/her problems. How can you make money for a company, save money, improve service, or whatever you do well. You should have a powerful, results-oriented resume, a repertoire of polished stories about how you can contribute, and a 2-minute profile. Attend our free webinar, “Death to Boring Resumes.” See info on workshops in this newsletter.
Manage Your Time
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Be ruthlessly efficient with your time. Spend 15% or so online and at job boards; the rest connecting with people who can hire you or connect you to those who can. Always be thinking about prioritizing your efforts. Avoid the time wasters like the plague.
Take advantage of our free webinar, “More Done, More Fun…You’re Hired.” It's especially designed for people in transition.
Develop Your Personal Brand (Your Professional Image)
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Distinguish yourself from everybody else out there. One of the best ways we know is to use a Special Report, a short paper in which you showcase your expertise in your field. Lucrative Careers pioneered this approach, and we have helped a number of clients develop and “broadcast” their brand with Special Reports. Let’s face it: even the best resumes are no ones favorite reading material. Which would you rather read: yet another resume—or a Special Report like these:
“Lessons from the Edsel”
50-Year-Old Marketing Mistakes that Are Still Killing Companies Today
Four Keys to Securing Great Event Sponsors and Four Keys to Great Event Productions:
Eight simple rules that can make the difference between "What an Expensive Mess!" and "Let’s do It Again!!"
How to Uncover Financial and Operational Trouble Before Your P&L Blows Up… Ten simple actions any FCM, BD, Bank, Prop Trading and/or Treasury Manager or Director can take to head off trouble at the pass.
Stay Connected and Connect Some More
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Don’t go into a hole because you feel bad about being out of work. Concentrate your time on networking. Be in touch with former bosses and co-workers, but build your network beyond the people who know you now. Get active with your professional association; perhaps you can volunteer to help with events or be on a committee. Attend job search support group meetings, as long as they are upbeat (avoid pity parties. It’s hard enough to keep your spirits up without going to group meetings that drag you down).
Take Time to Enjoy Life
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Don’t feel that you can’t have any fun until you get hired. Take time to spend with friends and loved ones. Maybe you can’t afford expensive entertainment, but you can rent a movie, see concerts (many outdoor ones are free during the summer), take a bike ride, or go to the zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo is free). Appreciate nature and the wonders of life around you.
Keep at It - Leave No Stone Unturned
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Do whatever it takes. Network, attend job fairs, get involved with your professional association, use online job boards, keep doing whatever it takes to get hired.
Keep Your Spirits Up
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Realize you will have doubts and discouraging times. You’re not alone I’m continually amazed at the self doubt I hear from even the most accomplished and dynamic clients. The news is bad, but don’t let it stop you. You only need one job. Nurture the spiritual by taking time for prayer or meditation, as this is important to you. Read inspirational books, listen to motivational CD’s or videos.
It is tough, but people are getting hired—and you will too.
THIS WAS JUST A SAMPLE!
Sample Newsletter
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