Job Hunting During Tough Times
Job hunting has become a highly specialized field of activity today. With jobs being retrenched and salaries slashed by nearly half to tide over the current economic crisis, millions of workers all over the world are on the lookout for new openings. An estimated 38 million jobs would be lost globally before 2009 wraps up, and this alarming figure is all set to change the face of the already sputtering global economy.
Getting a prospective employer to look at your resume or have the HR person follow up your application has become one of the most insurmountable things in the world today. Now, that’s not surprising at all, is it?! Why would they want to rush? It’s after all an employer-driven market. By the law of supply versus demand, there is a vast talent pool out there and no real rush to grab them given the continuing meltdown from Silicon Valley to Shangai. Even companies that have managed to keep their heads above water are closely monitoring their requisition-count and are exercising extreme caution while extending job offers. The prevailing conditions have made it pretty tough for job seekers, albeit belonging to the highly qualified, highly experienced strata.
Hunting Jobs On Line
There was a time, maybe a decade ago, when online job hunting held sway over the recruitment industry. It was quite usual to apply for a position, attend interview, and get appointed-all online. But then, times weren’t as bad then as they are now. Today, with the mushrooming of innumerable career sites, all vying with each other to get the maximum ‘hits’, the original purpose for which it came into existence has become rather diluted. Besides, it is believed that good jobs - assuming they do exist - do not come into the on line market.
Benefits Of Networking
That human networks fill jobs has been known for long. But new relationships based on a first meeting or an exchange of business cards will not get you far. What really works when you are in the job-search mode is the old network. Those who can swear by your capabilities are the ones who will actually remember to refer you when some opportunity that suits your potential crosses their path. So, your inner circle, comprising your closest friends and colleagues, is where you should kick start your job search, and then you should slowly reach out to networks in the outer circle. A combination of diligent research, smart networking, and a human-voiced resume may certainly be the winning formula for your job-search in the troubled times ahead.
