Tips for getting a job!
I’m getting a call or e-mail almost every day about a friend or family member who is losing a job, can’t find a job, took a pay cut, is worried about her job, etc.
Another amazingly funny thing that I’m hearing is…”We elected Barack…why don’t I have a job yet?”
Well here is the deal, things are likely to get worse before they get better! Americans are shouldering massive amounts of personal debt, more than any other time in history, and getting this debt burden down to manageable levels is going to take a significant amount of time. That being said, encouraging banks to lend and citizens to borrow more is not the answer. For what it worth, I believe any government stimulus package should focus on helping small business owners (like me) get going or expand. I also believe that our leaders should focus ALMOST ALL of their attention of stabilizing the value of our assets…our homes, investments, etc. It is almost impossible to think about starting or expanding a business when your biggest investment, your home, is falling significantly in value each month.
My rant is over now…here is my advice on the job front.
#1 If you have a job…protect it! In times like these, you need to be the best and hardest working you that you can be!
#2 Don’t rely on Job Websites…everyone is doing that. I would be personally hand delivering my resume to every great business within 75 miles of my home.
#3 Don’t waste your time. If you find yourself with time on your hands, use it wisely! Learn a new skill, take a class, read important industry journals, volunteer for good causes, take part time work where networking opportunities may exist, exercise and take care of your body, etc.
#4 Network. Don’t let a temporary setback kill your confidence. You are unique and special, and it is important that you continue to get out there and let people know that you are an individual with drive and passion.
#5 Be patient…but don’t miss an opportunity. If you lost a six figure job, don’t be surprised if you are getting offers in the 60K range. That is just how things are now a days. Weigh your options wisely, and don’t necessarily bite the first little worm that you see. BUT, know that sometimes in life you have to take two steps back to then take 3 steps forward.
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February 7th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Networking is crucial. If you can meet anyone face to face from the company, remember everything you can about them. Take down their name and what they do and when you apply for jobs, email them directly and name drop them on your cover letter.
Great tips that are very timely!
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February 7th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Excellent content here and a nice writing style too – keep up the great work!
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February 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I do think job websites are not really that useful. I don’t think they’ll make you stand out in the crowd of everyone trying to use them. Learning new skills is also helpful, you’ll never know when you’ll need to put them to use.
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February 7th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I am experiencing the same thing. I have been receiving a lot of phone calls lately from friends and family members asking about job openings.
The best thing I told them is to stay focused and network. We are truly in a very tough economic situation but if you keep your skills updated, you will have a better shot of finding a job through the tough times.
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February 7th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Great list of tips. I agree with #1. Several of my co-workers are very upset right now with all the pay freezes and the extra load of work. I keep telling them to flip on the news and then come back and tell me your still upset.
pfincomes last blog post..Cheap Family Vacations – Ways to Save Money
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February 7th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I think trying times like these ought to reinforce to everyone the importance of owning their own means of subsistence. No one should depend on their 9-5 as their only income. What do they say about having all your eggs in one basket? DON’T!
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February 8th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Fantastic tips there buddy. Very handy in these crucial times. Obama cant improve the economy in one day, it will take time but he should get there.
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February 9th, 2009 at 1:53 am
Great insights my friends. It is a tough road out there, and you have to be very strategic in your quest for financial stability.
Almost Millionaires last blog post..Tips for getting a job!
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February 9th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Our Government is in the process of handing out another cash hand out, the last one was in December. The idea is to encourage people to spend. The problem is this is only a short term measure. I like you think they should do something to encourage small business, who when combined [robably employ more people than large business anyway.
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February 9th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
These are actually some vary useful tips for people who need to protect their job and get a new job. It is good that you had the knowledge to provide this.
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February 11th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Thanks for the tips. This is the first time my husband and I are the bread winners for our family so its a little bit scary with a new baby and so much responsibilities.
No matter what try not to let panic set in and keep positive energy flowing.
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February 11th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
All I will say is that I’m tired of everyone relying on those job websites all the time. Sure the rare person will find a job through a website but come on during a recession? With so few jobs available you have to do whatever it takes to differentiate yourself from the competition. Whether this means handing out resumes or contacting everyone in your network. What a great theme!
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February 18th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I think the best tip to add to this is the preemptive strategy. Don’t stop networking once you have a job. You want to build up as many connections as you can, so that way, if you do lose your job, you have plenty of sources to turn to in order to get back into work. Basically, always live like you’re looking for work, even if you already have it.
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Truck trader Reply:
February 27th, 2009 at 6:01 am
i would agree with that tip of Don’t stop networking once you have a job” …
gr8 tips and well posted
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February 25th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Thanks for the post. I sent a link to this post to one of my good friends who has been searching and searching for a job since being laid off.
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March 7th, 2009 at 11:51 am
This is gonna be my best source for collect information, I’ll surely bookmark this page,thx!
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November 11th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
There are many ways to finding a job in this economy, you just have to try them and think differently than your competition.
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