Six Job-Search Tips for a Recession - For What It's Worth - Comcast.net Finance

In this weak economy and tight job market, many people are having a harder time than ever finding a job. With layoffs mounting and the number of unemployed increasing – competition is more intense for the fewer available positions.

But while this is a difficult time, the basics for finding a job are still the same and you can't let your stress overwhelm you. There are still companies hiring, and it is still possible to land a job in a recession.

To help, here are six basic tips to make your job search a little easier -- and a lot more fruitful:

1. Be Brave. Even in this economy, there are employers looking for affordable, enthusiastic, and energetic help, but you have to go out and ask. Don't be discouraged by news about the economy, and don't be afraid to apply for jobs. Being unemployed or having a job application rejected is nothing to be ashamed of in this market and you never know what will happen unless you try.

2. Be Prepared. Bring a resume and a cover letter whenever you apply for a job and practice your interview skills beforehand. The competition for jobs is as tight as ever and having a well-written resume is essential. It shows that you are serious about the position, and employers trying to filter hundreds of applications often cut resumes with typos and grammatical errors first.

It’s also important to have a personalized cover letter that strongly argues why you are the best fit for the job. Remember, the point of a cover letter is to explain how you can help them, not how they can help you.

3. Be Organized. It’s important to organize and plan out your job search. Make a chart of places you would like to apply and contacts that you have at different companies, then track where and how often you have reached out. A simple spreadsheet can make it much easier to remember when to send follow-ups and to make sure you have reached out to everybody who can help you.

4. Be Polite. You are applying for a job, so dress up, make eye contact, shake hands, and bring a positive attitude. First impressions matter -- they are your chance to prove yourself -- so take advantage of the opportunity.

5. Be Persistent. Unfortunately, hardly anyone gets hired after the first job application. Some people are rejected 10, 15, or even 20 times – but that’s OK. The key is to keep networking, keep applying, and keep following up. Persistence pays off. Send a thank-you note to interviewers, follow up if you don't hear about the job after a week, and keep applying.

6. Be Creative. Expand your job search. Look at big companies, small companies, companies in different fields. Be flexible and think about what skills you posses and how they could possibly carry over to other jobs. If you ask around, you never know what will pop up.

The weak economy means that people are going to be looking to cut costs across the board; maybe it’s time for you to start your own business?

Unfortunately, it has never been more difficult to find a job. But luckily, the keys to finding a job are the same as they've always been. But practice makes perfect. Keep trying and keep your fingers crossed – something will work out.

Are you struggling to find a job during this recession? Do you have any job-hunting tips you are willing to share?

-- Austin Lavin is the CEO & Co-Founder of Myfirstpaycheck.com.

Message Edited by Anthony_Catalano on 03-20-2009 04:24 PM