How to Find a Job when there are none around

If you cannot see something it does not mean it is not there; it only means that you have to try harder and perhaps with a different vision to find the unseen.
If you are in a layoff as a result of the economic downturn; then you will benefit from these tips on how to find a job when there is a hiring freeze everywhere and the companies are getting our of business left and right.

Network to Penetrate the Unpublished Job Market
Where all to look for jobs, when there are none being advertised? The answer is: Do your research and the answer shall come to you.

• Read newspapers, trade magazines, journals, BLS website (this is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and would be different statistics if you are not in US). What are the current industry trends? Where all is the funding money being channeled? These could towards the new solar development companies or other green-tech; there might be many unadvertised jobs here and all you have to do is first find out which ones could be the ones to apply for and how.


• Research and find out which companies are showing good profits and sales increase in the tough economy; they could be the ones looking for hiring new employees since money is not a constraint with them.


• Research to find which companies are launching new products and there is a possibility that the project teams could be expanding.
  
• There could be some jobs that are recession proof, perhaps there could be the right job for you where you can channel or re-package your skills. (Read more at: Best Jobs to have during Recession )

Once you are ready with your research the next action step is finding the right contact to approach the position internally. Do not be put off if you do not see any advertised jobs on their online job boards. Some internal positions are not advertised and you can very well approach these jobs by smart networking.

Vocational Training for a new Job and Skill
May non-profit vocational training center and job placement centers offer training sessions for jobs like JobTrain which serves hundreds of youth (ages 14-21) each year in both in-school and out of school programs. Trainees also learn to improve their communication skills, to understand the importance of punctuality and working hard, and to build self-respect and self-sufficiency. JobTrain youth can spend summers working and gaining real-world experience, or can earn high school credit in non-traditional courses. This is very important for the youth especially since just out of college you may not land a job immediately during an economic downturn.

Use your Current Skills to Freelance
It won’t bring in the same money that you might be getting as a full-time job but when paying your bills and taking care of a family are the priorities then any additional income is welcome. Also make sure that you spend say about 40 percent of your “work” time in freelancing and rest of the time in networking with friends and ex-colleagues on any possible job openings leads and enhancing your skills.

Find Work that you can do during Weekends
You or your spouse can work a few hours during the weekend to make some extra dough - not a bad idea in a recession. Well, it could be as simple as helping in advertising for a local pizza place to showing your web savvies online by either learning a new skill (there is tons of information online and self help courses that you can learn from) or teaching others and charging them for it – Ok that means have your website or blog (Note: you may not monetize this option in a short time, it needs time and careful nurturing and advertising.. but yet again, it is good to begin something that and then evaluate the options on the returns and your interest in taking it to different heights).

Be Ready to Relocate
Many good corporate jobs are moving overseas, there have been many reports during the last few months where companies in India and China have offered good positions to those laid off from Lehman and others affected from the Wall Street roller coaster debacles. Asian economies are growing and many companies are eager to absorb these globally experienced professionals.
An international experience would only enhance your portfolio and there is always a possibility to return to your native land when the going gets good.

Related Posts:
Recreate and Diversify in a Recession
What to do after a Layoff
Accepting and Dealing with a Layoff
Best Jobs to have during Recession
How to be Optimistic during the Job Search Process
Who all to Contact when Looking for a Job
How to be Optimistic during the Job Search Process
Learning from a Layoff – is it the Right Time to Innovate and be Independent?
7 Tips to help you Work effectively from Home

Is the Bleak Economic Scenario affecting our Lives at Work?

Yes of course we see it now, the economy is very much down there in the dumps and not much good news coming around either to boost spirits at work or home; how is it all affecting your workplace life?

Are we just talking and discussing about it more at the social gatherings and at the water coolers or do we have a concrete plan (A or B) to help support us in case we are the victims of this downturn?
Oh no don’t get me wrong, not a plan on how to better the economy – that of course is the Washington problem– the plan is more on a personal level – what if I am in a layoff ?(your personal bailout plan)? Or.. How to survive in an economic downturn?

To plan ahead is a required diligence and smartness that we all need to have when the going gets tough. And having just one plan would not give you the security in an economic downturn when layoffs and long-term unemployment are not mere terms to be read in the newspapers but are pretty much evident in every work area and in your own office.
In my opinion, Plan A should be all about how to survive in a bad economy and how to keep your job (if you have one now) and Plan B must be all about on what to do if you are in layoff?

Some tips that are fall under Plan A:

• Make yourself valuable at your workplace
  In an article on CNNMoney.com, Bob Eubank, executive director of the Northeast Human Resources Association says, In order to avoid a pink slip, "everybody who is employed should remind themselves how important it is to make themselves as valuable as possible". When the pink slips are prevalent everywhere and the projects are being phased out, top management always tried it best to retain the valuable workers or those who have made a difference to their profits - made cost saving proposals or initiated successful project development. And what better time than now when the economy is on rough grounds to propose some ideas that can cut expenses for your employer. Think about many ways how you can be valuable at the workplace and implement some of them at least.
  
  
• Be busy with some work, if you don’t have much take on new responsibilities
  Network within the company to find out if there are responsibilities that you can take on with your current skills. Taking initiatives shows that you are ready to give back more to the company and adds to your value as an employee. Are there some projects or areas which need assistance specially since the workforce has been cut down in a recent layoff spate within your company? If you don't know, try your best to find out and support those who need help. Another way to make yourself valuable.
  
  
• Don't put your feet up on the foot rest, be ready to change and evolve
  There is change all around and your workplace will be affected, either some projects will be completely cut off or there would be offers of relocation, if you want to continue with your present job be ready to move with the new decisions. If you can relocate inform your manager beforehand that if suppose a head count reduction happens in near future, you are ready to relocate to these locations (give a list of your preferred cities/countries before hand)
  
  
• Don’t give up on your personal development and learning new skills
  People react to change in different ways and often when the going gets tough we cut down on personal development mainly because we are feeling low or just want to continue doing what we are doing in order to be where we are. Well, not a good decision at all. Invest time and money in your personal and professional development; learn a new skill every year. Your skills are your best investment. If you have not talked to your manager about your career goals, don't think that this is not the right time; it is always the right time to talk about your personal development and your boss will appreciate your initiative.
  
  
• Stress and tension affects health; don't let these short-term failures affect the most precious of all - your health and your personal relationships
  Don’t stress too much on the stocks falling and your invested worth on a nose dive; don't let your health be a victim of your stress...you don’t want to be out taking too many breaks from work either
  
  
• Saving at the workplace
  Bring lunch from home; a penny saved is penny earned

Some tips on Plan B:
Look up some tips that I have already posted in the last few weeks and months:

• Recreate and Diversify in a Recession
• What to do after a Layoff
• Accepting and Dealing with a Layoff
• Best Jobs to have during Recession
• How to be Optimistic during the Job Search Process
• Who all to Contact when Looking for a Job

Over time I plan to think about this topic and add more ideas and tips to this post, if you would like to share yours please add them to the comments.