How to Find Employment During a Recession

As if you need reminding, these are turbulent times for anyone in the jobs market. You have to be a hermit not to see that there are no safe jobs anymore in the world. The natural compunction is to hang in at your present job at all costs and hope to ride out the recession without losing your job. But Jerimah Reading, a fellow at the European Institute of Human resources believes that the time to secure your future with a career change may be now.

“Now might be the time to move while the competition is slow during to the recession,” says Gerard. “It’s very easy to blame the recession but the reality is that these turbulent times present their own opportunities. You just have make sure that you are positioned positively to the changing environment”

If your are looking for a change of career and perhaps taking advantage of the slow economy, consider these expert tips.

Research your Industry – Many industries are going through major changes and shifts in demographics and trends right now. Research the trends that you suspect are taking place. For example, at telcojobs we notice shifts in employment to VOIP engineering as Skype IP based telephony continue to grow. Look out for jobs boards that give trends in employment over the course of the previous month and get an edge on the industry.

Freshen up your skills – “Never give a prospective employer a excuse to pass you up because you don’t have the basic skills” says Martin Mansreagh, fellow at the London institute of economics. “You should strive to know at least all the basics of the industry your interested in”. For example, some jobs require at least a working knowledge of Microsoft office packages.

If your career change is in the telecoms industry, then a working knowledge of call flows, SS7 and VOIP protocols would be beneficial. Unless your job specifies an in depth understanding of these, you should have a basic understanding of how they work.

Your greatest achievements – “This actually is the real value of your worth to an employer” says Martina Connolly, career consultant and lecturer. “If you can show that you made real savings in time or money, you will be seen as a potential asset. This is what employers really love.”

Practice your interview technique – Aim to feel comfortable and confident by practising your interview technique. “I’m a great believer in visualizing your interview, the possible questions and the answers that you give,” says Martina. “I see so many candidates fall down at this hurdle. I tell them to practice every day for a week before an interview by relaxing in a quiet spot and ‘feel’ yourself at the interview with the interviewees in front of you. This is the best preparation.”

Market yourself – “This is a difficult one for lots of people,” says Derrick O’Connell, marketing director of the UK’s largest recruitment agency. “They feel as if they are somehow selling themselves or something. But employers see it differently. If you don’t properly market yourself, the you are sending the message that you don’t really want the position, or lack confidence.” Derrick advises that you should keep your CV polished and your skills honed. “Your job is to present yourself as the someone that will fit seamlessly into the company structure.

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