How To Get A Job During the Recession

The whole process of recruitment and job hunting has changed because
the nature of the economy and workplace has changed. It is now a world
of impermanence. Of the top 100 companies in 1900, only 16 were in
business in 2000, and fewer today. Of the companies that made up the
Fortune 500 in 1955, only 25% were on the list in 2005. Of the current
S& P 500 companies, 25% are family run and their total wealth
exceeds the other 75%.  Over 90% of all new job creation is currently
done by small business and entrepreneurs.

Here's some myths about finding a job that hold true in tough and good times:

• Myth 1:  It's better to go for job security.   The fact is job
  security no longer exists, even in the public sector. The only security
  you have is the value you bring personally to your employer.

• Myth 2:  Your education and training has prepared you for the job
  you'll retire in. Because of rapid technological change and the global
  economy, any job can change or disappear tomorrow.  More than 80% of
  the jobs today didn't exist 30 years ago. The average person who is 30
  today will have at least 14 jobs during their lifetime.

• Myth 3: It's who you know that counts.  In fact, it's who knows
  you, and what they know about you.  Which requires you to be more
  visible through the various means of networking including using virtual
  means like Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and Twitter.

• Myth 4:  Most job opportunities are advertised. In fact at least
  70% of job opportunities are never advertised. And if you rely on the
  traditional methods of job boards, responding to ads or working with
  recruiters, you'll be doing what 95% of the job seekers do. Most jobs
  are filled because of personal recommendations or connections, or you
  are so valuable, a job is created for you.

So what are some strategies you can use to optimize your chances of landing a good job, or even a job? Here's some suggestions:

1. Develop your personal brand. Our world today is not just about
   what you do but who you are and the image your project. And people will
   judge the kind of person you are very quickly.
2. Focus on and develop your strengths. Too much of our education
   system and workplace has focused on correcting your weaknesses, an
   exercise that frequently ends up in you becoming mediocre at something.
   Develop your strengths so you can minimize your weaknesses.
3. Treat every encounter and conversation you have with someone as
   an interview. You never know where that next job opportunity will come
   from.
4. Never be unemployed even for a day.  Volunteer in an organization
   where you can use your talents, so you might network with someone that
   can help you, and you avoid the cycle of negative thinking about being
   jobless while sitting at home.
5. Find mentors. Hire a coach, find a wise person to give you ongoing counsel, preferably outside your family or work.

And my final and most important piece of advice:  Develop your inner
self first, your outer self second. Who you are as a person--your
character, your beliefs, your values, your attitudes, your ability to
get along with people, and your interests outside of work--help you
show up as the kind of person employers want to hire. It's not just
about your training, knowledge or skills.

Ray Williams is Co-Founder of Success IQ University and
President of Ray Williams Associates, companies located in Phoenix and
Vancouver, providing leadership development, personal growth and
executive coaching services. www.successiqu.com