How to Land Your First Job in a Tight Economy

When unemployment rates rise, the competition in the job market becomes increasingly challenging. Whether you're looking for your first job or trying to land a new position, it's more important now than ever to stand out from the growing crowd of job applicants. Sometimes people in the midst of a job search become so focused on one job search method, such as sending out resumes, they forget to cover all of their bases.  A single strategy may eventually land you a job, but it's likely you'll spend more time being frustrated than interviewed. 

Successful job hunters adapt to meet individual employers' needs and use multiple strategies to find a job. Here's what you can do to set yourself apart and outshine the competition.

Be Flexible in Your Requirements

In a job market as tough as this one, a flexible approach to job hunting is key. Don't limit yourself when it comes to salary, title, and the length of your commute.  Consider part-time and interim jobs, which can also help build your skills and experience. These positions get your foot in the door and could turn into something more permanent. If an employer is impressed with your job performance, he or she will keep you in mind for future vacancies.

Network with Personal Contacts

Career experts estimate that the vast majority of job openings are never advertised or publicly announced, but filled through word of mouth or networking – also known as the hidden job market. Networking means developing a broad list of contacts and using them to your advantage when you are seeking employment. Make a list of all of your friends, relatives, teachers, co-workers and acquaintances. Call each one of them and ask if they know of any openings that they could recommend you for. Tell them what you're looking for, but let them know that you are flexible and open to any suggestions.

Social Networking for Career Success

Social networking is changing the U.S. job seeking landscape. If you don't have a social media presence, you may be at a disadvantage in this competitive job market. All three of the  top social networks - LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter - are free and easy to join, and can be used to get job search advice and tips, to network, and to connect with career and job search experts, companies that are hiring, and other job seekers. A strong social presence can boost your candidacy and help ensure you will be found by recruiters and hiring managers.  In addition, employers are increasingly accepting applications directly from these and other industry-related networking sites.  If you haven't used social networking sites for anything other than connecting with your friends and family, don't worry. Create a social media presence one site at a time.

Get More Education and Training to Increase Your Value

Improve your chances of being hired by gaining more education, work experience and certifications. This will make you a stronger job candidate in your field of interest and open the door to more career opportunities and greater earning potential. Make a list of work-related skills you'd like to learn. The sooner you start building the right credentials, the stronger your resume will be to prospective employers.

Remember that for any job hunter, persistence is the key to success. Don't be discouraged by rejection. Nobody receives a job offer for every job application they submit.  If you didn't get the job, remain positive and ask to be contacted if another opening occurs.  Be sure to leave a copy of your resume, and thank the employer for their time. Remain persistent and your hard work will ultimately pay off.

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How to Stay Motivated During Your Job Search

Staying motivated when you're searching for a new job can be a challenge. When I moved to Washington, DC from San Francisco some years ago without a job I thought I'd land a job right away with my degree and experience. What I hadn't counted on was it taking almost eight months. I remember what it was like looking for a job every day even though I wasn't getting any results.

It didn't take me long to discover that I needed something to keep me motivated. Whatever it was had to be easy, inexpensive, not take too much time or effort (because I was pooped at the end of my days!).  I had to see that I making progress even if I didn't feel like it at the end of a hard day. 

Here's a simple tool I came up with and you can use it too:

1.  Purchase a monthly wall calendar that's about 12" x 12."  You can find one at a bookstore, stationery store, I have one I love from http://www.marianheath.com. I prefer calendars with beautiful scenes of  places I'd like to visit. The Marian Heath calendar I have now is of Tuscany. A beautiful wall calendar can lift your spirits.

2. When you send out a job application make a note on that day on your wall calendar "sent application to so-and-so".  Pick an ink color specifically for sending applications or resumes. Maybe you want to use blue.

3.  When you request and land an informational interview note it on your calendar and use a different color ink (maybe purple). When you actually meet with the person you're interviewing note it again with a different color ink (maybe red).   

4.  When you are invited to interview for a position note it on your wall calendar in another color ink (maybe green for go!).

Soon you have a color coded, visual representation of all of your efforts your beautiful calendar. At a glance you can see how productive you've been. It reminds you just putting yourself out there every day is an accomplishment and that you're focused and working on your journey to find a job that you'll love.

My wall calendar kept me going every day.  It kept me motivated and challenged to try to outdo myself by accomplishing more one week than I did the week before. My wall calendar also chronicled that I did 66 informational interviews in my first two months in Washington, DC. Those interviews helped me learn my way around town and build a sturdy network. I also discovered I was an expert at landing informational interviews (something I do for my clients now who are making career transitions).

Almost 20 years later I still have that wall calendar. I look at it when I need a reminder that with focused attention, energy, motivation and the tenacity to never give up I can accomplish anything!


For more ideas check out 10 Job Search Tips that Take Less than One Minute. Leave a comment about how you stay motivated or how these tips helped.

Linda Hardenstein, MPA, PCC, is a career strategist who has helped hundreds of  professionals and college students find their authentic path, achieve their career goals and gain more life satisfaction by doing the work they love. Reach her at www.lindahardenstein.com.