How to Keep the Faith in a Tough Job Market

It’s no news that the economy and job market have seen better days. According to the latest information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May figures are scheduled to be released June 4, 2010), there are signs of improvement. However, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) continued to trend up over the month, reaching 6.7 million. In April, 2010, 45.9 percent of unemployed persons had been jobless for 27 weeks or more.

So, if you’re one who’s been in a job search for what seems forever, it’s natural to feel frustrated and just plain defeated. How do you stay positive? First, remember there ARE jobs out there. Companies ARE hiring. This information really isn’t helpful to you by itself. What you need to feel more hopeful, are some ideas for alternative job search campaign strategies/actions you may not have tried. Here are 10:

1. Personal Inventory. If you have not done this, do it immediately before anything else. List your transferrable skills, the things you enjoy doing most (and best), You must be able to define in detail exactly the jobs you would most like to have. You must know this well enough to articulate it to your family, friends, contacts, network, and employers. Use this knowledge to focus your job search.
2. Networking. Ask family, friends, and other people to help you with job leads. This is why #1 is important. You must be able to tell them what you want, where you want it, and what value you offer. Make it clear that you are not asking for a job, but just names of people you can talk to who might be able to help you.
3. Internet. Even though I’m a proponent of using only 10-20% of your job search time on the Internet applying to advertised openings (because this typically has low return on investment), DO use the Internet to post your résumé and/or to look for employers’ job postings (vacancies) on the employers’ websites or elsewhere (Monster, LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Yahoo/Hot Jobs, etc.).
4. Government. You can search federal and state websites. One great Federal site is www.usajobs.gov. For state opportunities, try www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml.
5. Job Clubs. Start or join a “job club,” where you get job leads and ongoing emotional support. Check with your local chamber of commerce, places of worship, library, colleges, etc. to find what job clubs might be available in your area.
6. Schools. Try asking former teachers, professors or school career services for help. Think about schools you’ve attended (high school, community college, university, trade school etc.) and see who you might connect to. They might have leads and other resources/information you can use.
7. Volunteering. If you are all right financially, how about targeting an organization and volunteer opportunity where you can use your best skill sets, applied to your passions/interests? Many wonderful long-term opportunities (paid) have come from people doing just this. This can be very powerful in expanding your network. It also gives you a chance to feel good by giving back. Visit www.volunteermatch.org or www.networkforgood.org/volunteer to learn more.
8. New skills. How about returning to school to train for a new field/job? I’ve known people who have done this quite inexpensively, such as one client who went from truck driver to phlebotomist. The training was quite inexpensive, the job market open, and the work rewarding both intrinsically and financially! Or you might wish to take the time to brush up on technology or industry-specific skills. Perhaps you can obtain a new certification? Online and brick and mortar opportunities abound.
9. Temp Agencies and pickups. Contact one or several temp agencies where you can get a short-term contract with an organization in needs of your skills. You will also keep working to hone experience, perhaps build your network, and fill your resume gap. You might be a bit more daring, and visit street corners and locations (ask the chamber of commerce about this) where employers go to get short-term workers. These sites might include union halls, one-day employment contractors, etc. It might be short-term, but it’s work.
10. Civil Service. Why not take a civil service exam to compete for a government job? Visit http://federaljobs.net/exams.htm to learn more.

In his book, The Job-Hunter’s Survival Guide: How to Find Hope and Rewarding Work Even When “There Are No Jobs,” Richard N. Bolles states that research has shown people to give up by the second month of their job hunt. Interestingly, it stems from not having alternatives. According to Bolles, “people gain the most hope when there are three alterative strategies to choose between, rather than just two.” He adds further that “Studies found that anything up to four alternative methods of job-hunting increases your chances of find a job, and meaningful work.”

So I’ve given you 10 alternatives you may not have tried. Don’t stop with these. There are many more. Think about every single thing you can do. Some might be scary. Some might lead to a brick wall. But some will lead to contacts, knowledge, interviews and offers. You will be in control, because you will be thinking about what you CAN do, and then doing it. That makes all the difference! Keep on keeping on, but with new twists in your efforts! Alternatives means choices. Choices mean power—and hope!