Even in good times, getting a new job can be stressful and now we’re into a recession, you might feel like it’s a mission too far, especially if you’ve been out of work for a while. You need to pay the bills and everything you read and all the news you hear doesn’t make you any less anxious. It isn’t going to be easy to be optimistic and positive, but that is exactly what you do need to be.

It’s not all bad
There is an upside and downside to most things and where unfortunate companies have laid off staff or had to close in a particular service sector, other firms will pick up the business available which may lead them to having to increase their own workforce, thus creating an opportunity that just may suit you.

Network
When you find yourself becoming frustrated and down, take the afternoon and go for a walk, read a book or do something which will help you clear your mind so that you can be ready to face the challenges ahead. Talk to your friends and family, go online and chat to others in similar circumstances and surround yourself with supporting elements to help you feel stronger. By networking with others, you never know what opportunities could come your way.

Gain new skills
Whilst you are looking for a job, learn a new skill and look into whether there are any additional qualifications you could get or courses you can study as cross training will give you the advantage. Check out online courses that will give you additional knowledge and qualifications, so that you can continue studying when you do get that job.

Focus
You must focus on showing others the positive side of your personality and remember all the skills you have that you can bring to an employer. When you get to an interview, employers want to see a confident person who knows their value and what they can bring to the company.

Of course, your ideal would be a job which matches or betters your previous role in your chosen industry, but you must now be realistic and practical which may mean taking a job a couple of steps down the ladder so that you can work your way back up again. You need to be realistic because there is a lot of competition out there and you have to stand out.

Start doing
Searching for work should be your full time job until you get a paid one! To succeed you must get into a ‘work’ routine of job hunting from 9am-5pm at the very least. And yes, take a break for lunch! Be organised and prepare for your day. You must be committed, focused and invest your time and energy into securing yourself a job.

The first thing you need to do is create a great CV (more articles about this later in our series) and then surf, surf, surf. If you haven’t got a computer, get dressed and be at your local internet café by 9am sharp! Make sure you have printer paper / notepad and pen to keep a record of the jobs you’ve applied for, helpful websites and job leads. Everything you do matters and you will reap the rewards for the efforts you make.

Market yourself
You’ll need to market yourself well and I’ll say it again, the strength of your CV can decide your fate. If you look at the top retailers, they know that great quality products have great packaging, great promotion and sell well. You need to do the same.

Think about your quality with all the qualifications, experience and skills you’ve gained and your packaging – well you are a nicely turned out, friendly and professional person – now you should really be in demand.
Now it’s about promoting yourself. Yes, I’m going to mention that great CV again, which should be complimented by a relatable covering letter (there is more about covering letters later in this series).

Once you have identified jobs that are suitable for you, send in your application / CV and covering letter. If you don’t get interviews, it may well be that your CV lacks information or clarity. If you get interviews but no offers, you need to revise your interview technique (more about interview techniques later in this series).

There are many ways you can get your CV in front of prospective employers by using the web, registering with job boards – particularly those that are specialist or niche to your industry, contacting employment agencies, local papers, trade press, using social networking tools and cold calling or making speculative applications to relevant industry companies in your area, to see if they are looking to hire.

Salary
Don’t price yourself out of the market – things have changed now and you need to focus in on getting the right role even if it means taking a pay cut. It’s better to be in work on a slightly lower salary than on none at all. Of course you shouldn’t undervalue your skills and experience but you must be realistic of what the market place has to offer and how much competition there is for each job.

By following these simple tips, you’re on the way to beating the blues, getting out of the doldrums and getting gainful employment.

So make the best out of the person you are, and as Nelson Mandela once said “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”