#245: The Glass is Full (Friday, September 9)

In the last couple of weeks, there has been so much focus on jobs and unemployment and it has largely been depressing. Most experts are saying the jobs are gone for good because the U.S. doesn't produce anything and corporate taxes are too high and we're victims of consumerism and blah, blah, blah. If you're someone who's out of a job right now, this coverage would probably send you over the edge of despair.

But remember, even in the Great Depression when the unemployment rate was at 25% (16% higher than it is today), 75% of Americans were still employed. 


So where are all the jobs? They are still many out there; I once read somewhere that most people already know the person/people who will get them their next job opportunity. I believe it's true; these days, getting a job is less about what you know and more about who you know. So here are some tips that may help you get the job you want (and I spoke to a couple recruiters about this, so it's not just my uninformed opinion).

1. Network. Networking is not about exchanging business cards. It's about establishing meaningful relationships with others. As a practice, I don't even own business cards; I take others' cards after I make a connection so I can follow up.
2. Befriend a recruiter in your industry. You need to know someone in your industry with whom you can discuss salary trends, available jobs and the like. Only a recruiter who specializes in your industry will have access to that information.
3. Do your own legwork. You can't just rely on a recruiter to send you jobs. You also need to help yourself. LinkedIn is still the best resource for finding jobs and people who can connect you to that job opportunity. TheLadders is also another resource if you're interested in jobs of a certain dollar amount, but it's subscription-based and they mostly compile existing information, so with a little groundwork you can find the same jobs on your own. If there are particular companies you want to work for, check their website frequently and also try to meet contacts there.
4. Volunteer. If you're currently out of a job, volunteering in your field can help you get in the door. For one, it helps you maintain a consistent work history (rather than having a gap in your work experience) and it can help you hone your skills. A friend of mine recently got a marketing job after volunteering her marketing services at a nonprofit.

Remember, "10% of life is what happens to you; the other 90% is how you react to it." Happy hunting!