Black Collegian Career Center

Relax—you are not alone. Many job seekers have discovered our current economic downturn has increased the length of time they have spent job searching as opposed to the short unemployment period many experienced last year; before accepting positions at equitable or increased salary than their former positions.

Regroup—clarify immediate and long-term career goals. Prioritize your employment needs and know what you are willing to trade-off to get the most necessities off your job wish list.

Maximize your time job searching—spend as much time and energy on your job search as you can without drifting into burnout or boredom depending upon your personality. Create a schedule that will structure your day. Include diverse activities, such as, cold calling, meeting with a coach, counselor, support group, or helpful friend, researching employment opportunities, responding to leads, etc. An effective job search strategy can assist in finding a desirable job faster.

However, if you are not getting the results you want from your current job search strategy, try these suggestions...

1.    Network
Ask your friends, family, and network contacts to get in touch with you if they learn of employment opportunities that fit your specifications.

2.   Review Your Résumé and Cover Letter
Depending upon the position you are applying for a hiring manager may receive over 200 responses and spend less than 15 seconds reviewing each one. Make sure your résumé and cover letter stand out. Ask a professional résumé writer or hiring manager to critique your documents.

3.   Talk with Career Coaches and Counselors
Review your job search strategy with a career coach. They can provide you with resources and referrals to help you manage your career. Meet with a career counselor to process through the lingering emotional baggage from your lay-off or prolonged unemployment that may be sabotaging your job search efforts.

4.    Research Employers & the Labor Market
Does your résumé and cover letter address the needs of employers in your industry? The Internet and your public library will have information to help you research employers and the local labor market.

5.   Use an Employment Service
A temporary job will provide you with immediate income, an opportunity to learn more about your industry or occupation and you may even meet a prospective employer.

6.  Take Any Job to Get Your Foot in the Door
Consider taking any position in an industry or occupation that interests you. You will gain valuable inside knowledge for progressing toward your ideal position.

7.  Volunteer
Ask to work, without pay, particularly if you like an organization or industry. Volunteers who do well may receive consideration when hiring does occur or you may make yourself indispensable by the quality of your work.

8.  Interview for Information
Arrange brief interviews with contacts in organizations or industries in which you are interested. Ask about qualifications needed to enter the field, employment trends, and suggestions for additional contacts.

9.  Pursue Additional Training
Do you have the requisite skills, qualifications, and training to get your dream job? If not, additional training or advanced degrees can strengthen your qualifications.

10.  Think About Moving to a New Area
Does your local labor market offer the opportunities you are looking for? Economic conditions differ throughout the nation. Research employment trends in financial publications, out-of-area newspapers, and by contacting chambers of commerce.

And lastly, enthusiasm goes a long way. Harness your motivation and schedule your most challenging job search activities according to your peak energy levels.

Leatha Jones is the president of Write Connection Career Service.