Job search in a recession, particularly the recession we’re venturing into now, is difficult sufficient with out carrying the luggage of false info and interpretations. So I’m about to lighten your burden by declaring seven myths you don’t must consider in.
Fantasy #1: No person’s hiring.
Fact: There’s at all times some hiring. Sure, there’s extra competitors, however most of your opponents don’t know methods to do a finest practices job search. Do this and also you’ll be forward of the pack. In fact, it could take longer lately, so the earlier you get right down to it, the higher.
Fantasy #2: There’s no use approaching an organization that’s simply had layoffs.
Fact: Firms typically rent following layoffs. Even throughout a hiring freeze some exceptions could also be made. Most crucially, doing informational conferences now at an organization you’re interested by will place you for achievement later, when hiring picks up. It takes time to construct up a community of excellent contacts, so don’t wait till the job postings seem. Apart from, the less job seekers are reaching out, the extra simply you will get an informational assembly.
Fantasy #3: Folks don’t need to be bothered with informational interviews at a time like this.
Fact: Really, when occasions are powerful there’s additional goodwill in folks’s hearts, a sense of “we’re all on this collectively.” So ask.
Tip: As a substitute of asking for an “informational interview”–which might sound uncomfortably formal–ask in the event that they’d be prepared to speak, to give you some recommendation. Say one thing like “I’d wish to ask you about your expertise and any insights you might have.” That type of language is extra inviting. For extra suggestions, learn my put up “The Finest Method to Make Contacts inside Your Goal Firms.”
Fantasy #4: You may as effectively simply chill and wait it out. An extended resume hole in 2020 received’t look unhealthy on a resume. Recruiters will get used to seeing it.
Fact: They could get used to it, however they received’t favor it. Whilst you’re job looking, protecting busy with free-lancing, consulting, momentary gigs and/or volunteering (together with digital volunteering) can present a variety of advantages: a gap-free resume, new contacts, studying experiences, the satisfaction of contributing, and a sense of accomplishment. It additionally demonstrates your robust work ethic and power.
Fantasy #5: In a recession you need to broaden your search and take into account kinds of jobs you wouldn’t in any other case be interested by.
Fact: The best job search in any job market is a focused, proactive job search specializing in a particular kind of position (or small set of intently associated roles) that you simply’re effectively certified for and interested by. A focused search can get you employed quicker than an “I’ll take something” search the place you’d unfold your self too skinny.
In fact, chances are you’ll need to keep away from focusing on an space of the job market that’s a lot much less promising than others, so for those who’re laid off from the hospitality business or the airways throughout a pandemic, it could be finest to determine another business to deal with. Tip: Take a look at industries comparable or associated to your earlier business; you might have loads of credibility there.
Fantasy #6: If you happen to’re unemployed you must tighten your price range in each space, together with job search bills and career-related coaching.
Fact: These are the final issues to scrimp on if you want a brand new job. Discover higher methods to economize.
Fantasy #7: You possibly can’t negotiate throughout a recession, so if you get an give you’d higher simply say “sure!”
Fact: Even in a recession, an skilled skilled can typically negotiate a greater bundle. Since future raises shall be primarily based on a proportion of your beginning wage, why begin with a handicap by accepting lower than you may fairly get?
Unload these myths out of your thoughts and transfer ahead with readability, focus and power.