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Finding a Job in a Down Market

Yes, the economy has slowed and many people have lost their jobs. But try not to

be discouraged. If you’re looking, you can still find a job that’s right for you. But

you may have to be a little more imaginative than when the economy is on the upswing.

First and foremost, don’t panic. Panic and desperation only fuel more panic and

desperation. Take a deep breath and feel confident that you’ll find something, a job that

you enjoy. And remember that there is no typical career path anymore. Your path isn’t

going to be a straight line-but curvy, with lots of twist and turns.

For more advice on finding a job when times are tough, we spoke to Marilyn

Mackes, the executive director of the National Association of Colleges and Employers

(NACE, naceweb.org), a professional membership organization located in Bethlehem,

Pennsylvania. Mackes, whose NACE forecasts trends in the job market, tracks legal

issues in employment and hiring and offers job search and career information, helped us

put together these tips for navigating the job market during difficult or uncertain

economic times:

Do the work. In a tough market, it’s even more important to do everything right.

So make sure your resume is clear and truly highlights your skills, talents, achievements

and results. Work your network-online and off. Is your linkedin profile sharp and up-to-

date? Same with your facebook page-or is it full of shout-outs and vacation snapshots?

Now’s not the time to be shy about reaching out and asking for guidance and direction.

Do your homework and thoroughly research the industry, the market and any company

you’re interested in.

Highlight skills that are valuable in a down market. For example, experience

with budgets and cost management is necessary in difficult economic times. Show that

you can manage and even inspire people under fire. Offer examples of ways you’ve

worked effectively when resources are tight. Make extra sure to highlight points like

these on your resume.

Think outside of your own box. Look at yourself and what you have to offer in

an open way or a different light. Try not to limit the skills and experiences that you had

that might be useful in the workplace. Just because you’ve always worked in operations,

doesn’t mean that’s all you can do. Think about other ways to describe who you are and

what you have. Are you a natural leader who heads the diversity committee at your

current job? Do you have accounting skills from working at your parents’ bodega

growing up? Are you highly organized, the recording secretary of your church’s board of

directors?

Be flexible. Consider what there is a demand for and position yourself toward that

demand. With a finance background or MBA, you might have your sights set on Wall

Street. But a job in health care, education or energy might be a better option. Or

government, which is attractive to many job seekers these days. Maybe you had planned

to work for a large well-known corporation, but your skills might be attractive to smaller

company or even a nonprofit. Keep your geographic options open. Living in New York

or Chicago might be your dream, but think about the Midwest or South instead.

Tell us your story. Have you recently looked for a job? We’d love to hear about

it. Or share advice about finding a job now that the economy is tight.
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Mastering Management Program:

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