Blog Post: Finding Work During a Recesssion

Are we in a recession?  Depending on which economist you believe, the answer could be "Yes" or "No".   What is obvious is that things are different and for many people, things are more difficult.  According to one source, San Diego has more foreclosures than anywhere else in the country, except for Washington, D.C.  In addition to the real estate crisis, cuts are being proposed in education, city, county and state government and in many social services.  Obviously, all this affects the job market.  So what can you do to find work during this time?  I recommend the following:

1.  Do the right things.  In other words, do all the things you've done to get jobs in the past. 

• Update your resume.
• Hone your interviewing skills.
• Tell as many people as you can what you can do and ask if they know anyone who can use your skills.

What works before still works.

2.  Do it more.  In other words, be even more focused. 

During this time, it may take longer to find the right job.  Or it may not.  I was offered five different opportunities within the last five weeks.    The jobs are out there, but it may take a more focused effort than it has in the past when the economic cycle was better.

3.  Do it differently.   In other words, focus on all of the skills you have, not just the one you used in your most recent position.  

Most people have anywhere from seven to ten marketable skills, any one of which can lead to the next job.  Tap into all of the skills you have and be flexible about the kind of work you want to do. 

(Note: I am not advocating to take anything, although in some extreme cases, that may be necessary.  I am advocating flexibility  in your thinking in regard to your next position.)

4.  Do what is necessary.  In other words, get a job, any job...for now. 

As mentioned, it may be necessary to take a position that you might not normally accept in other circumstances.    Some money is usually better than no money.  During the recession of the early 1990's, I worked for a staffing agency.  I didn't earn as much as I would have liked or what I was worth, but it paid the bills.   And, because I did my work well, it was a great learning opportunity as well as a time for great personal and professional growth.  My favorite staffing agency is Kelly Services in Mission Valley.

The important thing to remember during this time is that there are jobs available even now and there are employers looking for you.  So do the right things, do them more, do them differently, and do what is necessary.  These strategies have helped me and they will help you.

Robert Farrell is finishing his first book, It's Simple; It's Just Not Easy - Gettting and Keeping a Job in Any Economy.  He will be speaking at the Bonita Public Library on Friday, May 16, from 1-4.  He will be discussing Job Search strategies and effective resumes.  These seminars are free and open to the public, but limited to the first 100 participants.  For further information, call 619-672-0378.