By Guest Blogger Jennifer Yousfi
Business Development Analyst, Sodexo
You don’t have to be a pessimist to think the current US job market is bleak. Over 40% of unemployed workers – 6.0 million Americans – have been out of work for six months or more. Yikes! Even the strongest of optimists have to admit times are hard for job-seekers. But there are still open jobs out there – and recruiters looking to fill those positions!
I was once a long-term unemployed worker myself. Here are a few tricks I learned:
1. Don’t ignore the importance of fit.
It might seem like a scattershot approach – applying for anything and everything – is your best chance of finding a job. But that’s not your best strategy. When you get hired again (and you will!), you want it to be a good fit for you and your new employer. Target positions that you know will complement your skill set.
2. Do find ways to keep your resume current.
Take a class. Earn a certificate. Learn a new skill. Keep up-to-date on industry trends. Whatever you choose, make sure you fill in those resume gaps! I used my unexpected time off to volunteer with the Junior League of Baltimore. Not only did it help me stay busy and productive, but I was able to add some new marketing skills and experience to my resume.
3. Don’t be afraid to look outside of your prior industry.
I had spent almost a decade in finance when I got laid off in October 2008. With the finance industry in turmoil, I had to take a look at my experience and identify areas that I could apply to a new industry. My core skills – marketing, writing, project management – made me a good fit for my current position.
4. Do keep applying!
You have to play to win, right? I was out of work for 13 months before a Sodexo recruiter contacted me. There were definitely times when my job search seemed hopeless. I applied for dozens of jobs. But I held on and I held out for the right position.
Losing my job was traumatic. But just two years into my tenure at Sodexo, and I now think my layoff was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Without being thrust out of the finance industry, I wouldn’t have ended up at Sodexo, a global leader in on-site service solutions. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a great environment with some truly terrific people. I hope the same for you.
Good luck with your job search! And don’t give up!
@JennyExiled
3 comments:
Your story is very inspirational and your advice is also helpful to those who have been out of work for a long time.
Jenny:
Enjoyed the article it was well done. It should help people not to be discouraged.
I agree with Tracy and that your story is inspirational. Next week will mark 3 years that I have been laid off. I have been applying, keeping my resume up to date, and have done a lot of volunteering at my daughter's school. I even went back to school to earn my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Sometimes I wonder if that is keeping me from getting a job. I have been told my resume is solid. I am very frustrated at this point.
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