Economically speaking, 2009 was a disaster. Although there is already promising news this year that the economy is recovering in some sectors, there is also bad news that the high employment rate will continue to be with us for quite some time. There will be fewer jobs available but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any opportunities. Companies are still doing business and they still require talented employees. Can you add something for an organization? Remember this: in an evolving economy like that of the United States, there is always a place for you, but only if you can think smarter and act differently than in the past. To maximize your chances of scoring a job in 2010, here are 4 resolutions each jobseeker should take.
Resolution #1: Get back in the job market game
Forget passivity and be positive. Just stretch yourself, come out of your comfort zone and insistently search beyond the listed jobs you find on the internet. This only requires a game plan and a belief that you are going to win this game. This is not the right time to get seated with those who want to regret that how bad it is out there. Decide instead to excel and take your job search to the next level.
Make your search better every day. If you are positive about your job searches it will diminish your anxiety and other negative feelings. This goes beyond survival of the fittest. Those who want to succeed in their lives need an iron will and strong determination to not be defeated by the job search process.
Resolution #2: It’s all about Return on Investment
Traditional ways of interviewing and selling yourself don’t work nowadays. You definitely need to hone your skills to act like a problem solver for your future employer. Employers don’t hire people who are liabilities on their balance sheet. They hire people who are smart and know how they can prove to be a return on investment for the company. For this, show them your clear benefits that you can offer to them.
It is good to look at your skills, experience, abilities and talents that you posses. Just show them what you can do- whether it be to make money or save money. You should know accordingly how you can convert your skills and talent into benefits that an employer understands and appreciates. Include examples from your past experiences and ask yourself, “How did my work save time or money, make money, or otherwise improve the overall situation for my employer?” Education and skills, while valuable, do not translate into benefits. Just think what you can do for this employer that others can’t.
Resolution #3: Widen Your Network
In the previous boom, it was very easy to find work by responding to internet job boards or corporate websites. But now it’s very difficult to limit your search only to internet ads and expect success. It’s good if you start widening your network both in person and online by making some new contacts each week through local events or related professional meetings. Adding your bio and profile on social networking sites is also a great idea. LinkedIn and Facebook have a “groups” feature that allows you to seek out and join other groups, not only in the job search, but also industry and professional groups that you can introduce yourself to. If you want to establish your expertise the “Ask/Answer a Question” feature is a good option. Twitter has also become an excellent way to follow movers and shakers plus make yourself known to a wider playing field. JobConcierge also offers a free executive recruiter database.
Resolution #4: Inoculate yourself against negative messages
Achieving success in in the job search requires one to be prepared and ready to deliver at any moment’s notice. You know during this process if you allow any negative thoughts to enter your mind, they may drag your legs behind by causing fear, disheartenment and anxiety. You need to shut that door which lets negative thoughts to enter from the outside environment, at least for a set period of time each and every day, so that you can focus on your target – the job search. All negative media and news are included. Get in touch with the kind of people who have positive energy and who help you contain negative emotions. Be sure to check out the best jobs for 2010.
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