You don't have to look hard to find depressing news about layoffs, rising gas prices, hiring freezes, and an overall slowdown in the economy.
The changes in the economy is as unsettling and frightening for those who are unemployed as it is for those who are still gainfully employed. Often, it is the unknown road ahead that causes us the most stress. There isn't anyone out there who has not felt the pinch of the "recession" even a soloprenuer like me is restrategizing her plans.
Unless you have the power of a magic wand to turn situations around, you need to resolve within yourselve to hang in for a long and maybe bumpy road ahead. It does not have to be all doom and gloom though - try one of these suggestions to keep you motivated and focused in spite of your circumstances.
For the employed:
Start saving $$$ - whether you can do 10% of your paycheck or just $5 dollars a day, begin building your cash reserve.
Put your best foot forward - it may seem strange, but during lean times in the economy and uncertainty with employment, you want to make sure that you are working harder than ever. Show that you are a valuable employee.
Update your resume - be proactive not reactive. Have your executive resume and other career marketing documents updated and current even if you don't need it right now.
Build, refresh, and maintain your network - start reaching out to key contacts in your personal and professional network just to touch base. Don't make it a one-sided conversation, show genuine interest in what is going on with them and provide them with an update of your job situation, your concerns, etc.
For the unemployed:
Have several resume formats - your resume should
be created in several formats to accommodate document compatibility and application submission needs. Always have your resume in Word, PDF, ASCII (text) and if necessary HTML versions.
Keep pushing - do more than sit at your computer and send out resumes, your job search will bear little fruit from that strategy. Network, network, network. Attend every event you can that would put you in contact with key people who can offer advice or directly lend a hand in your job search.
Create a job search campaign - don't randomly send out or submit your resume to any and every opening that sounds good. Determine what your ideal job would be - drill it down to the function/expertise, industry, size of company, geographical area, etc.
Develop an online presence - Take advantage of online networking circles like Linked In to connect with current employees, hiring managers, and decision makers for companies you are targeting.
Abby M. Locke, Executive Director of Premier Writing Solutions (www.premierwriting.com),
is a Nationally Certified Resume-Writer and Personal
Brand Strategist who helps senior-level
professionals and C-level executives achieve personal success with customized,
branded executive resumes
and career marketing documents.
