Those who are currently searching for work in the economic downturn are not alone. Announced this morning, 8% of Canadians are also feeling the stress of being unemployed within the current economic climate.
TorontoJobs.ca recently polled over 300 unemployed job seekers as to their current stress levels within their job search. 69% of respondents aged 25-45, revealed that they were “extremely stressed” with their current search, 18% indicated they were “very stressed”, 9% were “stressed” and 4% “not very stressed”.
The major concerns with those polled were:
- “There are so many people applying to the positions that are listed, how can I stand out amongst the competition”
- “I keep applying to positions and I am not getting any response”
Given the current economic situation and the large amount of concern from our job seekers, we have compiled a list of the top 10 things job seekers can do to ensure they are making the most of their job search in tough times.
The 10 Key Elements to Reducing Stress and Getting Ahead within Your Job Search Include:
1. Stay Connected: Send emails to family and friends letting them know you are currently looking for a new position and include a brief summary of your professional background. In most cases, at least one family member will know someone that can create a connection with a potential employer.
2. Get Organized: It’s important to make sure that your resume is up-to-date, you have printed copies of your resume on hand, you have prepared a cover letter outline and you have your certifications available. Being organized allows you to relieve pressure when you are called for a possible interview.
3. Take Your Search One Step Further: Rather than searching one job site on a daily basis spread your search as wide as possible. Join professional networking sites like Linked In, search as many job sites as possible, check the local papers, attend job fairs, attend networking events related to your industry and register with staffing firms.
4. Take a Realistic Approach: Most companies are on a hiring freeze throughout the Greater Toronto Area or are only hiring part-time/contract employees until the economy returns to a stable state. During this time being too particular within your job search could lead to being unemployed for a longer period of time. Taking a contract position or two part-time positions could lead to full-time employment once the economy shifts.
5. Keep a Positive Attitude: So you had an interview and you didn’t get the job. Did you ask for constructive feedback? Turn the rejection into a positive experience and improve for your next interview. Constructive criticism can only help in your job search development.
6. Surround Yourself with Positive Surroundings: Stay away from people/media that focus on the negative aspects of being unemployed. This is a great opportunity to take some time to evaluate your future career path. Joining a support network (online or as part of a face-to-face group) is a great idea. It will enable you to speak to people that are going through the same stresses and struggles.
7. Create a Job Search Daily Routine: Create a schedule of what times of day you are going to spend on job searching. Creating a schedule will allow you to decrease your stress levels and ensure you have time for personal hobbies and social activities.
8. Keep in Mind your Job Search is a Full-Time Job: Designate a time period each day to spend on job searching. This includes networking, updating your resume, applying for positions and conducting follow-up calls.
9. Keep your Resume Filled with Quantitative Information: In today’s competitive economy the most important thing that should be reflected on your resume is how you can build value and grow the company in which you are applying for. For example rather than stating “I have strong customer service skills”, employers want to see how those skills are going to bring value to the potential role. Instead, stating “Obtained 100% accuracy in Customer Complaint Resolution over a 3 year period” gives the employer concrete evidence that you have an excellent track record in Customer Service.
10. Celebrate Progress: Rather than focusing on the negative of being unemployed focus on setting goals for yourself each week. For example, make a goal to connect with at least 10 hiring managers in a one week period. Being able to cross the goal off your list is a small step towards employment and will definitely end the week with a positive step forward.
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