Find a Job During a Recession

As if you need reminding, these are turbulent times for anyone in the jobs market. You have to be a hermit not to see that there are no safe jobs anymore in the world. The natural compunction is to hang in at your present job at all costs and hope to ride out the recession without losing your job. But Jerimah Reading, a fellow at the European Institute of Human resources believes that the time to secure your future with a career change may be now.

"Because of the recession the competition for jobs is slow, so now is the time move in a forceful way to secure your future" says Jerimah. "Now is not the time to sit on your laurels and blame the recession. I believe in these times there are great opportunities that are not there normally - you just have to force yourself a little harder".

If your are looking for a change of career and perhaps taking advantage of the slow economy, consider these expert tips.

Research the Industry - Take a closer look at the industry that you are seeking employment in. What are the shifts in trends and demographics? At telcojobs, for telecom related jobs we notice a shift towards VOIP engineering skills as technologies like Skype are experiencing growth in the market. Some of the big jobs boards have data on monthly occupational job growth and trends. Learn all you can about the possible shifts in the industry to get an edge.

Tone up your career skills - "Do not give an employer the opportunity to pass you up because you lack some basic knowledge" says Martin Mansreagh, fellow at the London institute of economics. "It is important to learn the basics of the industry you are interested in". Most office jobs require at least a good knowledge of Microsoft office.

In the Telecoms industry, basic understanding of protocols like SS7, VOIP, and industry call flows should be learnt. You don't need an in-depth knowledge of these unless the job specifies it - just a basic overview to show you are aware what they are.

Your greatest achievements - "This actually is the real value of your worth to an employer" says Martina Connolly, career consultant and lecturer. "If you can show that you made real savings in time or money, you will be seen as a potential asset. This is what employers really love."

Practice your interview technique - Aim to feel comfortable and confident by practising your interview technique. "I'm a great believer in visualizing your interview, the possible questions and the answers that you give," says Martina. "I see so many candidates fall down at this hurdle. I tell them to practice every day for a week before an interview by relaxing in a quiet spot and 'feel' yourself at the interview with the interviewees in front of you. This is the best preparation."

Market yourself - "People often don't like the idea of marketing themselves," says Derrick O'Connell, marketing director of the largest recruitment agency in Ireland. "It's as if they feel they are going above their station or selling themselves to someone. Employers see someone who has marketed themselves as someone who have prepared and presented well their strengths and skills". And the best way to market yourself according to derrick? "Always keep your CV up to date and skill up at every opportunity in your present career

Article by: MichaelJenningsGeorgeTadkisGraemeCouric | Total views: 109 | Word Count: 569

About the Author

Check out Telco and Engineering Jobs across Europe for all your career advise as well as the latest from the European telecoms industry.