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How to get a job in a recession

How to get a job in a recession

It’s no secret that the current economic climate has made it one of the most challenging times to be looking for a job—especially for people who just graduated. Finding a role in current times will be hard, but these steps will make it easier to get a job in a recession.

In what is a difficult job market for all – here is how to stand out, network, and increase your chances of getting a job in a recession.

Don’t use the ‘Shotgun’ approach

You log into a job page on the internet; you create an account; you upload your recently updated CV; you make sure you set the preferences to the latest posted jobs; you apply for as many roles in a day as some people do in a lifetime; you scroll through your email impatiently waiting for any sign of good news; you hear nothing for weeks and months. If this sounds familiar, then you’re using the shotgun approach – as tempting as it is, it doesn’t work.

Using this method day in, day out feels like the common sense thing to do; after all, aren’t we all told not to leave our eggs in one basket? Trouble is, it won’t produce any results – it could actually damage your chances of securing a role.

By using the shotgun approach, you become the same as everyone else –employers cannot distinguish you. Sending the same CV out to everyone is one way to guarantee that no one puts yours in the ‘yes pile’. To get a job in a recession, you need to avoid this.

Instead of applying to anything and everything, focus on a few well selected and researched roles – this gives you a better chance of impressing during the application and interview process. Once you’ve nailed down the opportunities you want, why not use LinkedIn (we’ll show how to later), to find and connect with the person recruiting – it’ll increase your chances of securing that role.

Focus on growth industries

Focusing on industries that are growing or a predicted to grow during this current economic climate is a good way to increase the opportunities you are exposed to – if these industries are growing, then they’re likely to be actively recruiting people. Focusing on growing industries is a very good and effective way to get a job in a recession.

In 2020, despite the current economic climate, here are top growing industries experts agree on:

  • Immersive Technology (virtual reality, augmented reality. etc)
  • Digital Marketing
  • Peer to Peer lending
  • Clean Energy
  • Software developing

If you’re a graduate, we know what you’re thinking – what if my degree has nothing to do with that ‘growing industry’? You shouldn’t rule yourself out by underestimating the transferable knowledge and skills you may have –employers don’t hire people with the same degree; diversity of thought and diversity of people is important in any organisation. This brings us nicely unto our next point – be open-minded.

get a job in a recession

Be open-minded

In a difficult job market, one thing is for sure – you won’t have as much choice as you would like; this, in some cases, is regardless of the qualifications you have.

If you keep an open mind, you’re more likely to find out this: there are many more opportunities than you originally thought. It’ll allow you to spot better opportunities and it’ll give you the chance to experience new things – who knows, you may come to find that that new experience is actually what you were meant to do all along. From startups to fast-growing midsize companies – there are various opportunities if you are willing to be open-minded.

We’re not asking to sign up to any and everything – that would be the shotgun approach, and we’re no fans of the shotgun approach. Instead, be willing to look at opportunities you wouldn’t have considered before with a view to learning and experiencing different environments. After all, it was by having an open mind, that Johnny Depp ‘fell’ into acting and that Jose Mourinho, one of the most famous sporting names, ‘fell’ into management.

Use LinkedIn to grow your network

It’s a tale as old as time: it’s who you know not what you know. Networking used to be something few people had the opportunity to effectively do. With LinkedIn, everyone can if done properly, find their next job. The app allows you to connect with everyone – from recruiters to managing directors – by sending an invitation. In doing so, there are some basic rules you should know:

  1. Make sure your profile is updated with all the relevant information – education, experience and a short paragraph about yourself.
  2. Never send an invitation without a note ( State your name, why you would like to connect and sign it off)
  3. Have a conversation with a view to showing off your interest and skills, as supposed to asking for a job straight away.
  4. Find industry groups you’re interested in joining and join them. Once joined, interact and network with other group members.
  5. Do not be afraid to ask for advice from anyone who works in an industry of interest – the worst they can do is ignore or say no. If they reply, you never know, you may get a new job.
get a job in a recession

Make sure your CV is free of mistakes

When it comes down to it, this is probably the most important step – a poor CV is the quickest way to ensure you don’t get a job in a recession or in any other economic climate. Understanding the basic principles of an effective CV is important – here they are:

  1. Tailor your CV (do your research and make sure that your skills match what your employers are looking for – by using examples, you can demonstrate that you have the skills they are looking for).
  2. Double, then triple check for all grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes.
  3. Don’t lie or exaggerate your experiences – it rarely works.
  4. Consistency: make sure your formatting and text are all the same and in at least size 11 of Arial or New Times Roman.

Be flexible

If there’s an opportunity in a different city, and if it’s possible and viable for you to do so, take it. You should also be flexible in going the extra mile to impress in your interview, or on the job – it’s another effective way to make sure you stand out.

Be calm and patient

We know it’s hard to do, but being calm and patient will not only increase your ability to spot suitable opportunities, but it’ll also help you come across authentic and genuine in interviews.

After you’ve got your first interview, you’re probably going to need suit – here are the only suit rules you need to know.

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