Unemployment Falls, While Black Joblessness Stays Stuck at 15%

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Set realistic goals:
Don't live in a fantasy world. If you are a cashier at your local drugstore, don't apply for an executive position at a Fortune 500 company. Being realistic means that you only apply for positions that dovetail with your qualifications. Otherwise you will spend more time online applying for jobs rather than a real time chance through interviews.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Learn New Skills:
With that being said, if you want to move from cashier to management or make a total career change, you should grab the bull by the horns and make it happen. I am a strong believer that you can get any job you want just as long as you know what you want and what it entails. If you don't have the necessary education or training, then it's your job to get it. So take that computer course, register with that college or vocational school, and talk to as many people as possible that have the same job that you want.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Staffing Agencies:
Register with as many staffing agencies as possible. It's a great way to find a job and an even a better way to keep your interviewing skills up to par. The best way to find a Staffing Agency in your city is on the web or word of mouth. I also suggest targeting smaller agencies as opposed to feeling like just a number at a larger one. Being a recruiter at a boutique agency allows me to give a more personalized touch to all of my candidates. Since the flow of traffic isn't as heavy, I am able to spend time with my candidates and really get to know them on a professional and personal level.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Resumes:
Resumes should be easy on the eyes, which means simple and uncomplicated There are two types of resumes -- functional and chronological. Functional resumes are more effective if you're changing fields; chronological works best if you want to move up in your field. Email addresses should be professional, sexygirl@gmail.com is not appropriate. Once you've finished writing your resume, always have another pair of eyes to review it to avoid grammatical and spelling errors.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Honesty is the best policy:
Never lie on your resume -- embellishing is fine -- but flat out lying will send you back to the unemployment line. Most companies will do background checks, so be as accurate as possible.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Use the 'Net:
Posting your resume on Monster, Hotjobs, and Careerbuilders is definitely worth a shot, but in these hard times you have to think outside the box! Start your own blog for people like your self who aren't working. Get a discussion going; join linkedin immediately if you're not already a member and Facebook (seriously!) One mortgage broker swears by Facebook because he has made more contacts on Facebook than anywhere else.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Networking:
Word of mouth is a great way to get started. Let your friends, and former business associates know that you're looking and what type of position you're looking for. Embrace technology. Send a mass email out to all those who might be helpful. Encourage them to pass it along to their contacts. You'll create a ripple effect that just might lead to the job of your dreams.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

References:
Notify references prior to interviewing. No employer wants to hear "I'll have to get back to you with that." It is just as important to be prepared before your interview as it is during.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy