Finding Work in a Bad Economy

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Feb 10, 2009 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

“A successful man keeps on looking for work after he has found a job.” (Author Unknown)

Over 500,000 individuals lost their jobs in the month of January. Companies are beginning to experience a slow down in sales because of our troubled economy. South Carolina’s unemployment rate is close to 9% at the current moment and many are expecting it to rise. In this troubling time, what are people to do. I am not an expert, but let me offer some suggestions to you.

Gallagher’s Suggestions for Today’s Workplace:

(1) Develop Your Resume

• Even if you already have a job, now is the time to redesign that resume. Granted, some of you will be in the same job for years to come because it is what you love; but for others, now is the time for development.
• Companies might be a little leery of spending more money, so detail what you can do for the company. Most will not worry about what you have done, but what can you do in the available position.
• Remember, constant updating and redeveloping your resume allows you to get it out sooner when a job is lost.

(2) Use Technology

• Use Twitter – So many people are using the micro-blogging platform of Twitter that you can become actively involved in a small network with a few simple clicks. In fact, I saw a lady on the Price Is Right wearing her Twitter name on her shirt. Imagine how many followers she has now! (Don’t forget to add me to your Twitter list! – http://www.twitter.com/GallagherPreach)
• Use Email – Begin using your email network to inquire about job openings in other areas. People you know can be a great help when looking for work.
• Use Networking Websites – Facebook and LinkedIn are providing some great networking avenues for everyone to take advantage of right now. These sites offer discussion boards for you to share information and interact with other people in your field of expertise or a field you want to learn more about. Remember to add me to your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles – Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=723101031) LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/gallagherpreach)

(3) Aquire Knowledge

• When you look for work, knowledge can be your best friend. If you are searching for a job at a particular company, acquire knowledge about that company and include the information you gained when you are in your interview. For example: tell them how you can help the company reach their goals by using your abilities. You will know their goals and mission by your knowledge of the company.
• Use Podcasts – Podcasts allow you to gain knowledge about any field you seek. There are thousands of podcasts on platforms like iTunes where you can learn from the experts in your field. Remember, you must put the knowledge you gain into practice!
• Use Audio books – Use audio books the same way you use podcasts, but get your audio books from your local library.

(4) Hold Your Own Seminar!

• Inquire of your public library, the cost of holding a small seminar in one of their conference rooms. The cost might be minimal and ask them if you can post a flyer on their bulletin board about your seminar. The library benefits from this because they are able to get patrons and you are able to get your name out.
• Hold your seminar on your area of expertise! Help others understand your field better than they do now and get your name in the hands of people who can make a difference.
• Send information to companies in your local area and detail what you plan to do in your seminar and ask them to come.
• Use your own seminar as a mini-job fair. Let your attendees know how you acquired your knowledge and why you want to assist companies in their work.
• Get information from your attendees and send them a thank you note for being a part of your work.
• Remember, work your rear-end off to share information with people so they will learn, then get job information/prospects. People want to know how you will help them, then they want to know about you!
• Give them something to take home – Provide them with a handout of the material you present, but remember to put your contact information on the material.
• One last thing – Host your seminar for free! Yes FREE! People will come to hear a free expert and you will gain a group of people looking for assistance.

(5) Work When You Do Not Have Too!

• Begin doing some freelance or consulting work in your field. Use your ability instead of letting it rust while you search. There are thousands of companies looking to cut back on overhead and you might have the best opportunity to serve them!
• Write an article to a trade publication and get your name out. Remember to use online publications and newsletters as well. Some of these reach more people than a magazine.
• Write are article to the local paper about a current event.

I hope these ideas will help you find some comfort in these current and troubling times. Use every available means you have to reach the masses around you.

Remember, as Zig Ziglar says, “You can have anything you want in life just as long as you help enough other people get what they want in life.” (Zig Ziglar)

Just some thoughts…

Chris

Special Note: While the Preacher’s Pen is primarily a spiritual work, there is a gap to fill in the lives of people from a secular point of view. This article is one that will fill the gap in assisting others live the best life possible.

The Preacher’s Pen is dedicated to assisting people in creating the best life possible based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Preacher’s Pen believes Jesus provided details and principles to have the best life possible but it takes application of those principles to travel the road to success. The Preacher’s Pen seeks to offer encouragement and help as each of us travel the road of life on the path to a great destination.