Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring: Take Charge of Your Career, Find a Job You Love, and Earn What You Deserve

Chapter 14. Twenty Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers in a Down Market

Even in a down market, job seekers and employees are not powerless or without recourse in dealing with the challenges listed so far. In fact, you have more control over your career circumstances than you might think. Following are some specific strategies and tactics that consistently generate strong results for job seekers when no one's hiring. Note: There are 38 additional tips in the Career Resources section toward the end of this book.

1. Network, network, network. Continually increase your level of networking and keep expanding your contact database. Reach out to reestablish and nourish business and personal relationships. Offer to help others, even if they're not in a position to help you (because what goes around comes around). There is no substitute for connecting with people one-on-one. Stay connected and don't isolate yourself. Being out of work does not mean you have to be out of touch, so be sure to build and maintain your networking momentum.

2. Seek help. Get career support from a professional. A qualified career coach can better prepare you to land your next position. If career coaching is unaffordable for you, take advantage of the support provided by government programs, nonprofit agencies, job search groups, college/alumni career centers, or faith-based missions for the unemployed and underemployed. If you're thinking of changing industries, get some career testing. If you are struggling emotionally, ...