How I found a job in a bad economy – Part I

Recently, I have been counseling several people who are out of work. I was in the same position as they are back in the early 1990’s, and many of the things I share with these individuals on how to get a job come out of this experience.

The first thing I tell individuals is what my Father first told me when I was laid off (from his own experience in being laid off)- finding a job is your job. This sounds simplistic, but many people do not put it into action. You should put in as many hours looking to find a job as you would if you are working a job. In other words, putting one resume out a week or filling out one application (as some people I counsel do) won’t cut it. So I spent about 40 hours a week trying to get a job.

So since this was my “new job”, I went about the process as if it were a job:

• I set up an office in my house to work out of. Now back then I used a typewriter and a land-line phone, but even though the technology has changed the need for an office/place to work out of still holds true for today.
• I kept a routine / set up working hours. I got up at the same time that I did when I was employed and I tried to keep “office” hours.
• I dressed as if I was going to that new job. For me it was shirt and tie (I kept the jacket nearby).  I wanted to be ready for a last minute trip some place. Plus, just the routine of getting ready for work put me in the mindset to work at finding work.
• I organized and prepared myself. Developed my resume, obtained references, set up call lists,  created cover letters, had thank you cards ready  (sent after interviews, and to give to  anyone who helped me). I had all my information at my finger tips, and everything was organized so I could find it quickly.
• I had a briefcase at the ready (I know, so 90’s!). But this way I could leave the house with everything I needed. This briefcase went everywhere with me (you never know when you will need something because you “bumped” into someone). It had a few copies of everything (resume, generic cover letter, references, personal “business cards”, thank you cards, etc.).

To not sound too over the top, since I was going to war, I was preparing for war. I believe the preparation part is just as important as filling out applications or any other aspect of the process. I needed to be prepared, and I needed to work like I was at work.