Sue Stock interviewed me and yes, I think this was a lot of what I said. I am glad Jim and John agreed. This is a good wrap but in any story there are a lot of specifics behind the tips that need to be customized to your own search.
Here is some job-hunting advice from area experts:
- Join industry associations and go to their meetings. If you can’t afford the dues, volunteer to help at the events so you can get your foot in the door.
- Try to look, act and feel as if you do have a job. Maintain routines you had when you were working, including going to the gym, walking the dog or participating in community groups.
- Volunteer in the community. You’ll meet new people and get new leads on jobs, expand your network and help others.
- When you meet new people who may be able to help you find a job, don’t immediately hand them your résumé. Remember, you still need to build a rapport with a new acquaintance before asking for help.
- Expand your search. If you are targeting a specific kind of work, you probably already have a list of companies. Start researching who supplies those companies or works with them, and add those companies to your list.
- Look into contract work. Not only may it bring in a little money, but many companies on the brink of recovery will first hire contract workers before hiring new people full time. If you can land a contract, you could turn that into a job.
- Don’t lose hope. Remember, there have been bad economies before. Sooner or later, companies do hire.
Sources: John O’Connor of Career Pro in Raleigh, Jim Johnson of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, John Worth of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School