These are indeed troubling times and the recession is having a big impact on peoples confidence and on the jobs market. Most workers are sitting on their jobs until things pick up which is a natural reaction to the recession. But Austin Healy, a fellow at the European Institute of Human resources in Stuttgart strongly believes that this is an opportunistic time to evaluate your career choices.[I:http://becomingwhoyouwanttobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/AlexRoland1.jpg]
“Because of the recession the competition for jobs is slow, so now is the time move in a forceful way to secure your future” says Jerimah. “Now is not the time to sit on your laurels and blame the recession. I believe in these times there are great opportunities that are not there normally – you just have to force yourself a little harder”.
If you think now is the time to take advantage to change career or look for something different, here is some expert advice you should take.
Research the Industry – Take a closer look at the industry that you are seeking employment in. What are the shifts in trends and demographics? At telcojobs, for telecom related jobs we notice a shift towards VOIP engineering skills as technologies like Skype are experiencing growth in the market. Some of the big jobs boards have data on monthly occupational job growth and trends. Learn all you can about the possible shifts in the industry to get an edge.
Freshen up your skills – “Never give a prospective employer a excuse to pass you up because you don’t have the basic skills” says Martin Mansreagh, fellow at the London institute of economics. “You should strive to know at least all the basics of the industry your interested in”. For example, some jobs require at least a working knowledge of Microsoft office packages.
If your career change is in the telecoms industry, then a working knowledge of call flows, SS7 and VOIP protocols would be beneficial. Unless your job specifies an in depth understanding of these, you should have a basic understanding of how they work.
Know your achievements – “This is important as it gives you a measurable metric that employers value” says Martina Connolly, career consultant and lecturer. “If you can demonstrate that your skills have achieved cost savings in time or monetary value, then that is the equivalent of a slam dunk with employers.”
Practice your interview technique – Use meditation techniques to hep you visualise your upcoming interview. “I really recommend this before you go for the interview,” says Martina. “I have seen many interviewees act like ‘bunny’s caught in the headlights” when they sit down for their interview. It’s important to sit down in a quiet place and ‘visualize’ the interview, the questions being asked, the people sitting down in front of you. You will still be nervous, but you are prepared.”
Brand and market yourself – “This often makes people feel queasy,” says Derrick O’Connell, marketing director of the Irelands largest recruitment agency. “They don’t like the idea of selling themselves. I see it as the opposite – failure to market yourself relays a message to an employer that you are uninterested in the position. Keep your CV polished, examine your strengths and weaknesses and be confident”. And what advise does Derrick give to all interviewees? “Convince your employer that you will fit in seamlessly into their company. Make them believe that you are the one that fits the task