How to Find Employment During a Recession

As if you need reminding, these are turbulent times for anyone in the jobs market. You have to be a hermit not to see that there are no safe jobs anymore in the world. The natural compunction is to hang in at your present job at all costs and hope to ride out the recession without losing your job. But Jerimah Reading, a fellow at the European Institute of Human resources believes that the time to secure your future with a career change may be now.

“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”.

For those considering a career change or looking for a new job, take note of these expert tips.

Research your Industry – Many industries are going through major changes and shifts in demographics and trends right now. Research the trends that you suspect are taking place. For example, at telcojobs we notice shifts in employment to VOIP engineering as Skype IP based telephony continue to grow. Look out for jobs boards that give trends in employment over the course of the previous month and get an edge on the industry.

Tone up your career skills – “Do not give an employer the opportunity to pass you up because you lack some basic knowledge” says Martin Mansreagh, fellow at the London institute of economics. “It is important to learn the basics of the industry you are interested in”. Most office jobs require at least a good knowledge of Microsoft office.

In the Telecoms industry, basic understanding of protocols like SS7, VOIP, and industry call flows should be learnt. You don’t need an in-depth knowledge of these unless the job specifies it – just a basic overview to show you are aware what they are.

List your achievements – “Employers always love employees who can demonstrate to them the cost savings they have implemented in their careers” says Martina Connolly, career consultant and lecturer. “If you can show that you have saved time of money for a company, then your bound to impress. Employers will see you as an asset to be acquired”

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

Check out Telecmoounication and Engineering Jobs across Europe for all your career advise as well as the latest Euro Industry news.