My friends, things are not looking great.  With a steady stream of discouraging economic news and the feared “R” word being tossed around, some job seekers could be hit hard.  In a downward-heading economy, a person’s first choice may not be the best. So the Big Question becomes: Should I hold out for better or settle for what’s available? 

According to the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), the economic turmoil during the first month of the 2008-09 college recruiting season appears to have had a somewhat negative impact on the job prospects of this year’s graduating class.

NACE’s Job Outlook respondents, from a quick poll of 220 employers, indicate that approximately one-third of reporting companies are adjusting their numbers. As a result of the negative economic news, there has been a 7.2 percent decline in hiring from the numbers reported in August. Most companies, in fact, have reassessed their hiring needs downward, although there are a few employers who expect to hire more graduates than originally projected. But overall, every major industrial sector, except for manufacturing and government, expects to hire fewer college students. The one bright spot: Government agencies anticipate increased college hiring.

In October, Career Services held both a Tech Fair and a Business Career Fair. For each event, there was a record number of companies registered who sent a representative to the fair.  Even if they are recruiting for fewer positions, they obviously still felt it important to attend this event.

Utah’s economy, fortunately, tends to be somewhat insulated from that of the rest of the country. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development in Utah indicates that the state still has a robust economy. From my perspective, however, it appears to be taking alumni longer to find work. I predict that the situation will be compounded by many individuals who had planned to retire within the next year or two but will now have to continue working. With portfolio losses on IRAs, 401Ks, and other investments, the retirement horizon may be getting an extension.

So, how to maneuver during a recession?  My advice is: Hit it hard!!  Move forward with force while the competition is reeling with disbelief. Don’t use the economy as an excuse, because successful job seekers know that there are still opportunities even during tough economic times. True, it requires greater resiliency, more work, and a drilling down of all of your contacts, resources, and connections.

Here are a few useful guidelines to help maximize your search:

1. Make certain that your skills are top-notch and fresh.  If you haven’t used Excel or PowerPoint lately, get to it. Online tutorials are available.
2. Brush up on your influencing, negotiating, and persuading skills.  You need to know how to sell you, your best product. Your pitch must be relevant and effective.
3. Focus your search on those industries and job sectors that either have worker shortages or are growing. You can research the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and you will find that health care, education, government, food services, and IT categories have all gained jobs this year.
4. Look for freelance or project-driven work. The world of work is shifting, and if you think about breaking into a new job, it may be easier if you aim for part-time work. It will add value to your résumé as well as your wallet.  In a tighter economy, adjustments may be necessary to survive.  Don’t wait for the long-term, full-time position; grab something short-term, if and when it’s available.
5. Improve your social networking. Some of the best sources are LinkedIn and Plaxo. A few keystrokes on the computer and a couple of mouse clicks have you connected to a network of people, colleagues, and friends.  The process is so easy now there is simply no excuse for not adding this to your skill set. (See May 2008 of my archived article at http://www.alumni.utah.edu/u-news/may08/?display=career_corner.html)
6. Make your interview discussion “results driven.” The single most important thing that a job seeker must demonstrate is how he/she can add value to an organization. So learn to discuss your achievements and results in specific detail—how you have slashed overhead, captured customers, improved profit margins, and grown revenue.
7. Practice. Rehearse your spiel with friends, family, spouse, or a coach. You must demonstrate confidence and radiate enthusiasm. 
8. Get real about the length of your job search, which varies with every individual and every position, relative to each respective industry. However, the old rule of thumb may still be useful: On average, it takes about three months to find a job that pays $40,000 per year, four months for $50,000, five for $60,000, and so on. However long it takes, the immutable rule is to apply yourself consistently and diligently to the task.

Need help regarding your job search? Or for a specific job-related issue? Contact Julie Swaner, Program Manager,  Alumni Career Services: jswaner@sa.utah.edu  or (801) 585-5036.

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