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How to: Find a job

By Jason Lee, Source: Tribune Media Services

Even the most hardworking, talented professionals are not immune to the possibility of losing their jobs during an economic downturn.

As jobless rates rise and economists forecast more tough times ahead, it’s important to know how to quickly bounce back from sudden unemployment.

Whether picking up new skills, updating your resume or expanding your network, there are many critical steps that can boost your chances of a quick recovery. If you fear your job could be on the chopping block, consider these strategies to help you maximize your ability to rebound:

Sharpen your interviewing skills

If you’ve been off the job hunt for several years, your interviewing skills might be a bit rusty. It never hurts to practice your ability to verbally communicate the work experience, tenacity and value you'd bring to an organization, says Joe Takash, a LaGrange Park, Ill.-based business consultant and president of Victory Consulting, a performance management firm.

“Even Ivy Leaguers and 30-plus year professionals are often never coached on their enthusiasm — or lack thereof — during an interview,” Takash says. “It’s important to practice making a great first impression and engaging the interviewer in stimulating dialogue that will posture you ahead of the competition.”

Make sure your resume is ready for prime time

For many career advisers, this piece of advice ranks high among their list of career commandments — in good and bad times. Whether you’re employed, your resume should include your most current job title, as well as outstanding accomplishments achieved in that role. You don’t want to be scrambling to remember things you worked on years ago.

Network like crazy

Looking for work is a job in itself, so have a daily to-do list of contacting at least 20 people, and follow up with appreciation and personal notes. A one-way street leads to nowhere, so always express gratitude, Takash says.

“We can’t control the economy and competitive factors, but we can control our ability to influence people and build trust,” he says. “Be tactfully persistent and express to your contacts that you’ve fallen victim to troubled times and are looking for work. Tell the simple truth.”

Always have a financial exit strategy

Although you might not have a lot of lead time, make sure you save up as much money as you can in the event you’re laid off. Filing for unemployment can help lessen some of the financial strain of losing you job, but it might not be enough to cover all of your bills.

“Even if you get reassurance from management that your position is safe today, that doesn’t mean your situation might not change in a few weeks or a few months from now,” says Shawn Graham, author of “Courting Your Career: Match Yourself with the Perfect Job” ($12.95, Jist Works). “There are no guarantees. If someone tells you differently, don’t buy it.”

Learn and develop new skills

Pick up new skills that will help you stand out from other job seekers, and consider taking some courses to enhance your marketability. In a shrinking job market, employers are looking for candidates who fit the exact skill set they are seeking.

Don’t get bogged down in denial

Denial is a big mistake when facing a potential layoff. Some people refuse to admit they could lose their job and don’t take the necessary steps to avoid it or cushion it. Even after a layoff, some go on refusing to accept it, believing the employer will have to come crawling back.

Believe in yourself

Despite the grim headlines, there are still great opportunities in the job market. The key is to stay positive, be persistent and think of your layoff as an opportunity for a fresh start or to find more rewarding work.

Also, it’s vital to take care of yourself during tough times, says Michal Ann Strahilevitz, professor of marketing at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. “Sleep and get plenty of exercise,” Strahilevitz says. “Spend time with people who know you, love you and believe in you. All of this will boost your health and self esteem. The better you feel about yourself, the easier it will be to impress others and deal with the stressful aspects of job hunting.”

© 2009, Tribune Media Services