Forget the Recession - Always Have a Great Job

It’s easy in a time of economic downturn to join the people who constantly tell you how hard life is. “No wonder”, they say, you “can’t get a job/get out of debt, etc. Look at the economy”. The fact is that most people are in work, and many are still buying better cars, going on cruises, trading up their home and paying for good education.

The key to always having a great job is self belief and marketing. You are a business, create your own niche.

The first most important element in having a great job is - don’t just respond just to ads, market yourself. This is especially important for younger people without experience, or older folk who might be overlooked or sidelined in a regular process of submitting and selecting applications. Trade on your skills and go out there and tell potential hirers that you are available.

Write spec letters and send your cv – to the decision maker in the company or organisation where you could fit in, or to recruitment agencies. And don’t forget to call your contacts. It can be a bit embarrassing to admit that you’re looking for a job (especially for us English who don’t wish to admit to difficulties). But creating opportunities for yourself boosts your self esteem as you take back your power over your life. 

We’ve all heard that 90% of jobs are not advertised and the process of getting better jobs can be easier than being hired for lesser jobs. Putting together a good CV or resume to advertise yourself, making contacts and sending out your letter, is far less work than filling in tedious application forms designed to test your bureaucracy skills. It may still be worth working on some of those forms, but don’t confine yourself to those avenues. 

On a personal level, be upbeat and confident. You may be a job seeker but you are a person of value, with useful skills, admirable qualities and a contribution to make. Unless you have been living in a cave you have done interesting things with your life. If you have successfully held down a job before, achieved a qualification, or run a household just remember what applies to you - there are always great jobs for good people.

Finally, be flexible. Consider contracting or taking a short term post or working further away from home. The rates you can be paid will likely make it worthwhile, especially if you live in a pleasant but quieter area. It can be a tough life to commute long distance – for you and your family – but you may be surprised by the respect (and financial reward) you command based on your previous experience. After all, an expert is ‘someone who comes from more than five miles away’.

Don’t underestimate your worth. Applicants are turned down for jobs every day because they are too good for the job. Even if you have been out of the market for some time, the right employer will recognise your value.