by Rachel Wood

Created on: January 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2010

In the current financial situation, everyday we hear about more people losing their jobs. Those of us still in work are starting to wonder how secure our position is and it is generally a worrying time for everyone. Finding a job in a recession can be difficult but it is not impossible.

The first thing you should do is go over your CV and if necessary revamp it. Ask other people to proofread it. They may notice mistakes that you haven't. Make sure your spelling and grammar are all correct. There is plenty of free advice on the internet on how to write a great CV. It shouldn't be too long or full of unnecessary information. It has to highlight your skills and sell you to the potential employer. You may have to alter it depending on the job you are applying for which means you could end up with several different versions. Rereading your CV and thinking about the jobs you have done in the past will give you a better idea of what skills you have. Most of us are far more capable than we give ourselves credit for!

Make sure all your family and friends know that you are looking for work. They may know somebody who is currently hiring or they can help by keeping a look out for any suitable jobs. There are plenty of different ways to search for work so make sure you are using all of them. The internet, newspapers, cards on notice boards in shops, employment agencies, advertisements on the radio and TV and job centres are all useful. You could also make enquiries with companies that you are interested in working for. Send them your CV and a cover letter by email or post. A lot of the time they will just keep your details on file until something comes up but you never know until you try. The worst thing they can do is say they have nothing.

Be more open minded in your job search. We work because we need to pay the bills and you may have to take a job which pays slightly less than you are used to or which you don't particularly want to do. Remind yourself that it is only temporary and once the job market picks up you can start looking for something else. Taking a temporary job is another possibility. If you make a good impression it could lead to something permanent but even if it doesn't it will have brought some money in. You may have to take a job a bit further away from home or working totally different hours to what you used to do.

Keep a record of all the jobs you have applied for, what date you sent your application and the company details. If you are applying for dozens of vacancies you have to be organised so that when you are invited to an interview you know exactly which job you are there for! Use the free time you now have positively. For example if you want to work on your keyboard skills there are websites where you can learn how to touch type for free. It's important not to give up. Being out of work can be a frightening time but keep applying for jobs. It may take longer as there will be more competition but you will find something.

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