by Katarzyna Radzka

Created on: May 18, 2009

Job prospects in a recession may seem grim at first but with a little bit of planning and organisation getting a job even in a recession is easier then you might first assume. The key is to know what you want to do but not be picky about doing jobs that are not at the top of your favourite's list. You can always quit the job you don't like for the dream one that comes up.

Don't by picky

Being too picky about work in a recession will only result in longer unemployment and let the bills mount up. Two issues that will only add stress to your situation. What you want to do is to find a replacement as soon as possible to continue with a regular stream of income until you find what you really want to do. So you have to wait tables for three months before you get that office job you've wanted, that's great. You've gained experience, paid your bills and met some new and interesting people.

Highlight your strengths

Why should a company employ you out of the hundreds of people going for the same position? What makes you so special? Maybe you speak a foreign language or have written for magazines or websites. Add it in no matter how small, it will make you look more interesting and stand out in the crowd. Make the employer see that you are the person for the job and no one else will do it better.

Improve your weaknesses

So the last time you scratched up your computer skills was back in the 1990's, now is the time to do a course and get up to speed with the latest technology and programs especially if you want to keep up with the older generation. There are still many people who don't know how to use a computer, and getting a job without some basic skills is going to be much harder.

Market yourself

In order to get a job you have to sell yourself. Be confident but not arrogant. Play your strengths but also make your weaknesses known and how you are going to turn them into strengths. Don't give the interviewer an opportunity to turn you down. Be prepared to answer questions and have the best possible CV in order to make you look like the ideal candidate for the position.

Diversify your search

Looking in the paper or on-line is not enough. That's what every other job seeker is doing. You need to diversify your search and go beyond what's normal and every day. Yes, you will want to leave your CV with the Internet based job sites and send off your CV to the different jobs listed in the weekly paper, but don't stop there. Open up the phone book and check out all the companies that might be needing your expertise. Every day pick five or even ten and give them a call. Introduce yourself and tell them you would be interested in working for their company and could you email them your CV or bring it in person. Taking initiative is smiled upon so don't be afraid to use it.

Start your own business

Many successful companies were started in times of recession. Have you ever dreamed of having your own small business or large company? Now might be the best opportunity you may get to start. Analyse your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and see what's missing in your town that your business could provide. It can be anything from dog walking, providing foreign language or maths tuition, landscaping, freelance writing and much more.

Don't give up

Sometimes it will seem like all the jobs are gone and you want to give up and stick to unemployment benefits. Don't. You won't be helping yourself and later on it will be much harder to get back into the workforce. Persevere and a job will come. In the meantime, take up a course, help out a neighbour or volunteer at your local homeless shelter. You never know when and where someone is going to be looking to hire.

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