Career Advice Podcasts & Job Seeker Network

Navigating Your Job Search Through the Recession

Reposted from CareerAlley

"But still they lead me back to the long winding road" - Lennon/McCartney

Sometimes it does feel like a long and winding road and I'm sure you're thinking "just my luck to be looking for a job in the worst job market since the Great Depression". Regardless of how long and winding the road may be, you need to ensure you are on the right road (to a job that is).

But as bad as it is, there are jobs out there if your know how to navigate the winding road. So, how do you navigate? You need to have a road-map, a timeline as well as a marketing plan. Don't be afraid to speak with others and seek out help in getting yourself started (or revamping your existing approach). Much of the Job Hunt is being in the right place at the right time, but if you don't have a road-map you won't know where that place is. Set your goals and create a list of tasks that will help you achieve those goals.

Lots to do, lots of competition and not that many opportunities. But someone will get those jobs and you might as well be one of the lucky ones (although luck is only part of the equation).

Road Map - The first rule in navigating your job search is that you must have a road map (which means that you must know where you are headed).
- How to Approach Your Job Search With A Personal Marketing Strategy - This article, by About.com, helps you create your personal marketing plan (please also see the Job Search Marketing Toolkit) including locating leads, contacting employers, getting organized and more. There are more links at the bottom of the article to help you on your way.
- Find a Job: Create a job search plan - Careeronstop provided this article which echos much of what I said above, as well as additional advice. The article gives advice to making a plan, mapping your skills (see more below), networking, resumes and more. There is a day-by-day guide with links and good advice.

Search for Jobs - Your Inventory - You need to create an inventory of what you will do next (recruiters, job search sites and company career sites. See the links to my list of lists below for each of these categories.
- List of Recruiters and Headhunters - Here is a great list of recruiters to get you started in building your recruiter inventory. Don't forget to keep track.
- Inventory of Company Career Sites - Company career sites are a great place to start, this list should help you get started.
- Job Search Boards - While yo don't want to be registered on every site, you do want to be on the right sites for you. Check out my list.

Networks and Networking - Not just a catch-phrase, networks can be the most important (and most powerful) tool in your inventory. You've seen all of these before, but it is worth the repeat.
- LinkedIn - Don't need to say much here, make sure you leverage this site every day.
- Secrets of the Job Hunt - Amazing articles, lots of resources - the list is too long to list here. Check it out.
- Networking & Your Job Search - My favorite source for job search (the Riley Guide) also has an article on networking - Check it out!