7 Myths about Job Hunting in a Recession

7 Myths about Job Hunting in a Recession ShareShare Myth: Nobodys hiring. Truth: Theres always some hiring. Yes, theres more competition, but most of your competitors dont know how to do a best practices job search. Do that and youll be ahead of the pack. Of course, it may take longer these days, so the sooner you get down to it, the better. Myth: Theres no use approaching a company thats just had layoffs. Truth: Companies often hire following layoffs. Even during a hiring freeze some exceptions may be made. Most crucially, doing informational meetings now at a company youre interested in will position you for success later, when hiring picks up. It takes time to build up a network of good contacts, so dont wait until the job postings appear. Besides, the fewer job seekers are reaching out, the more easily you can get an informational meeting. Myth: People dont want to be bothered with informational interviews at a time like this. Truth: Actually, when times are tough theres extra goodwill in peoples hearts, a feeling of were all in this together. So ask. Tip: Instead of asking for an informational interviewwhich can sound uncomfortably formalask if theyd be willing to talk, to offer you some advice. Say something like Id like to ask you about your experience and any insights you may have. That kind of language is more inviting. For more tips, read my post The Best Way to Make Contacts within Your Target Companies. Myth: You might as well just kick back and wait it out. A long resume gap in 2020 wont look bad on a resume. Recruiters will get used to seeing it. Truth: They may get used to it, but they wont prefer it. While youre job hunting, keeping busy with free-lancing, consulting, temporary gigs and/or volunteering (including virtual volunteering) can provide a wide range of benefits: a gap-free resume, new contacts, learning experiences, the satisfaction of contributing, and a feeling of accomplishment. It also demonstrates your strong work ethic and energy. Myth: In a recession you have to broaden your search and consider types of jobs you wouldnt otherwise be interested in. Truth: The most effective job search in any job market is a targeted, proactive job search focusing on a specific type of role (or small set of closely related roles) that youre well qualified for and interested in. A targeted search can get you hired faster than an Ill take anything search where youd spread yourself too thin. Of course, you may want to avoid targeting an area of the job market thats much less promising than others, so if youre laid off from the hospitality industry or the airlines during a pandemic, it may be best to identify an alternative industry to focus on. Tip: Look at industries similar or related to your previous industry; you may have plenty of credibility there. Myth: If youre unemployed you should tighten your budget in every area, including job search expenses and career-related training. Truth: Those are the last things to scrimp on when you need a new job. Find better ways to save money. Myth: You cant negotiate during a recession, so when you get an offer youd better just say yes! Truth: Even in a recession, an experienced professional can often negotiate a better package. Since future raises will be based on a percentage of your starting salary, why start with a handicap by accepting less than you can reasonably get? Unload these myths from your mind and move forward with clarity, focus and energy. 7 Myths about Job Hunting in a Recession ShareShare Myth: Nobodys hiring. Truth: Theres always some hiring. Yes, theres more competition, but most of your competitors dont know how to do a best practices job search. Do that and youll be ahead of the pack. Of course, it may take longer these days, so the sooner you get down to it, the better. Myth: Theres no use approaching a company thats just had layoffs. Truth: Companies often hire following layoffs. Even during a hiring freeze some exceptions may be made. Most crucially, doing informational meetings now at a company youre interested in will position you for success later, when hiring picks up. It takes time to build up a network of good contacts, so dont wait until the job postings appear. Besides, the fewer job seekers are reaching out, the more easily you can get an informational meeting. Myth: People dont want to be bothered with informational interviews at a time like this. Truth: Actually, when times are tough theres extra goodwill in peoples hearts, a feeling of were all in this together. So ask. Tip: Instead of asking for an informational interviewwhich can sound uncomfortably formalask if theyd be willing to talk, to offer you some advice. Say something like Id like to ask you about your experience and any insights you may have. That kind of language is more inviting. For more tips, read my post The Best Way to Make Contacts within Your Target Companies. Myth: You might as well just kick back and wait it out. A long resume gap in 2020 wont look bad on a resume. Recruiters will get used to seeing it. Truth: They may get used to it, but they wont prefer it. While youre job hunting, keeping busy with free-lancing, consulting, temporary gigs and/or volunteering (including virtual volunteering) can provide a wide range of benefits: a gap-free resume, new contacts, learning experiences, the satisfaction of contributing, and a feeling of accomplishment. It also demonstrates your strong work ethic and energy. Myth: In a recession you have to broaden your search and consider types of jobs you wouldnt otherwise be interested in. Truth: The most effective job search in any job market is a targeted, proactive job search focusing on a specific type of role (or small set of closely related roles) that youre well qualified for and interested in. A targeted search can get you hired faster than an Ill take anything search where youd spread yourself too thin. Of course, you may want to avoid targeting an area of the job market thats much less promising than others, so if youre laid off from the hospitality industry or the airlines during a pandemic, it may be best to identify an alternative industry to focus on. Tip: Look at industries similar or related to your previous industry; you may have plenty of credibility there. Myth: If youre unemployed you should tighten your budget in every area, including job search expenses and career-related training. Truth: Those are the last things to scrimp on when you need a new job. Find better ways to save money. Myth: You cant negotiate during a recession, so when you get an offer youd better just say yes! Truth: Even in a recession, an experienced professional can often negotiate a better package. Since future raises will be based on a percentage of your starting salary, why start with a handicap by accepting less than you can reasonably get? Unload these myths from your mind and move forward with clarity, focus and energy.