The Spectre of Unemployment – how insecure yet promising!

Let’s tackle the issue reasonably.  The plight of jobseekers is no easy task.  First, jobseekers always ask which is more important on a C.V, the way it looks or what it says – the answer is both.
Remember, despite all the talks of gloom, there are scopes, demands for qualified and skilful persons.  Obviously recession has hit everybody – in small way or in a big way.  The job market is the most severely hit. There are retrenchments, salary cuts, freeze on new recruitment amongst others.
In such circumstances, employers have become demi-gods.  They are retaining only those employees who are in the “core” and the company can’t do without them.  Those on the periphery are mercilessly being ejected or shown the door.
Make certain you are wanted – volunteer for the key projects and create relationship with decision-makers.
Start with a clear career objective and make it sound that you have a long term plan that works for both you as well as the organization.
Secondly, present transferable skills in a way that would benefit the organization.
The key is always to keep up to date and build relationships where you are valued.  When it comes to grabbing employers’ attention for a brief spell, your bio-data must be really engaging but of all short and to the point.  Just like the blurb on the back of a book an introduction does well to entice the employer to read onto the rest of the C.V.
An overly long C.V is boring and time consuming and a C.V that is too short suggests that you don’t have enough experience.
Note that the interviewers are looking to assess your long term planning.  The perfect answer depends on your personal aspirations and the job role.  Emphasize your enthusiasm for the current position and look to the next step for building your career.  This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your genuine interest for the role.
Make sure you stay well away from questions that show you were not listening earlier or that you really haven’t done sufficient research.  Remember that the employers is gauging whether you will take this job if offered and if so, whether you are likely to stay for any length of time.  If you appear ambivalent, they will be reticent about hiring you.  On the contrary, convince your employer, for example, if you have run some great innovative campaigns and I would have to be part of that creative thinking.
By showing you make things happen, you’re portraying yourself as a self-starter with a high level of initiative.  Your answer should focus on what you can specifically bring to the job and offer the company.  Keep in mind that companies hire people to solve problems and how your employers befit as a result.
Whatever industry you go for, it’s important to consider how this sector may look in, say, 15 years’ time and what opportunities or challenges this could throw up in the future.  Also, note well that you should not assume that all jobs will be advertised.  Often employees recruit via word of mouth or by head hunting; so build a network of contacts via trusted friends, family and business partners.
Your boss does not need to be an expert to read your subconscious signals.  To help keep you cool, and remain convincing and confident, speak slowly and hold relaxed eye contact.  Sound strong yet reasonable.
Consequently, if it’s your first job, then check whether you should stick to it a bit longer.  It may pay off to get more experience under your belt.  Ensure what key things you want from a new job.  The clearer you are on your goals, then the more confident you will be during an interview.
Now suppose you are laid off, had to switch jobs, or are starting out again, then consider the following;
Look for a temporary job.  Often temporary jobs can convert into full time and you get enriching experience.
Cut your costs, so you don’t have to earn too much.
Go for it!  Take the chance to go for career you always wanted.
Be ready to take a job you are qualified for, but emphasize to the employer that you will fit in and have other values.
Work on different income streams.  Make your hobbies money-making, learn new skills and sell them.
Be creative and don’t rely on the 9-4 job.
Propose an alternative work schedule – part-time that helps you reduce cost for the employer.