How to manage your job search in difficult times

Die Job search is difficult. From experienced managers looking for more growth opportunities to young professionals, just about everyone faces some challenges when looking for a job. Add an uncertain economy and a global pandemic to the mix, and you may find yourself feeling even more stressed. You may also be wondering what this means for your search - is it worth the effort to keep looking?

When times are tough, it can be easy to become frustrated and discouraged. The good news is that it's not impossible to find a new job. While you need to be more proactive, many of the strategies for a successful job search in good times also apply in uncertain times. To help you find your next job, here's how to find a job in difficult times:

Focus on the small details during the job search

Employers may be more picky or hesitant about hiring, meaning there is little room for error. Things like typos, slow response times, and lack of attention to detail that they might have overlooked in a more candidate-driven market won't be noticeable in a tight job market. With increased competition for jobs, pay close attention to these areas:

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• Your CV: Make sure your resume is up to date, tailored to the job, and highlights your accomplishments throughout your career. As a precaution, ask a friend to check the resume for typos and other formatting issues.
• Application instructions: Although some application instructions may seem tedious, there is a reason for this. If you can't follow simple instructions, it could be an indication of your attention to detail - and automatically disqualify you from the hiring process.
• Your response times: For other available candidates, a slow response from a hiring manager or recruiter could mean a missed opportunity. If someone contacts you about an opportunity, you should try to respond in a timely manner.

Stay organized during your job search

When you're looking for a job, it's easy to forget which positions and companies you've applied to. Unfortunately, this can lead to a few gaffes when you do end up getting a call from a hiring manager. To be as organized as possible, you should create a spreadsheet that contains a row for each position you apply for. It should be as detailed as possible, with columns for everything from the date of the application to the name of the hiring manager to the current status of the application. It can also be helpful to create separate tabs for open, pending, and closed applications.

Use your network during your job search

Whether you're asking someone how to get a job in good times or tough times, making connections is always a tried-and-true tactic. In today's digital age, where it's easy to apply for a job with a simple click of a mouse, hundreds if not thousands of people are doing just that. Unfortunately, this can hurt your chances of getting noticed by a hiring manager. By putting out feelers within your network, you can increase your chances of your resume ending up in the hands of an actual person

Work with a recruiter during your job search

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If you advices If you need a job search during difficult times, a recruiter can be a great resource to help you. As industry experts, their market knowledge and relationships with various companies can not only identify job opportunities (which are often not posted online) that match your strengths and skills, but also match you with employers who have the right culture for you. Beyond job hunting, they can be a trustworthy Career Advisor be. From setting salary expectations to informing you about new in-demand skills, a recruiter can be there for you at all stages of your career.

Be flexible and adaptable during the job search

Even if you have decided on your dream job, you should be open to other opportunities that come your way. For example, economic conditions may impact some industries and professions more than others. This may mean expanding your search to include other industries, job titles, and/or job roles. By being flexible with your requirements, you can find many great jobs and companies that you may not have originally considered!

Consider contract, freelance or consulting jobs during your job search

While employers have been hiring on a contract basis for years, these opportunities are expected to increase in times of uncertainty. And why? In times of tight budgets, this hiring solution is a great way for companies to not only pay for talent when they need it, but also assess suitability or hiring needs before committing resources to a full-time hire.

For job seekers, accepting consulting or project work offers a number of advantages. These include, but are not limited to, flexible scheduling, skill development, better networking, and additional income. Also read: Entering the Gig Economy: The Advantages of Temporary Work

Be patient and persistent during the job search

Last but not least, be patient. Companies tend to hire more aggressively when they have confidence in the economy and forecasts suggest positive growth. However, in times of uncertainty, you should prepare for a longer job search. Realize that success doesn't happen overnight and that there may be times when there is very little going on. If you feel discouraged, try to keep going! You can hold yourself accountable by setting a goal to send a certain number of job applications or networking emails per week. If you're struggling, be kind to yourself and take some time to recharge. Also read: Difficulty finding a new job? 4 Ways to Revitalize Your Search