3 Keys to Adjust Your Career Search to The Tough Economy

By Hallie Crawford, Certified Career Coach

There’s gloom and doom everywhere regarding the economy, especially in the media. This can make it especially difficult to focus on conducting an effective job search . Let’s be real - the economy will have an effect on your career search. It is tougher to find jobs, but not everything is as bad as the media makes it out to be. There ARE jobs out there and there ARE opportunities for you.

The current economic situation requires that you be more aggressive with you career search. You must create a transition plan, identify your goals and your ideal job. You have to network more aggressively and market yourself effectively.
See this as an opportunity

As a career coach, I find career seekers typically fall into 2 categories:

1. The person who’s recently laid off, who is forced to take a look at whether they were happy in their career. People in this category should use this as an opportunity to make a positive change. They have a choice to stay in their current industry or embark on a career path that would be more fulfilling and rewarding for them.

2. The other person is the one who is unhappy in their job but is scared to do anything about it because they hear all the doom and gloom in the media. Therefore they remain in a job they’re unhappy with. People in this category should realize that life is too short to stay in a career that is making you unhappy. And that despite the tough economy, they can make a change. They just have to be smart about it. At the end of your life do you want to say that you tried and even failed, or than you didn’t try at all? You know the answer.

Recognize how the economy is changing the job market

As the economy changes, I am finding that more and more people are choosing to re-invent themselves or start their own business. You need to recognize that the tough economy has changed the job market and adjust accordingly. Identify other industries that can use your talents, expertise and experience. Think out of the box and clarify what skills and experience can be “transferable,” utilized in other fields. If you simply cannot find anything in your field and you’ve always considered starting your own business – now might be the right time.

Consider starting your own business

Take a look at you area of expertise. Do you have experience with accounting, graphic design, or administrative support? As our world becomes more and more virtual, you can now work from almost any location, and service clients almost anywhere. The virtual assistant industry, for example, has sprouted up as result of ability to work remotely. Look at your area of expertise and consider providing consulting services in this area.

Striking out on your own can be scary and it involves risk. It is not a cakewalk and it takes effort, commitment and work. But if you do something you’re passionate about, it won’t feel like work. It’s more enjoyable and you’ll be more committed because you’re following your dream. Keep in mind the success stories of some famous businesses like Fedex and Proctor and Gamble. They were started during an economic slump. Why not yours??

Blast off in your search for your ideal career! Hallie Crawford is a certified career coach who can help you find your direction and identify your ideal career path. To get more advice on how to successfully make a career transition, read about Hallie’s career transition book right here: www.flyingsolobook.com