5 Ways to Find Work in Bad Times

When the economy is really bad and there are no jobs anywhere, people are stuck looking for any type of job that can get them out of the horrible situation they're in. This does one thing to the job market; it increases the competition for all of the jobs that is available.

You must stand out in the crowd of job hunters. The only thing you have to show the employer is that you are more than another employ; you're an asset to the company.

The suggestions below just might help finding a job a bit easier:

1. Social Networking. All of the rage today is in Internet social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and of course Twitter! These sites are more than just a way to keep in touch with friends and family; they are great for finding employment too!

• The idea for social networking sites is to build up a relationship with many. So before you start begging for a job show of your values first.

• All of these sites have wonderful word of mouth possibilities; landing a job from one of these sites is possible, but it might not happen overnight. So keep your head up and keep broadcasting your available for work!

2. Offer services for free. Yes, offering services for free is crazy and even crazier when you have no job. With your skills and talent, you should be making money and not losing opportunities of making money. However, if you offer your skills for free you can show them what you can do and put yourself ahead of the others trying to get the same job as you.

• For example, are you an incredible childcare provider that wants to get your foot in the door of that new day care center in your area? Are you the most courteous waitress in your opinion and want a shot at the new position in the new restaurant in town?

• If you agree to work for free for a few days or a week, you're giving the employer a chance to see your talents in action; if they like your work you might get hired right away, or at least when they have an available opening for your position.

• Remember that you have to be the best you can be in the trial period. Make sure to sell your services and show that you are an asset and not just an employ.

3. Write to prospective employers. Write a letter to all of the businesses you are really interested in. In the letter, include how you will boost their business and explain how valuable you can be to their company.

• The key is to convince them they can't go on without your services. If you do this then you will have a job! Make sure your letter is flawless!

• You don't want to beg for a job but to make them understand that they need you. The difference between these two is big but it can come over as begging, so exercise good judgment.

4. Do it the old fashion way before faxes exist. With hundreds of faxes and emails coming in daily it's easy for your resume to get lost. Instead, dress for success and go to each employer and deliver your resume.

• Explain who you are, shake their hand, and then give them a well-prepared resume.

• If you want to stand out in the crowd, build a great relationship. This allows the hiring manager to put a face on the resume and not just pick anyone out of the hundreds they have.

• This process will be long and energy draining to say the least; but if it lands you the dream job you're wanting and needing, then it's certainly worth it!

5. Place ads in newspapers or online. When we all look for a job, the first place we turn to is the help wanted ads. There we will look at every job possible and apply to almost all of them hoping for just one.

• You might be able to turn the tables! Try and think outside the box. Try placing your own ad to reach employers telling them about your wiliness to work for free as a trial period to get the job. Explain your strengths and let them know what position you can excel in.

• Keep in mind you're the one in control. Want you want to achieve is employers calling you for a chance - not them reading your ad thinking, "Here is another desperate person begging for work."

It is indeed hard looking for work in challenging times, but by doing things differently than the others looking for the same job as you might be all you need to land the job you've been dreaming for. If you stand out using these tips then you'll be the one who lands the job!