Job search tips from The Wall Street Journal

At Sandbox Advisors, as part of our efforts to keep readers well informed, we provide interesting/good information from other sources as well. Below is an article from the Wall Street Journal.

If you’re among the people who’ve been laid off this year, finding a new job will require a strategy that differs from a typical search.

The competition may be stiffer than anything you’ve faced before, and you’ll likely be asked difficult questions about your dismissal. Knowing where to look, how to set yourself apart and what to say about your situation could mean the difference between getting a job and sinking deeper into unemployment.

A critical first step is to come to terms with your job loss. Some people become angry, others insecure. While these reactions are normal, they can derail a job search should recruiters pick up on them. You have to take some time to mentally regroup.

Ø Cast a Wide Net

Once you’re ready to hit the pavement, consider that the wider you can look geographically, industry-wise, functionally, etc. the greater your chances. To identify employers that are still hiring, start perusing local newspapers, trade magazines and business publications, advises Howard Seidel, a partner at Boston-based Essex Partners, a provider of career services. “Some [layoff victims] stop reading newspapers because it can get depressing,” he says. But if you keep at it, “you’ll get a feel for what companies seem to be doing Ok.”

Don’t rule out small businesses or those in struggling industries. “There are some companies that are countercyclical,” says Mr. Seidel. Industries like health care and education are still adding jobs. Public accounting and financial advising are also continuing to do well, although their growth is more muted.

Ø Network

Another job-hunting method is to network. Recruiters in particular can offer valuable insight, regardless of whether they have any search assignments that match your skill set. “They’re very close to the market and tend to have an idea of what’s happening,” he explains.

If you don’t already have relationships with recruiters, now is the time to start developing some. Many search firms accept résumé submissions through their Web sites, which can lead to a recruiter contacting you. But you can boost your odds of success by reaching out to recruiters directly. Since they typically prefer to meet job hunters through referrals, ask former colleagues, business associates, alumni and other members of your network for an introduction to a recruiter they have a relationship with already.

Studies show that referrals lead to the highest number of job placements, so devote the majority of your search time to networking, says Annie Stevens, managing partner at ClearRock Inc., an executive coaching and outplacement firm.

Ø Use caution when being creative

In highly competitive job markets, some professionals go to unusual lengths to try and win the attention of hiring managers and search-firm recruiters. For example, job hunters have been known to send recruiters gifts – such as golf balls and cookies — with their resumes attached. While such tactics can sometimes prove effective, they can also backfire.

Ø Keep mum about personal problems

When meeting with search-firm recruiters, laid-off workers have a tendency to open up too much about the personal impact of their dismissal, these professionals say. While recruiters can generally be trusted to keep this kind of information confidential, giving it out can suggest you lack discretion or are too distracted to perform well in a job.

Ø Consider paying for professional support

If your job search isn’t proving effective, a career coach may be able to help by providing objective, expert advice.

Ø When applying, avoid expressing bitterness or self-pity

Many layoff victims send cover letters that blame the economy for their job loss. There’s no need to even point out the fact that you’ve been laid off. If your last work day was in October, your résumé will say that. Plus, since so many workers have been handed pink slips in the past year, this information is unlikely to kill your candidacy upfront. While it can be helpful to explain why you were let go over others whose jobs were not eliminated, save those details for the interview and use the cover letter to describe your strengths.

Ø Signal Confidence

Another faux pas many unemployed job hunters make: Sending introductory notes that overextend gratitude. It might be better to take the opposite approach by conveying that employers should take advantage of this opportunity to recruit you. Just be careful not to come across as arrogant.

Ø Salary Issues

Some unemployed job hunters also hurt their chances by volunteering to take a significantly lower salary than what they earned in their last job. An offer to take a pay cut of more than 20% can suggest to employers that you’re biding your time and would re-enter the job market in search of higher-paying positions once the economy improves, says Jeff Joerres, chief executive officer of outplacement firm Manpower Inc. Or, you might unwittingly imply that you’re going to ask for a raise soon after coming on board.

A better strategy is to wait for the hiring manager to raise the subject of salary. If the job pays less than what you previously made, respond with a plausible reason for accepting it. For example, you might say that you recognize what’s going on in the economy and cite reasons why you’re attracted to the position and the company. “You want to project that you are facing reality and are comfortable with the situation,” says Mr. Joerres.

Ø Finally, prepare an explanation about what led to your layoff

For example, you might tell the interviewer that your skill set wasn’t critical to your last employer’s survival, but that you believe it is for the organization you’re now targeting — and then explain why, suggests Mr. Joerres.

If you’ve been unemployed for a long period of time and a recruiter asks why, consider pointing out that you’re being selective about your next move, says Mr. Joerres. Then describe how the position is a strong fit. Or you might explain that you opted to delay your search to spend time with family or take a class, suggests Ms. Shapiro. “You have to make those last months sound like a conscious choice,” she says.

Source: Sandbox Advisors; WSJ Careers