You know the economy’s in a funk when career experts are jumping in with advice on how to land a job in tough times. The latest to chime in is Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a Chicago-based career consulting firm that is offering a downloadable guidebook entitled “How to Find a Job in an Economic Downturn.”
Among the many suggestions:
Create your own job fair with a social event such as a cookout. Invite people in managerial positions and use the opportunity to network.
Accept plenty of invitations. Go to as many weddings, dinners and parties as you can. “These get-togethers offer you a marvelous chance to set up appointments later in the week where you can really sit down and talk,” Challenger Gray says.
Meet with new people every day - or as often as possible. The meeting could be lunch with a friend who has extensive contacts in a variety of industries.
E-mail your way into an interview. Check a company Website or call the main switchboard to find the e-mail address of the person managing the area in which you want to work. Then send a brief and persuasive note on why the the person should meet with you.
For a copy of the guide go to:
http://www.challengergray.com/press/Challenger_Guidebook.pdf
--Carrie Mason-Draffen