In the midst of the search: Are
you keeping up - professionally?
It’s very clear that the job search
has become an extended process, taking much longer than is typical in
non-recessionary times. Job seekers are concerned that extended unemployment
will make them less marketable. A reasonable fear, isn’t it?
My response: First, employers are
very much aware of the situation and people do find good jobs after as much as
two years of searching. Not that anyone is happy about a two-year job search,
but I want people to know that a positive outcome is possible.
On the other hand, I caution them.
Two years with nothing to show on your resume or in your conversations demonstrating that you have been adding to your professional knowledge, skills
and abilities is definitely a red flag. So what is the job seeker to do? A few possibilities:
- Be
active in the Professional Associations related to your field/industry.
Take free seminars, go to presentations, give a presentation in your area
of expertise.
- Find
and participate in free or low cost training related to your industry. If
you’re an IT professional, are you participating in the online community
at www.techrepublic.com where you can find the latest trends and up-to-date industry
information? A great resource for demonstrating your current knowledge at
Interviews.
If you're in Human Resources
are you a member of the Human Resources Association
in your geographical area and/or the national association? Do you attend relevant presentations? Is your SPHR certificate
current?
- Have
you taken advantage of free college courses online? Example: MIT offers open courseware on a range of
occupations including Architecture, Engineering, Health, Sciences and
Technology. The American Management Association offers free Management
webinars at www.ama.org
If your resume lists no
professional development activities in the past two years, you are at a serious
disadvantage. Your extended unemployment may cause the employer to question
what you have been doing with your time. I know…today’s job search is complex and
takes up a lot of your time…but you can’t list that on your resume!
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