| 5 Things You MUST know to Find a Job During a Recession |
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| Tuesday, 10 February 2009 13:41 | |||
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The recession is having a terrible effect on everyone who is employed and struggling to find their way through. It is natural that most people believe that it is best to hang on to the careers they have and 'sit it out' until the recession passes. But Gerald Feehily, a human resources expert at the European institute of technology thinks differently. Now might be the time to forcefully advance your career skills and consider your options.  "There is a great opportunity to take advantage while the competition is slow", says Gerard. "We have a tendency to blame the recession and sit tight in out jobs and careers. I think that this presents a great opportunity to re-evaluate your career and its direction and perhaps get a jump on the competition before the upturn takes place, which it will do eventually." For those considering a career change or looking for a new job, take note of these expert tips. Research the Industry - Take a closer look at the industry that you are seeking employment in. What are the shifts in trends and demographics? At telcojobs, for telecom related jobs we notice a shift towards VOIP engineering skills as technologies like Skype are experiencing growth in the market. Some of the big jobs boards have data on monthly occupational job growth and trends. Learn all you can about the possible shifts in the industry to get an edge. Freshen up your skills - "Never give a prospective employer a excuse to pass you up because you don't have the basic skills" says Martin Mansreagh, fellow at the London institute of economics. "You should strive to know at least all the basics of the industry your interested in". For example, some jobs require at least a working knowledge of Microsoft office packages. If your applying for a position in the telecoms industry, then you should gain a basic understanding of telephony industry protocols like VOIP for IP based protocols, SS7 signalling and basic call flows. You don't need to know about everything about these, but be familiar what they are before your interview Your greatest achievements - "This actually is the real value of your worth to an employer" says Martina Connolly, career consultant and lecturer. "If you can show that you made real savings in time or money, you will be seen as a potential asset. This is what employers really love." Practice your interview technique - Use meditation techniques to hep you visualise your upcoming interview. "I really recommend this before you go for the interview," says Martina. "I have seen many interviewees act like 'bunny's caught in the headlights" when they sit down for their interview. It's important to sit down in a quiet place and 'visualize' the interview, the questions being asked, the people sitting down in front of you. You will still be nervous, but you are prepared." Brand and market yourself - "This often makes people feel queasy," says Derrick O'Connell, marketing director of the Irelands largest recruitment agency. "They don't like the idea of selling themselves. I see it as the opposite - failure to market yourself relays a message to an employer that you are uninterested in the position. Keep your CV polished, examine your strengths and weaknesses and be confident". And what advise does Derrick give to all interviewees? "Convince your employer that you will fit in seamlessly into their company. Make them believe that you are the one that fits the task About the Author: Check out Telecmoounication and Engineering Jobs across Europe for all your Jobs Advise as well as the latest Euro Industry news. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          
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