7 tips for job hunting in a tougher market

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the slowdown of the U.S. economy. When you flip on the news or skim the paper you’re likely bombarded with forecasts of economic doom. Well, the world probably isn’t ending anytime soon (as some reporters might have you believe), but Americans are certainly feeling the financial pinch.

From higher gas prices to the rising cost of necessities such as groceries, many people are trying to keep their spending under control – including employers. It’s tougher to get a job when employers are hesitant to add another name to the payroll, so you’ll probably need to step up your game. Here are some recommendations for job hunting in a less-than-friendly market:

Up your numbers

You know the numbers game routine: the more resumes sent out and follow-up calls made, the more likely you are to land work. But just how much is “more”? Try to make up to 40 phone calls and send between 15 and 20 letters each week, says Greg Gastonian, managing partner at ClearRock, a Boston executive coaching firm, in an article for CNNMoney.com by Fortune senior writer, Anne Fisher.

Don’t hesitate to contact companies that aren’t posting job openings. Only about 20% of those hiring advertise the positions when the economy’s good. Use your contacts to uncover those hidden opportunities, or contact employers directly.

You should also work to increase the number of face-to-face meetings you request. When unemployment rates are low, it might suffice to use e-mail and phone conversations to connect with employers. But in a highly competitive market, managers are weighing their hiring decisions heavily. They want to know as much as possible about a job candidate, so it’s your responsibility to give them every opportunity to get to know more about you. That usually means at least one in-person meeting.

Tailor your pitch

You’ve got skills, but so what? Sounds harsh – but some would argue that’s the mindset of today’s employers. “Think of yourself as a mini profit-and-loss center rather than just an employee,” says recruiter Joe Turner in his article for Vault.com, a career information Web site. “Employers today buy results and are less impressed with candidates promoting a long laundry list of skills.”

How can you show results you’ve achieved? Think about how you’ve positively impacted the bottom line, in your former or current position(s).

• Have you ever performed more than one role simultaneously, thus saving an organization from paying another worker?
• What new procedures did you implement to improve the performance of your department or company?
• Were you able to take duties off the plate of a superior so they were able to be more effective in their role?

Capture the answers to these questions on your resume, and don’t be afraid to attach dollar amounts if applicable.

Adjust your expectations

You might not get the salary you desire or the full-time position with great benefits handed to you on a platter right away. But that great company might be willing to bring you on part-time or send some project work your way. If you are in the position to afford it, consider accepting. Once you prove yourself, it could lead to greater opportunities for you.

Have you ever considered relocating? With the sinking housing market, fewer people are willing (or able) to move for a job. “When you expand the geography where you’re willing to live,” Gastonian says, “you have a bigger playing field with more opportunities.”

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