FranklinCovey Blog

Landing a New Job in a Tough Economy

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 | From the Desk of Stephen R. Covey | 2 Comments

In these unpredictable times it is likely that you or someone you know is looking for a job. I have had several people approach me for advice and insight on matters concerning professional development, whether looking for a new position or looking to advance in their current role. I have seen the tremendous need for direction and guidance on this topic. As a result, this August I will be hosting a professional development webinar series. The topics I will cover are Employability, Resilience, and Contribution. But until then I would like to share a couple thoughts to help you or someone else find new work.

Times have changed. One of the things I often tell people is that you can’t do a job-search the way you used to. Most people have relied heavily on a job application form and a resume. Typically, that just doesn’t work anymore, although those are useful things and most times necessary. In today’s world you have to adopt a new mindset for finding and securing a job-and not just a job but work that you would find meaningful.

The new mindset is: be a solution, not a problem to a prospective employer. When you call or submit your resume, it likely goes into a pile with perhaps hundreds of other resumes or applications. This is a problem for the employer; you are one more person they have to deal with.

However, what if you took the time to really research the company you want to work for? Read and research about what’s going on right now in the company. Find someone you might know to talk to about what they’re dealing with and what they’re trying to accomplish. If you don’t know someone, make a call to find someone in the company who might be willing to spend a few minutes with you. Network with their suppliers or one of their clients to get a better understanding of the company, department or person you want to work for. Between the Internet and networking, you can piece together a picture of what would be of specific value to them. From there you can see if your experience, talent, skills, and passion match up to what they need. Now you can creatively position yourself as a solution and differentiate yourself. Get a conversation started in the company by presenting yourself as a solution to their problems not as a person looking for a job.

The tougher things get the more creative and solution-oriented you have to become. Be a solution, not a problem-and you’ll significantly increase your ability to land a new job.

To learn more about how to advance your career, take charge of your life and become a highly valued employee join my career development webinar series at: https://www.franklincovey.com/tc/publicworkshops/dr-stephen-r-covey-webinars

Tags: Advice, Applications, Career Development, Direction, Economy, Event, Few Minutes, Guidance, Hosting, Insight, Job Application Form, Job Resume, Job Search, Looking For A Job, Mindset, Networking, New Economy, New Job, New Position, People, Professional Development, Prospective Employer, Resilience, Resume, Resumes, Stephen R Covey, Unpredictable Times, Webinar, Workshop

2 Comments to Landing a New Job in a Tough Economy

Joan
July 8, 2009

This info couldn’t have come at a better time. I am currently on disability and having to retrain as I can’t do what I have always done anymore. This is causing me added stress on top of the stress my health problems cause me. And the government retraining program that I am going through in order to get funded. Is so tough and so overwhelming. I can’t even get started on what I have to do. Courses start in Sept. and I have to see my intake worker in a week and haven’t even made a dent in what is needed. I not qualified to do many of the courses as they need upgrading of schooling before I can get into the course. It also has to be full time, and the programs I am interested in only do part time. I have to do all this research and info interviews, find out the demographics & find out what the job situation is after the program is complete. I am tearing my hair out. with frustration. I really think I am trying to re enter the workforce way too soon. Thanks for listening to me Rant..

Cecile Aschwanden
July 20, 2009

Dear Joan,

Your letter sounds very discouraged. Don’t give up! There are jobs and opportunities out there! Dr. Covey is a great resource for professional development guidance. Additionally I would like to recommend Dan Miller and his work. Have you ever heard of 48 Days to the Work You Love or No More Mondays? He encourages people to become proactive and replace their one job with multiple revenue streams. In his free podcast he speaks very highly of Steven Covey, particularly when it comes to time management and efficiency.
I think you might enjoy listening to Dan Miller. I hope this helps.

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