I’ve been busy for years working, whether the timing is so-called good or bad according to the media. Whether the economy is in the dumps or booming, I’m sharing how to find a job during a recession.
Finding a job is tough when you are already out of work. Why does it always seem that more opportunities are around you when you’re already working?
I’ve always seemed to have more opportunities when I’m doing well in my job and have a lot going for me. On the contrary, things change quickly when you get laid off or have trouble finding work.
I’m a well-seasoned professional and have worked across many different job fields and markets for 18 years. What ALWAYS seems to work for me is:
Get a referral from a friend, colleague, or family member to get an “in” at a workplace.
I think it’s safe to say that out of all of the places I’ve worked over the years, I’ve had a referral to about 90% of the jobs I’ve gotten.
In most places where I’ve worked, I either knew someone that worked there, had a friend that introduced me to the owner/boss or had another mutual contact.
Do not let the power of job referrals or connections hold you back.
You MUST talk to everyone and anyone you know about finding work in your desired field. Your network is likely more extensive than you think.
Your family members may have contacts in a different location from you. Your best friend may know the exact person you need to meet to get hired.
One way you can go about finding who and where these contacts are is to ask questions!
Ask your friends who they know in your sector and would be a great contact to help you.
This process has been my bullet-proof formula for the past 18 years!
Asking questions is not only a tried and true method to gain valuable insights, but it also works in every industry.
Get in the habit of asking the right questions to people in your hub and listening intently to the answers.
Ask your friends if they’d be willing to introduce you to so and so to help you out. 9 out of 10 times, you can be guaranteed they are willing to help.
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When hiring, businesses want trustworthy, forward-thinking, hard-working, reliable prospects.
Anyone can have a fantastic resume, but that doesn’t mean it’s consistent with their work ethic.
When you get referred by a friend, they are making the connection. They are saying I trust this guy, and I know he/she will be an excellent fit for your company.
I’ve been hired at a company I was sent to and recommended by a referral without sending in a resume! And this position had a starting salary of nearly $100k.
Clearly, this shows how powerful referrals are.
In another case, a teacher referred me to a company right out of school. The teacher knew I was a good worker and had the drive to succeed. He said a good word to his friend who worked at the company. Two weeks later, I had a job.
Referrals, contacts, recommendations, or whatever else you want to call them to work.
You must leverage who you know in your current network to find a referral for your next job.
Your network is likely more significant than you think. Every person you know likely has an entirely different network than you. They know different people in different industries. Their families may be spread out and involved in a ton of different businesses across the globe.
While I recommend starting with your current network (who you know now), you want to be open to meeting new people to grow your network.
You can meet these people at specific networking events your industry holds and go to specific seminars and training. Put in the work to meet and grow your hub, and you’ll likely get more referrals.
If you’re trying to do all your work and job hunting behind a computer screen, sending off as many resumes as possible, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Getting a referral to a company, boss, or manager, has the most power in job opportunities in all market conditions.
Ensure you’re asking your friends, colleagues, and associates the right questions to learn more about the job opportunities you are seeking.
Referrals are one way to back up your work ethic, trust, and ability to a person or business.
People trust referrals 10 x more than a random person or resume that comes across their desk. Focus on talking to everyone in your network, but also grow your network. Visit the right places where these people would be.
Follow this for your next job referral, and get hired now.
Chris M Wilson
Chris Wilson is a keynote speaker, CTI coach, and entrepreneur. Through his Hover to Fly framework, he aims to impact the next generation in their careers and lives.
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