WIN YOUR DREAM JOB WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE (AND SOME LITTLE-KNOWN GUERRILLA TACTICS!)

By: Margaret Buj

Over the past several months, we have been incessantly bombarded with news of massive layoffs and bankruptcies everywhere. Just this morning on a train to work I read an article about one in six young people being out of work in the UK now as unemployment stands at its highest level for 14 years.

This coverage of the job market may be a daunting and upsetting. It is easy to start thinking there aren’t any job opportunities out there, but this is just not the case.

The recession, however hard for some, may also prove to be an excellent opportunity for others. There are industries that will thrive on crisis and continue to be profitable. And a tough job market will create lifetime opportunities for those individuals who are ready to ‘take the bull by the horns’ and face the challenge.

The right job is not going to come to you. You have to take action – make calls, do the research, send out those resumes and talk to people. You have to be the one to put the wheels in motion. Without being stubborn and bold you will not get anywhere. You will probably make many phone calls and go to many interviews before you get the job you want. Do not stop no matter how hard it gets – it will get better!

When I arrived in London 9 years ago I had one suitcase, a business degree but hardly any work experience and I only knew a few people here. Yet I started making contacts and I openly spoke about searching for a job and what value I could add. Soon enough a friend let me know that one of his colleagues is looking to open a new office. Even though I was scared, I contacted him, and after much persistence I was offered an interview. We got on really well, and I was asked to stay in touch as they were still looking for a new office. I called this person every several days (while still looking for other opportunities) and a few weeks later I ended up getting a job at his friend’s publishing company! How did I get the job? I offered to work for free for a day so that my new boss (named Lucky!) could see that I was a can-do person and willing to learn. It was my first proper job after university; I learnt lots about sales and marketing and stayed there for a couple of years. Without being persistent and acting in spite of fear of rejection etc., I would not have achieved it.

A few years later, I was in a different job which I have lost… 2 weeks after I was robbed of all my savings and told by my landlord I had to move out within a month as he was selling the flat – so it wasn’t the best time in my life! I felt sorry for myself for about half an hour (and even shed a few tears), and then got into action. I called/emailed everyone I knew regarding possible opportunities, contacted recruitment agencies and started a new, great job exactly ONE WEEK later!

This was 6 years ago and I started in a very junior position but I quickly progressed and over the past 5 years I have been recruiting for global technology corporations requiring personnel in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Be persistent and never give up - every rejection brings you closer to achieving your goal!

If you are out of work at the moment, there are so many things you can do to increase your chances of getting a job. Apart from the usual ones (increasing your qualifications, networking, attending seminars and workshops in the field of your interest, going to job fairs etc), what about embracing modern technology and creating your powerful and dynamic image as an expert in your field?

If you do not have your website it is a good time to create one.

• Reserve a domain yourname.com or your corporation.com (if you have your own company) and create your web page.
• Start your own blog on any of the free blog sites available.
• Put up an elaborate version of your resume including samples of your previous work or testimonials from your managers, colleagues and clients.
• Let others know about your site/blog and encourage them to leave comments.

You can also create an account on YouTube and post videos of yourself as a professional. If you are Equities Trader for example, put on your best suit, sit at your desk and speak about trading, share your knowledge. If you are a Java Developer, do a short tutorial in Java. If you are a manual worker make a video of DIY plumbing/carpentry. You may create videos on the use of Excel, Oracle or forklift – it does not matter as long as it fits in your specialty and shows off your skills. Make a habit of uploading a new video every week with the tips from your profession. Link those videos to your website or blog. If you are seeking a job in creative filed such as Advertising, Media or Entertainment, create a Facebook or Twitter accounts and upload pictures and videos of your work. When sending your resume and cover letter attach those links – an image is more powerful than thousand words.

Since I have put a short video on my website and created a few little videos with interview tips on YouTube, I have definitely had more hits on the website and more clients – the more visible you become, the more people will perceive you as an expert, and they will trust you more – provided you know what you’re talking about, of course!

If you are not interested in the above suggestions – do you have any skills that you could use to create a part-time business, or at least to get some freelance work? Four years ago I was thinking of starting a part-time business or getting some evening/weekend work to supplement my income which was much lower than now. I wanted something I could do in the evenings and at weekends, and something I’d enjoy and make a difference at the same time.

The idea didn’t come to me immediately – it took a few months. However, when a friend asked me to help him with his interview technique, as I had experience of working in recruitment (plus some coaching experience), and when he then quickly got a job after not being able to get one for a year, I knew I was onto a winner. I’ve done my research, checked out the competition and created my own interview coaching website within 2 weeks. I had my first 2 clients in the first week and in the last 3.5 years I have successfully helped hundreds of clients enhance their marketability and get the jobs they really wanted. If I had an attitude of ‘there aren’t any jobs out there and nobody will give me a part-time job’, I would not have created a part-time business which I absolutely love.

It is important to ‘get yourself out there’ and be visible. A few months ago I made connection on Ecademy with Brooke Allen, founder of No Shortage of Work. His mission is for people to teach each other, and put each other to work, even when there is not enough money to pay educators or workers.

I registered on the forum to make some new connections. I certainly did not expect to get an email just a week later from a journalist who started a news website in New Jersey which was featured in the New York Times business section recently. They are a small group of journalists working for free right now and trying to make a difference.

He asked me if I’d like to contribute. Even though I did not get paid for writing my articles, I don’t mind at all – these articles have only given more exposure to my interview coaching business, more leads, and hopefully more international clients in the future.

Remember – you never know where the next opportunity is going to come from!

Become visible, make connections, tell people how you can add value, don’t give up – and you might find yourself employed sooner than you think. I wish you good luck!

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Margaret Buj joined the No Shortage of Work Social Network soon after its creation. I got a chance to meet this remarkable woman at an NSoW dinner in London.

Through NSoW, she met another member, Andy Lagomarsino, one of the founders of New Jersey Newsroom, an on-line newspaper started by 40 laid-off journalists. Their story is EXACTLY what NSoW is all about – read about them HERE.

Mararet now writes a regular column for them.