Marketing Yourself in a Recession – Key Tips

NY Times Article

I’ve been moved to blog because I found an article about how even educated African Americans are having a tougher time getting employment than their counterparts. The article remains one of the NYT most popular, another sign that this topic is of some concern to many people. I’m going to share a few tips that should help all job seekers market themselves a little better.

Check out the NYT article here.

I do think that African Americans have a significant social barrier in society because there are several negative stereotypes associated with being black. Some may say that all stereotypes are negative but if people assume you’re smart and good with a computer because of your race… I think that’s evidence of a stereotype working FOR you. While most people that aren’t black choose to chalk this theory up to paranoia, I’ll spend my time trying to be helpful instead of debating that idea.

Let’s state the obvious. Unemployment in the U.S. is over 10% and everybody is looking for a job. I’m entertaining offers and I have a job… soooo that leads me to believe that a lot of jobs are getting a lot of applications. Also, in tough times you have people with multiple degrees taking jobs just to get their foot in the door or worse yet, bills paid and food on the table. It’s a competitive market out there and I think you have to make yourself stand out. Hence… marketing yourself in a recession.

So here are my thoughts:

1. Use your network.
   In business school they always talked about leverage. Well leveraging your personal network of friends, former colleagues & managers is an important piece. When you apply for a job online, you are one in a stack. It’s been proven over and over that people hire based on recommendation. If you have established yourself on social networks, use them. I’m not just talking LinkedIn. Why not update your status on FB or Twitter to include the job you’d like to do? Could you upload your resume to those sites? Of Course! Send a group message to all your friends, whatev! You’re on the hunt here for your next big thing!
2. Get out of the house.
   I love my apartment just as much as you do but you’re not going to find a job sitting at the computer on theladders.com all day. Soooo you might as well get out of the house. Heading to your nearest pub probably won’t be as useful. So be strategic. Check out what events are going on around your profession. There’s a Social Media Club that meets locally. If you’re a marketer, it might be worthwhile to hit up one of their events. Use professional associations to keep you plugged in to the profession while you’re waiting for a gig. My advice is to leave the resume in the car but start talking to people. If you don’t know them I wouldn’t start with Hi, I’m looking for a job. Just socialize and try to get some cards. If the topic comes up you can mention that you’re currently in the market for a new gig but focus on what you’ve done. Life is one big interview.

More later on this topic my friends. Unfortunately (or As luck would have it) I’ve got to head to work… after all I’d like to stay employed.

In the meantime, share thoughts and questions if you have ‘em and I’ll be sure to speak to those in the next post!

I am doing some really cool things with video that I’ll remember to blog about soon!