By Vision Reporter

ALTHOUGH these are tough economic times, companies will still hire people. Retirements, career switches, relocations – the many reasons workers have left jobs in the past, will continue through 2009 and beyond. You should expect more competition for these open positions, but your job search should not stop.

The same old rules apply
The way you conduct a job search is not going to change dramatically. If you are employed and plan to change jobs soon, do not give up without a plan. It’s not good to be jobless if you can help it. Always be aggressive.

The market is tougher There are fewer jobs, more candidates and hiring managers are more careful. So a candidate has to distinguish him/herself more from the competition.

Planet Lubowa, the author of How to Easily Get Jobs, says: “Job hunting is about getting noticed by employers.”

“If you are a good employee, they will never know that if you are just another faceless name in a pile of résumés.”
Find out more about the organisation. If you are lucky enough to get an interview, be as prepared as a scout.

Also, carry a portfolio of reports you have written demonstrating your skills or a 30-60-90 day plan about what you will do during the first 90 days of your employment. Speak to the company’s customers to find out how its perceived.

No luxury for error
Because companies do not have the budgets they had a year or two ago, they cannot waste time or money on finding a replacement who is less than perfect or at least close to perfect.
Peter Sematimba, an entrepreneur, says: “Everything in your interview matters – your dress, your speech, your manners – and employers can be unforgiving in this market, especially when they still have plenty of candidates to choose from.”

“It simply takes lots more practice and, since you can expect fewer interviews in the current market, practice makes a difference.”
Here are experts’ suggestions to consider during your 2009 job hunt.

Résumés
Typographical errors are a top habit. You cannot control whether the hiring manager picks up your résumé but your résumé is your creation. What kind of message are you sending if you do not take responsibility for one of the few factors entirely within your control?

Interviews
The interview is like a two-way street, where you need to sell yourself to the recruiter and he or she sells the firm to you. Let the firm do its part and focus on yours. If the recruiter gets the feeling that you are desperate to find any job just to earn a salary, Sarah Namirembe of Career Choices, warns that you will be out of the door before you set your bag down.

Never give up
Don’t get lazy or give up. Browse job sites, search classifieds in newspapers, walk around the neighbourhood and talk to different people – look for jobs wherever you can. Some employers do not want to spend a lot of money advertising a job opening, so reach out to companies that might not have a job opening listed, as they might be quietly searching for new employees.

Network
Your connections, both social and professional, are invaluable resources during a job hunt. Even friends of friends you have only met at a cocktail or wedding party are worth touching base with during your search. When you let people know you are looking for a new job, they will keep you in mind if they come across an open position at their workplaces.

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