Networking in tough economic times such as a recession doesn't mean you need to try harder or send resumes out to every company and search agency posting help-wanted ads. When times are hard, a job-seeker needs to network smarter, not necessarily longer or harder. Here are a few tips for keeping your job search afloat when the economy is sinking.

1. Act friendly and confident. Sure, it's easy to say “be cool, calm and collected,” when you're out of a job and the rent is overdue, but potential contacts, employers and interviewers respond favorably to someone who has their act together. Hand out business cards to folks in your field or professional people, such as doctors or lawyers, but don't overlook your neighbors or the checkout girl at the supermarket. Even if someone you meet doesn't seem like a potential business contact, don't discount them. Networking benefits you socially as well as professionally, and can gain you both friends and job leads. By fraternizing with people in an easy, natural way, you may get tips on who's hiring long before there's an ad in the paper. Don't act desperate, even if you feel that way. It's a turn-off, and even though people may sympathize with you, they're less apt to help you if you seem nervous or needy.

2. Expand your horizons. Decide what jobs and pay scales you're willing to accept. Make a list of all your skills, hobbies and professional experiences, and then write a list of all possible employment that requires those skills. During a recession or slow job market, you need to dig deeper into your skill set to impress employers. The normal “I'm an IT professional” or “I have a master's in social work” may not be enough to pique someone's interest in a crowded job market. Look at personal experiences that set you apart from others in your profession. Do you blog about cooking? Maybe that can help you land a part-time gig reviewing restaurants for the local newspaper. Pinpoint your specific strengths, and then make a list of potential employers or contacts. Send emails or call people at companies (or with connections to companies) where you want to work with a question about current industry news or a polite job inquiry. Develop business relationships with potential employers and they'll be more apt to think of you when a job becomes available.

3. Take advantage of professional associations. If you belong to a professional association, such as the AAMT (The Association for Medical Transcription Professionals), keep in contact with organizers and other members. While people tend to use such organizations to kvetch about minor details during prosperous times, they are a source of comfort and a great networking tool during tough times. Some professional organizations may even provide financial assistance or counseling for members who need it. Other benefits of networking within a professional organization include free or reduced price classes and seminars.

4. Volunteer. If you have downtime due to a layoff or reduced hours at your present job, seek out a volunteer position in your field or even in another vocation that sparks your interest. You'll keep your work skills sharp, learn new ones, and network with other workers in a business atmosphere. You'll form new business associations that may result in a work reference. And if you impress a supervisor, you might be offered a paid position. Volunteering also enriches more than your career—you'll help people and work for worthy causes, such as a cure for breast cancer or feeding the homeless.

5. Keep your options open. Remain flexible to different employment schedules. A part time, temp or telecommute job gives you experience and keeps cash flowing while you look for a permanent gig. Seek out temp agencies in your area and visit telecommute job boards like Tjobs.com to seek out work from home opportunities like virtual assistant or customer service rep. Like volunteer positions, temp and part time jobs give you more opportunities to network with appropriate people while you look for that perfect, long-term job.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, November 1st, 2008 at 8:44 am and is filed under Careers and Salaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.