There are people out there who are finding jobs every day, despite the economic downturn.  We surveyed them to find out what’s actually working in this economy.  Here are the pieces of advice our participants offered for those who are currently in the job market:

• Take Good Care of You. Keep at it no matter how frustrating, but also take some time for nurturing yourself. Going from a job working 75 hours a week to unemployment, is an opportunity to recharge the batteries.

• Network like you mean it. Ask for help, network and don’t hide the fact that you are seeking employment. Talk to everyone, meet new people, go to networking events and just hang in there.
• Roll Your Sleeves Up. Volunteer and intern to prove your worth if you don’t get to the interview stage. This is a good time to try a new skill and branch out. It will also make your search more interesting.
  • Get on the Leading Edge. Use buzzwords in your resume to demonstrate your knowledge of cutting- edge thoughts and trends. Your cover letter and interviews should demonstrate your confidence. If you can’t convince yourself you’re good for the job, how can you hope to convince someone else?
  • Be flexible. Don’t rule out any options -relocation, change of field, change in pay structure, and lower pay. It is important to take a hard look at what you really need salary-wise, not necessarily what you were previously making. Look at the intangibles – less travel, less demands outside of work time, more family time, shorter commute.
  • Stay positive! It is incredibly hard at times, but stay focused on what you are hoping to do. There is the right job out there for you and you will find it! I interviewed at countless offices, each time thinking that the job I had interviewed for was the one I wanted. Having gotten the job I did, I realize that it is my dream job and can safely say that there is a reason I didn’t get any other job I interviewed for.
  • Be prepared. Get your resume nailed, learn and practice interviewing, know your brand/market etc.
  • Be courageous. This may sound strange, but don’t be afraid to turn down something that isn’t quite what you want. I was offered a job that I didn’t really want working for someone I disliked in a place far from home and not where I wanted to be, and I turned it down. Yeah, it scared me, but I had confidence I’d find something better, and I had a backup plan just in case I didn’t.

Have a Plan A, B and C. Remember it is a process and results are not predictable. Be ready for negative feedback or wrong steps or weeks with of no activity. Reach out to your network in a physical manner – set up calls, coffee meetings, etc. Don’t spend your entire time searching in a virtual environment.