Tips to Market Your Skills in a Down Economy

The following is a guest post by Angela Williams, Associate Director of Student Development at the University of Arkansas Career Development Center. Angela supports career advising, PDI coaching, mentoring and several other programs to help you make the most of your career.

It is nearly impossible these days to view any type of news show without hearing unemployment rates are at an all time high-10% according to the latest reports. For 20- to 24-year-olds, the news is even more dire. The jobless rate rose four-tenths of a percent to 16% in November (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  And data from the Labor Department show that the unemployment figure for college graduates in this age group was 10.6% in the third quarter — the highest since early 1983 and more than double the rate for older college-educated workers.

For the Class of 2010, hiring continues to slide. Employers expect to hire about 7 percent fewer graduates during 2009-10 than they did in 2008-09 (NACE Research: Job Outlook 2010).

Despite the economic conditions, with careful planning and preparation, you can be successful in the job search.  However, it is critical to know and possess the skills employers value and to know how to market those skills. Here are some tips and tools to help you market your skills in this time of economic uncertainty.

• Revise your resume and cover letter to ensure they highlight your skills and accomplishments. Focus on what you can contribute to the employer, not what you want from the job. Ensure that your experience statements demonstrate major accomplishments rather than routine tasks/duties. Use numbers and percentages to reflect that you are a person who gets results.
• Take the time to adapt your resume and cover letter to each position. Don’t make the mistake of sending the same resume for every position. Read the job description for each position. Take note of the key skills and qualifications preferred and/or required. Does your resume reflect those skills and qualifications? Make it easy for employers to see how you would be the right fit for the position.
• Update your account with the Arkansas Alumni Career Network; Visit this site often
• Look for networking opportunities. The Internet is great, but 65 percent of jobs are found through networking. The best place to start networking is with the people who know you best: your family, friends and other close contacts. Call, email and set up informal chats with everyone you know who might have some advice or job leads to offer-including your parents, grandparents and older siblings or cousins. The more people you talk to, the more eyes will be on the lookout for openings that fit your criteria.
• Set up informational interviews. Don’t ask for a job. Ask for information about a particular field or for suggestions for additional contacts. Remember, the UA Alumni Association has thousands of members in various professions across the nation.
• Use web-based networking sites cautiously. Reputable sites can be very helpful for networking and job search, but share information prudently.
• Attend area career / job fairs. Attend with the idea of expanding your professional network and increasing your knowledge of job opportunities.
• Send a thank-you note as soon as possible after all contacts. If well presented, a thank-you note is a courtesy that can set you apart from other candidates and enhance your image with the organization. The note should be sent immediately after every contact.
• Appropriate attire is a must. Men, to be safe always wear a conservatively colored suit and tie. Women, a conservatively colored suit or dress is also appropriate. Men and women should avoid wearing too much cologne or perfume. Your hair should be clean and well-groomed. Shoes should be polished and coordinate with your suit or dress.
• Know that most employers’ expectations start with a foundation of integrity, trust, and ethical behavior. Add a positive attitude, a smile on your face, a good work ethic, and a professional appearance, and you’re on your way to a successful career.

Skills Employers Value

Communication skills, Strong work ethic, Initiative, Interpersonal skills (relates well to others), Problem-solving skills, Teamwork skills (works well with others), Analytical skills, Flexibility/adaptability, Computer skills, Detail-oriented, Leadership skills, Technical skills, Organizational skills, Self-confidence, Tactfulness, Friendly/outgoing personality, Creativity, Strategic planning skills, Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker, Sense of humor

The University of Arkansas Career Development Center welcomes and invites you to use their resources at career.uark.edu or (479) 575-2805.