I remember a quote I read some time ago – in the last down market……"I know it's a tough market. But did you ever play sports? When the other team is tough, you play smarter and you block your ears to their taunts. But you never let them psych you out, and you certainly don't do it to yourself."
I don’t remember who originated the quote – but man does it apply to today.
We have two choices and two choices only – bad attitude or good attitude. That pretty much follows true for every outlook in life – yes it’s a tougher market, yes it’s the middle of Winter and we’re gloomy, yes the talk of recession is everywhere. But the bottom line is technology is still hiring in Boston and Nationally – it may not be the smooth road it was six months ago, but break out the four wheel drive and let’s go.
Tips:
1. Work WITH your recruiter. Now more than ever is a great time to remember that Recruiters are only as good as your ability to partner with them. Let them know where you are interviewing, what companies/roles interest you, and be overt about your comp and benefit requirements. This market is not flexible enough for games – so let’s play straight and save everyone a little bit of time.
2. Keep a sense of humor – hard to do when you’ve been laid off and, oops, forgot to plan for it financially – but there are options to consider while you interview…most of you will have some sort of package, don’t squander it – give yourself a couple of months to interview…and don’t panic – no matter where the economy is, the right job is still out there for you and you WILL find it.
3. Do not post your resume. I know I know…What?? Seriously…right now your best bet is dependant on two sources: 1. Your network, call everyone you know and have a conversation. Let them know what you’re looking for and if they know of anyone you should be talking to. And make sure you browse your LinkedIn – but don’t depend on 3rd’s to get you in any door. 2. Your friendly neighborhood recruiter. Guess what, if we’re worth a damn thing, we know people, we have relationships, we have placed at least a couple of dozen people in the last year, and we network like can’t live without it…use us…call, email, reach out and partner with one you trust.
