How to Deal with a Tough Job Market

Joan Hamburg spoke with Margie Strauss, Managing Partner at CitiStaffing, a women owned and run staffing firm specializing in the placement of temporary, permanent and temp-to-hire employment in many industries in the tri-state area about steps you should be taking during this tough job market.  Here are some of her tips:

IF YOU HAVE A JOB:
-be grateful for the job you have and do your job with pride
-it is important to take the job that you have seriously; be on time, be responsive, be proactive
-make yourself indispensable, volunteer to take on additional work or special projects that will make you more visible and valuable

IF YOU ARE OUT OF WORK:
-In any market, even a good one, the 2nd half of the 4th Quarter is usually a slow time to find a job so consider all of your options carefully.  If you have been given a severance package and can push through the next few months, consider taking some time at home with your family.
-You should also make every effort to make yourself more marketable – go to school, take computer courses to improve existing skills or learn new software.
-Networking is key; reach out to fellow alumni, former employers/colleagues, friends, etc.  Join online communities, professional blogs, go to networking events and the like.

CHANGE OF MIND SET:
-you might have to take a job that you would normally deem too administrative or “beneath you” (by title or salary)
-think of temp work, temporary positions are a good way to look at a new business or line of work 
-look at smaller companies…they might not have the bells and whistles of the larger corporation you might have been used to, but they can be more loyal to their employees and actually lead to more substantive professional work experience

For More Information:
Citistaffing or email margie@citistaffing.com


LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW