How to find a job in a tight market

CORPORATE scandals, downsizing and the challenges of a weakened economy are forcing many workers out of the office and into the unemployment line. Recent layoffs in the airline, hospitality and collateral industries have saturated the job market, creating a new class of unemployed and underemployed African-Americans. Longtime veteran workers, facing unemployment for the first time, are competing with recent college graduates for a limited number of positions, while employers, struggling to maintain productivity, are forced to make difficult choices.

Recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor indicate that there were 8.6 million unemployed people as of July 2002, compared to the 3.46 million available jobs. Jobless rates for Blacks remain noticeably higher than those for Whites, according to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Boston report. In the first half of 2000, the unemployment rate averaged 6.9 percent for Black men and 2.8 percent for White men. For Black women, the jobless rate averaged 6.5 percent, compared to 3.2 percent for White women.

So what do you do if you lose your job, and how can you find another one?

* Don't Panic

The initial feelings of anger, fear, resentment and uncertainty are natural reactions to a sudden loss of employment. However, it is important to remain objective in order to assess your situation, your resources and your next step. Evaluate the value gained in your prior work experience and decide how you can translate that into future employment opportunities.

* Cut Costs

Learn to prioritize through a set budget for you and your family. Reduce your spending, cut your costs and eliminate unnecessary expenses. If you have student loans to repay, contact your lender to inquire about an unemployment deferment. Ask your mortgage lender to restructure your home loan and possibly to arrange a longer repayment period, lower interest rate, or interest-only payments. Consult your bank, landlord, utility companies and other creditors to see if alternate payment arrangements can be made. Many companies are willing to work with you if they are aware of your situation.

* Apply For Unemployment

Based on the length of service at your prior employer, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance. Since there is a waiting period before you can receive benefits, the sooner you apply, the sooner you begin to collect. Visit your state's unemployment office to determine your eligibility. If you are a member of a union, contact your local union to see what benefits you may qualify for.

* Call Everyone You Know

The more people who know you and your abilities, the more likely you are to land that ideal job. Maintain contacts with the alumni department of your college. Research your fields of interest and talk to those who are doing what you want to do. Keep your friends and family informed about your career objectives and ask for referrals. "There are a lot of jobs out here, but most are hidden," says Rebecca Enyia, author of The African-American Job Seeker's Guide to Successful Employment, and who has spent years in employee training and business management. "They are not visible to the public, not in a newspaper, not in a magazine, or on the Internet. These jobs are through individuals, through contacts, personal acquaintances, friends, relatives, etc. If Blacks realized this as a whole, we would become more gainfully employed. You can't rely on the job market that is visible to the naked eye."

* Revamp your Resume

Maintaining an up-to-date, "value-relevant" resume that is specific to your career goals is a key ingredient to landing your ideal job. "You can't take one standard resume and assume it fits all doors," says Lawrence Hollins, founder and president of The Hollins Group, an executive-search firm in Chicago. "Individuals have to show where they add value to the company. `What have they done? Why should I choose them?' These questions should be going through the applicants' mind while preparing a resume. Without any evidence of value, a resume is just a flat piece of paper."

* Register With Staffing Agencies

Executive search firms, employment agencies, job conferences, temporary agencies and staffing firms are great places to begin your search. (A temporary job may provide an opportunity to work in a field and help you to determine your interest level without being bound to an employer.) Executive search firms take the hassle out of going "door-to-door" by matching your skills to current availabilities. Job conferences provide direct contact with recruiters and on-site interviews. The more you circulate your name, your interests and your resume, the better your chances are of securing a position.

* Surf The Web

Hundreds of online employment agencies offer job assistance to a growing number of job seekers. "Online applying is much more cost effective and is a natural progression of hiring," says Heidi Hull, marketing manager for EmploymentGuide.com. Search engines such as Monster.com, Hotjobs.com, Hire-Diversity.com, IMDiversity.com, and Careerbuilder.com invite candidates to "post" their resumes on their site, thereby allowing potential employers to view the candidates' information, and contact them if there is a suitable match. These sites also allow job seekers the opportunity to browse all available positions within a particular field and submit an online resume for consideration.