Are you a graduating students worried about job hunt in this economic slowdown?

As someone who works in the staffing industry, I have been closely monitoring the job market over the past year. There was a significant decline in new hirings towards the end of 2022, which was a sign of things to come. When major tech giants such as Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft announced job cuts, it created even more concern and panic in the industry. For new graduates, with limited no work experience, the fear is genuine.

I was invited to share job search and resume building tips at a local University campus last week and a general theme was – What should graduating students do to find a job in the current economic slowdown situation. I thought of sharing some of the tips here for others who are looking for similar advise.

1. Be open to new opportunities: In an economic slowdown, it may be challenging to find a job in your desired field. However, there may be other opportunities available in different industries or sectors. Consider expanding your job search to include internships, part-time work, or freelance opportunities to gain experience and build your resume.

2. Network, its important : Networking is crucial for finding job opportunities, especially during an economic downturn. Reach out to friends, family, and alumni in your field, attend job fairs and industry events, and join professional organizations. Networking can help you discover unadvertised job openings and make valuable connections.
3. Build your skills: Use your time wisely to build your skills and make yourself a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Consider taking online courses or certifications to expand your skill set and improve your chances of finding a job.
4. Consider further education: If the job market is particularly challenging in your field, consider further education to improve your qualifications and make yourself a more competitive candidate. A graduate degree or professional certification can help set you apart from other applicants.
5. Be patient and persistent: Finding a job in an economic slowdown may take longer than usual. It’s important to stay patient and persistent in your job search. Don’t give up, keep applying, and stay positive. Remember that the job market will eventually recover, and your hard work and dedication will pay off.

There are several resources available for new graduates or those graduating to network and connect with professionals in their desired field. Here are some of the best networking resources:

1. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is not secret, it’s the most used professional networking platform where you can create a profile and connect with professionals in your field. You can use LinkedIn to find job opportunities, join groups and communities, and showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.
2. Alumni networks: Your university or college likely has an alumni network that you can tap into for networking opportunities. Join your alumni association, attend alumni events, and connect with alumni in your field for career advice and job opportunities.
3. Professional associations: Joining a professional association related to your field can provide networking opportunities and access to industry events and resources. You can also volunteer for committees or leadership positions within the association to expand your network and gain experience.
4. Job fairs and career events: Attending job fairs and career events is a great way to meet with potential employers and learn about job opportunities in your field. Carry your resume/ Linkedin and business cards to share with employers and follow up with them after the event.
5. Informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field and request an informational interview to learn more about their career path and gain advice for your own job search. I am a huge fan and have written about it before , Informational interviews can help you make valuable connections and gain insights into the job market in your field.Try it!

Here is a list of some available resources that can help you find clients and build your freelance business. Before that, remember, freelancing can be competitive, so it’s essential to build a strong portfolio of work and market your services effectively. Consider creating a website to showcase your work and investing in social media marketing to reach potential clients.

1. Upwork: Upwork is a popular freelancing platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for their services. You can create a profile on Upwork and apply for job postings in your area of expertise. Upwork also provides tools for time tracking and invoicing to make managing your freelance business easier.
2. Freelancer: Freelancer is another freelancing platform that allows you to create a profile and bid on job postings in your field. Freelancer also offers tools for project management and time tracking.
3. Fiverr: Fiverr is a platform that allows freelancers to create gigs or packages of services and sell them to clients. Fiverr is a good option for new freelancers who want to offer specific services, such as graphic design or copywriting.
4. PeoplePerHour: PeoplePerHour is a platform that connects businesses with freelancers in a variety of fields, including web development, writing, and marketing. You can create a profile on PeoplePerHour and bid on job postings, or clients can invite you to work on their projects.
5. LinkedIn Profinder: LinkedIn Profinder is a service that connects freelancers with clients based on their skills and experience. You can create a profile on LinkedIn Profinder and respond to client requests for proposals in your field

If any of the above has worked for you, please drop a comment with your success story. A little hope and motvation goes long way 🙂