Job Search Lessons I Learnt From 2008 Recession

I myself graduated in 2009, the height of major economic recession with an MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy. In the last years of my studies I thought I had all figured out – after graduation I would apply to Foreign Affairs and become a diplomat – something I was studying for. But guess what life had something else for me in mind – recession meant that recruitment of new diplomats was suspended for a foreseeable future… I have to admit I had no plan B, so I completely emphasise with what you are feeling right now. 

But here is a valuable life lesson just in the beginning of your adult life – life is unpredictable. Your career will be affected by countless unknown events, such as a sick parent, baby or a partner with a great opportunity in a new city. So accept that sometimes your best effort won’t result in the desired outcome.

Going back to my job hunt in 2009, having everything falling apart in front of my eyes made me more willing to risk and become more adventurous as I felt I had nothing to lose anyway. So I’ve made a decision to leave Lithuania and move to London as I hope I would have more opportunities here. I was completely clueless about how the recruitment worked in the UK or what job I could do. I made all the possible mistakes I am teaching my clients to avoid. Looking for my first job during the worst economy in my lifetime was hard, but I had nothing to compare to, so without context, it didn’t seem any more daunting than I was expecting it to be. However it also made me more resourceful and has, in the years since, been a secret weapon and something I based my career coaching around.

We’ve been told to think about our career path in terms of climbing a ladder, but during downtimes when we don’t have very much control over the opportunities that are presented to us, view your career path as a river.

My experience after graduating from university in 2009 was much more like riding in a raft, grabbing on to the opportunities within reach. The ones that were interesting, I held on to and used to pull myself along. The ones that were miserable, I used to launch myself in a different direction. As I’ve floated down the river, I’ve collected a ton of ideas and experiences that I carry with me and make me very good at my job, even if it was a million miles away from where I started. 

View any opportunity as a chance to develop skills that you will use later in your career.

COVID-19 pandemic has affected everything right now and it's normal to wonder if you should put your job search on hold and wait until it's all over — but we don't know when exactly when "over" is coming yet. On the contrary the corona virus is not going anywhere, so we need to adapt and find the ways to co-exist with it.

To be a successful job seeker in this climate, you have to be calm, patient and proactive -- and try any (or all) of these tips.

#1 Concentrate on Growth Industries 

In a recession, in COVID, in stressful economies: there are still jobs. The majority of the labour market is actually still employed in the bad times (and this was true even during the Great Depression) and unlike during the 2008 financial crisis, companies are still recruiting graduates. Although companies in some sectors, such as hospitality, tourism and leisure, aren’t currently hiring, graduates shouldn’t lose hope. Logistics, health, medicine, and some retailers (particularly online retailers) are booming and are actively looking to recruit graduates. So, there are still opportunities out there, which means that you have a shot. 

If you were preparing to launch your career in an industry that’s rapidly declining or subject as a result of an impending recession, start thinking about diversifying your skills and parlaying them into other industries. Remember, skills are transferable to other industries, but it’s about how you market yourself in order to make that pivot.

If you want a complete list of the industries that are growing at the moment, make sure you download I've Graduated Into Pandemic, Now What? Guide below.

#2 Learn How To Sell Yourself 

There are still opportunities out there, which means that you have a shot. But, you need to be excellent. Period. I am going to repeat you need to figure out how to be excellent.

And when it comes to your job search it’s not enough to be great at what you do, you need to be great at letting others know you’re great at what you do too.

Having a personal brand and using it in your job search will make you stand out and beat your competition. This is a step that most job seekers, unfortunately, miss. This is also a step that a lot of career coaches don’t focus enough as well. Having spent 8 years in career coaching I can wholeheartedly say that is the step that makes all the difference and this is why it plays a crucial role in my “Get Noticed & Hired Fast” System.

So what is a personal branding? It’s a self-marketing concept that can be used in job search and career management. It’s a strategy to rise above teeming masses of competition for the best jobs. In a nutshell, your personal brand is the core of how you are perceived in the job market and the workplace. Your brand reflects your professional reputation — what you’re known for (or want to be known for).

If you want to create a personal brand start with asking yourself what makes you unique? What can you offer that other candidates can’t? When it comes to your competition, most of the candidates will have great academics just like you, most of them will have similar work experience just like you, so if you want to be noticed, you need to start working on identifying your “star” factor right now.

(You can find more on how to stand in a competitive job search and become the desired candidate in my I've Graduated Into Pandemic, Now What? Guide below).

#3 Create a Tailored CV for Each Position

During 2008 Recession both graduates and seasoned professionals were taking stock of their transferable skills and applying for jobs outside their comfort zones. Applying to different positions, or even similar positions in different industries, with the same CV, is not going to be effective.

Consider the impact of applicant tracking systems and a recruiter’s desire to spot keywords upon first glance. It can also be helpful to create unique master CVs for each type of job. That way, you won’t have to do too much work customizing each time you send off your CV.

#4 Take a Temporary Position 

During 2008 Recession, even those who had been with their company for twenty plus years were fired. Job security was scarce. Companies began to contract with freelancers for their periodic needs instead of hiring full time employees. That's how gig economy was born. For a lot of workers, this meant embracing the freelance life. Training themselves up instead of relying on their employers to do so. Marketing themselves online and nurturing relationships with clients.

If freelancing isn’t practical, try temping. Consider interim staffing to fill a temporary slot for work that needs to be done despite the economy or temp with a company that interests you.

#5 Care for Your Mental Health 

Studies show that economic recessions are associated with a higher prevalence in mental health problems. Keeping an eye on your mental health and seeking help when needed is an important element of your job search. This is why I have included "How To Manage Coronavirus-Related Stress, Fear & Anxiety" part in  I've Graduated Into Pandemic, Now What? Guide.

#6 Don't Give Up 

You may have to settle for a job you don’t love as you navigate your way through these uncertain times. Many workers had to do the same during 2008 Recession. But those who kept their career goals in mind continued networking and developing their skills, were able to accomplish their goals. When the economy bounces back, those who are still putting in the effort to find a job they love will be rewarded.

Looking for a job after graduation is tough but looking for a graduate job in pandemic is even harder. This is why I prepared a FREE Graduate Guide To A Job Hunting During Covid-19 where you are going to learn the exact steps you need to take to stand out in a pandemic job market.