Market Yourself After a Job Loss
Job hunting during a recession can make you feel powerless. Take control of your search.
Use labor market information to make smart decisions about your next job.
The State of Minnesota produces information that can help you learn about the labor market: skill requirements, what's in demand, how much different occupations pay, and more. Here are some typical questions and links to the answers.
- What are the typical wages for a particular occupation? See the ISEEK Salary Search Tool
- What is this occupation really like? What skills are required? Which occupations are similar? See the ISEEK Careers Search
- What careers will have the most openings in Minnesota? See the ISEEK Careers with the Most Openings
- Which occupations are expected to grow the most? See Minnesota Growing Careers
- Which industries are expected to grow the most? See Minnesota Growing Industries
- Which occupations are most in demand in various regions within Minnesota? See Minnesota Occupations in Demand from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Meet your prospective employer's needs.
In a recession, employers will have many applicants to choose from. Make sure an employer can quickly see why you're a good fit for the position. Read job ads carefully to fully understand the position being advertised. Develop your resume and cover letter to tailor the job ad, and Research Employers carefully and thoroughly before making contact.
Know how to talk about your skills.
Once you understand labor market conditions and the position you're applying for, be prepared to talk about your skills. A good first step is to take a skills assessment, which can help you understand what your skills are and how to discuss them.
Describe your skills in a way your potential employer will recognize.
- When highlighting your skills in your resume or cover letter, use the same terms you see in the job announcement, if possible.
- Don't use technical or industry-specific terms unless you're sure the prospective employer will understand them.
- Highlight skills that are rare or especially valuable to a potential employer.
- Connect the dots for the employer. Describe specifically how your skills will benefit the firm to which you're applying.
