How to Get a Job in a Jobless Market

With unemployment rates hovering around 10% in Ohio, and with another round of Seniors preparing to graduate into a lifeless market, it would be good to consider what it takes to get a job in today’s economy.

The first thing that we must do is adjust our understanding of what it means to “go get a job.”  Too often today the job seeking process is limited to someone filling out an application or two and then waiting months on end for the phone to ring.  In today’s economic climate though, unemployed people should realize that the job fairy isn’t making many house calls.  One cannot passively sit by and expect a job to land in his or her lap. 

With the market the way it is, job hunters should transform themselves into job creators.  It is not enough to simply look for a possible opening around town or on the internet.  Prospective workers need to take the work force by storm by either demonstrating their desire to work or putting their skills to good use.

When seeking a job the best thing to do is demonstrate the desire to work.  If you go to a company, by all means, fill out their application.  But do not just hand it in and leave.  Ask to speak with someone in charge.  Then, when you meet the boss, ask him what needs to be done.  Tell them you will be glad to work for free until a position becomes available.  Suggest possible things you could do, such as running errands or cleaning. 

I once heard a story about a boy who went to a restaurant and started cleaning tables.  The manager asked him what he was doing.  He said he was showing the owner he was willing to work and ready to work hard.  Do you think this went unnoticed?  Absolutely not.

The point is that you are not going to be working anyway, so why not demonstrate your desire and ability to work.  At the very least, you will be serving your neighbor—which is what being employed really is all about. Causing the company to take notice of you may even lead to a position.

While demonstrating your desire to work is important, a better way to go may be putting your skills to good use and developing a job on your own. 

Perhaps you are good with a pen.  Then why not start a newspaper or blog?  Or maybe you can submit articles to an already existing newspaper in your town.  If you are handy with a paintbrush, tell your friends and family members that you’d like to do some painting for them. 

Are you good with people?  Do you have a lot of relational skills? Then you might consider becoming a salesman at a small business nearby.  If you know someone who sells widgets, ask if you can try and round up some clients for them.  Make up some flyers and post them around town.  Try and find people who might benefit from the products or services that particular company offers.  If you show that you are able to bring in customers, that business may express their thanks by bringing you on board.

The idea is that God has given each person special gifts and abilities.  He commands us to use those talents in the service of other people.  So why not do it and see where it leads?  

It all begins with a self evaluation.  Consider what you do well.  Figure out what things you are passionate about.  Then find a way to use those skills and interests for someone else in your community.

You may end up being quite a valuable resource to someone.  Who knows, you may start making even more money than you imagined you could.  Perhaps you can even become your own boss!

The possibilities are limitless, for sure.  But it all begins with a transformation of the mind.  Instead of waiting for a job to come to you, take the market by force and create a job.