Published: August 06, 2009 09:06 am      

Looking for work?

Those with experience at joblessness offer advice for surviving

The job market is tough for everyone right now, but recent college graduates with little or no experience in their field are really having a rough time. With unemployment at eight percent for the Huntington-Ashland area, new grads are coming up with creative ways to get experience and land those hard to find jobs.

Allison Damron, a recent Georgetown graduate, experienced first-hand the struggles of finding a job in her field. She accepted a part-time office job at the beginning of summer, just to get in the workforce.

“I had really mixed emotions about it because, at one level, I was just grateful to have a job at all,” Damron said. “I was frustrated, too, though, because I didn’t want to spend all of my time working at a job that didn’t tap into my skill set and end up wasting the hours I could have spent finding the perfect position.”

Damron just landed a full-time job at a publishing company this week and credits persistency. “I always followed up after submitting a resume, but the job I ended up getting was one where I was just very persistent in calling and e-mailing and saying, ‘I’m interested in this position and I really would like to speak to someone about it.’ In the past, I would have thought that was rude; now I see it was necessary.”

Not just young people

College graduates aren’t the only ones feeling the effects of the economy. Some seasoned professionals unable to find jobs are even looking at new career opportunities. Jenny Holmes, author of a new book, “iJobless: 50 Ways to Survive Unemployment,” wrote about her struggle last year with the job market and how she adjusted to being in between careers.

“When the economy tanked in 2008, I closed my retail stores and I really wasn’t sure what was next for me. But in a time of transition, you look for ways to save money, make money and stay positive while you are looking for new opportunities,” she said. “I knew lots of people were losing their jobs and just thought I could offer some advice from my transition experience that might help others.”

Holmes, now marketing director for the Paramount Arts Center, was in transition for two months before landing where Holmes believes she was “meant to be.” Although it was difficult for a while, Holmes said she believes there can be some advantages to looking for a job in a small-town market. “There might not be as many jobs in a smaller town, there also aren’t as many people applying. I think sometimes in a small community, you know more people and are more connected on a personal level.”

Try being a temp

One resource for any jobseeker is registering with a temporary employment service. Priscilla Gray, regional manager of Manpower, said they have seen a significant increase in the volume of jobseekers over the last several months. “Working for Manpower allows recent graduates who have really not had much prior work history to gain experience and apply the education they have acquired on a wide variety of clerical, industrial and professional temporary assignments,” Gray said.

Although the economy is still in a slump, Gray said she is hopeful about the local job market and how things will play out in upcoming months.

"While the Tri-State Area has experienced a lot of job losses, there are still some companies that are doing well in the current economy,” Gray said. “Even these companies, however, are remaining flat with their hiring. Because of this, there are fewer opportunities currently for full-time employment in the local job market. Smart companies are already preparing for the upturn that will occur and are starting to take steps to ensure they have talent in place to capitalize on the improved economy when needed.”

If history truly repeats itself, we know that this, too, shall pass. In the meantime, recent college grads or unemployed workers should stay positive and use any opportunities they have to the best of their abilities.

Brush up on skills

Gray emphasized college graduates focus on the significance of interviewing well.

“College graduates must be prepared for stringent interviewing in their job quests. They need to practice how to conduct themselves during both individual and panel interviews which more and more companies are doing nowadays.” Gray said. “They should research the companies they interview with and be prepared with some questions for their potential employers.”

Holmes suggested not to forget the informal approach to the job search. “Network, network, network,” Holmes said. “I wrote a couple of chapters in the book about being electronically connected, but I also suggest networking with friends, family and lots of face-to-face opportunities.

“Someone always knows someone else, and somewhere along the way, you’ll find out about a job opportunity. Even if it is not your dream job, it will allow you to gain some interview experience. If you do get the job, you will be gaining experience and connecting with new people.”

For Holmes, the message of iJobless is a simple one: this is temporary.

“It is important to focus on the ‘temporary’ part, recognize the emotional side of being in transition, but keep a regular schedule and do all of the things you need to do to find a job. Your full-time job is finding a job.”

As a recently unemployed college grad herself, Damron has some advice on how to utilize opportunities. “Take advantage of the internet. Set up an online portfolio with a free google site and e-mail companies that you’re at all interested in, even if they don’t have an immediate position available. Also, don’t be afraid to work a little for free. If it adds to your resume, in the end, it’s worth it.”

KRISTY MOORE is a freelance writer living in Lexington.