It is very easy for us to believe in myths, but equally tough to overcome them.
One such myth is ‘Job search during a recession is a waste of time’. No matter how tough it feels to find or get one, jobs still exist.
Let’s consider this Covid pandemic as an example, people had to switch to remote working because of the lockdown. In the beginning, everyone faced a lot of difficulties dealing with the situation and this changing working conditions at the same time. But with focus and patience, people have accepted this new normal. Similarly, myths can be tough to deal but with focus and patience, we can overcome them.
With this; Let’s expose some of the most common myths about downturn job hunting. And the facts you need to know, that may eventually change your mind. Some of the most common myths are:-
- No one is recruiting new candidates.
- They will offer less money.
- If you are over 50-55 forget about your new job.
- Only toppers and studious candidates will get the job.
- You can search for lots of jobs online.
- Temporary jobs have no life.
- You can only wait, nothing is in your hands.
- Don’t wait for any second option.
Let’s bust these myths one by one.
1. No one is recruiting new candidates:
The economic condition varies according to the business for every country, some industries are affected much compared to others during an economic downfall. Many companies experience drastic economic growth, while some are set for a quick bounce back. Also, many companies lay off some old employees and hire freelancers, interns, or part-time candidates for jobs, to save some money. This provides more job opportunities to those if they are not looking for full-time jobs.
2. They will offer less money:
“They will offer less money at this time”, “you can get more of what you are getting”, “how will you be able to manage with such low payment?”
We hear a lot of stuff like this, and end up believing that we will not be paid a good amount so it’s better to avoid job search during a recession.
But the fact is that companies are always ready to pay for good employees, they know the value of good employees and the benefit of offering them a competitive wage to get them in their team. We all know our market value in the job sectors, and asking for less can be a turnoff. It’s good to be flexible, but being adamant or too flexible will make the employer feel that you will leave as soon as something better comes along.
3. If you are over 50-55 forget about your new job:
At times of economic downturns companies search for ways to cut their costs and remember training a fresher or junior employee increases company costs.
There is a difference between; finding a candidate who has good experience and needs minimum training and bringing junior employees with zero experience. This can easily make up a salary difference.
4. Only toppers and studious candidates will get the job:
From the very beginning, one myth everyone has in their mind is that if you are an average student you will not get any job, but these days nothing guarantees you a job.
Your education and marks do play a vital role for some companies, but experience usually trumps education, though not always but in most cases. And remember your interests, skills, and experience are also equally important as your education to get a job.
5. You can search for lots of jobs online:
The start point for your job search is platforms, you search and research for different ways and platforms to apply.
Unfortunately, maybe online platforms are not the only place to look. An in-person meeting, establishing personal networks, and social networks are proving to be crucial and effective for job search.
6. Temporary jobs have no life:
Till the time you are waiting for something better to come along, temporary jobs prove to be the best savior, you can make money and learn different skills. It also gives you a home to explore, so that you can decide what job profile best suits you.
But this doesn’t mean that temporary jobs have dead ends, these jobs can take a permanent turn as well. And if not, you have some skills and experience to make your resume strong. Some organizations hire different people on a contract basis or as a temporary intern out of cautiousness and if everything goes well, they make them permanent.
7. You can only wait, nothing is in your hands:
Every time in every situation, we all have heard that we can do nothing, nothing is in our hands but the fact is that everything is in our hands. Just sending out a resume and waiting without making any next move will not assure us of any job opportunities.
You have to step out and aggressively search. You have to seek out every job position, even if the positions are not advertised by networking people, and then meet up with hiring managers at your target companies. Applying blindly for different jobs and sitting after sending a few resumes will not get you a job.
8. Don’t wait for any second option:
Job search during a recession has forced us to listen to one thing, “you should take the very first job offer you get in this situation”.
It’s easy and obvious in most cases to accept the very first offer you get in this time of economic downfall, but try to make time and consider as many options as possible. Working as an intern, freelancer, or even taking temporary jobs can be a good option than settling yourself in a compromising job.
Bottom line:
Job search during a recession follows a lot of myths and hassles but staying positive will help you land your dream job. Never let the myths make you wait for something you could get earlier. Believe in your energy and take a chance, maybe you will be the one to break the stereotype.
Follow the facts and overcome these myths that are stopping you from getting your dream job. Struggling to find a good job in times of economic downturn can be exhausting but following even a few of these tips will help you with your process, just stay positive.
