DEVJOBS - Feature article

Coping with periods of unemployment

Inactivity during unemployment can contribute to depression. Usually, the longer you are unemployed, the lower your self-esteem falls. Therefore, never let yourself be "unemployed" in your mind, even for a day.

Always find something productive to do. If necessary, volunteer a few hours a week or work part-time for a friend. Job-hunters may question this, but almost any work is better than no work at all. Even temporary work provides contact with people and the opportunity to care and contribute.

If you look around, you'll see unmet needs everywhere. If you want to help, the world needs you. That's why you never need to be "unemployed"--especially in your own mind.

Temporary work isn't necessarily a dead end. I call it a career field goal. It isn't seven points, but it isn't zero points, either. What do the successful pro football teams do when they can't score a touchdown? They go for the field goal, knowing they'll attempt the touchdown later.

Pay attention to your language. Don't say things like, "I'm out of work. I have nothing to do. No one wants me." That's not only ridiculous, it's terribly damaging to your sense of self-worth.

In addition, you want potential employers to perceive you as busy and active, not bored and depressed. Rather than say, "I've been out of work for 18 weeks," say, "I've got several things going while I'm in the market. I work part-time for Hewlett Packard on a new product launch, and I'm helping Memorial Hospital set up their SIDS department." Doesn't that sound better? You bet it does.

The attitude that you're working even though not employed communicates action, movement, and momentum! Just what employers look for.

WORKAHOLIC - WILL WORK FOR THE FUN OF IT.

Participating in Career Fairs

Attending a career fair is just one of many steps in the career exploration and job search process. Employers participate in these events to meet students and recruit employees. They can provide general information about career options as well as specific information about current openings. As a student or alumnus, you can attend a career fair to look for a job, gather career information, and/or develop your network of career contacts.

What to Learn From Employers

Employment and/or hiring trends.
Skills necessary for different careers/jobs.
Current/future openings.
Salary, benefits, training, and other information about the organization.
Who to contact for follow-up discussions.

What Employers May Want to Learn About You:

Specific career/job objectives.
Individual strengths and weaknesses.
Contributions you will make to the organization.

Make the Most of Your Career Fair Experience:

Have a pen/pencil and paper available for notes.
Bring resumes and a folder or a portfolio to hold your materials.
Review the list of employers. Determine where employers are located and in what order to visit them.
Broaden your focus and include many types of employers. For instance, you may not have considered working for a hospital, but hospitals recruit and hire professionals in many different fields (e.g., management, information systems, or health care).
Be aware of time demands on employers. Do not monopolize an employer's time. Ask specific questions and offer to follow up after the fair, as appropriate.
Be direct. Introduce yourself. If you are job seeking, state the type of position in which you are interested. If you are gathering information, let employers know that you are only interested in materials and information.
Ask for employers' business cards for follow-up discussions/correspondence.

Tip from JOBTRAK