How to land a new job in hard times?

[patmahe]

Hi,

Recently (today) returned from a lovely holiday into a job I hate. Have been here for going on 4 years now and I've had enough (horrible working atmosphere and motivation through the floor). I've felt like this for a while now but put off leaving for various reasons.

However most of these reasons no longer apply so I'm on the hunt for a new job. The thing is I'm from a spoilt generation, since I have been working its always been relatively easy to find a job, but now there are so many candidates and very few jobs. How do you differentiate yourself from the others? My background is in IT (Network Admin and Project Management).

Thanks

Feel free to ask questions if needed.

[Jonathan27]

It would probably help if you posted a CV, as this is generally the first thing an perspective employer will see. In general, you just have to remember to 'talk up' all of your achievements, but be careful not to cross the line to a lie as you may need to back up a claim.
Be confident, and treat interviews as an opportunity for you to question the firm about the job, rather than you being interrogated about your background.

[Bullett]

I'm just about to change roles after 8 years, in the current market I've got a job in an expanding company and a good pay rise.

You are in a perfect position, you don't need a job, you'd like a job. Think about what you want to do and update the CV, get it out there and keep your ear open and your nose clean.

[Mr AJ]

Just make sure you find something before handing in your notice!

I was made redundant in september, I'm applying to all sorts of jobs not just the ones in my particular field. Probably around 5 jobs a day minimum, Plus loads of speculative letters. I've only had 1 interview, and i bksed that up royally!

[TheJ]

Mr AJ said:

Just make sure you find something before handing in your notice!

I'll second this. I was made redundant at the start of the year and applied for everything going (in my line of work) for about eight months without even as much as an interview. It wasn't fun.

Since I finally secured work and added that to my CV I've started getting responses and things are looking up. If employers look at two candidates with similar qualifications and experience but one is in work and the other might well be in the habit of sitting on his/her arse all day every day I reckon there's one option most employers will gravitate towards.