| In a down economy, it can seem like everyone is | | | | are many small nonprofits who would love help! If |
| out of a job. And yet, even in these times, there | | | | you can find a way to volunteer in a function like |
| are still jobs to be had and made. Companies are | | | | your old job (building a website, writing grants, |
| still growing, and some industries - such as | | | | etc), then you've got a winner! Also consider |
| massage therapy - are still thriving. | | | | freelancing. |
| Many job seekers are unsure about how to | | | | - Teach it. Tutor students or hold workshops to |
| proceed beyond filing for unemployment benefits | | | | learn what you do. Look up your local adult |
| and searching the classifieds. Luckily for you, there | | | | education project for an application to teach. You |
| is so much more you can do! Use these | | | | probably won't make much - if any - money from |
| techniques to find your next job! | | | | it, but your name will be spread. |
| - Start a blog. There are many free hosting sites | | | | - Answer questions. Go on LinkedIn Answers, |
| - is my favorite. Publish at least twice a week | | | | Yahoo Answers and forums to answer questions |
| (Tuesday and Thursday are good days for | | | | about your field. |
| maximum traffic) on professional topics. If you | | | | - Get business cards. Don't use your old cards - |
| are a fashion designer, start a style blog. If you | | | | get new ones with your skills or general title, |
| are a grant writer, give tips for nonprofit | | | | phone number, and email address. "Jane Smith, |
| fundraising. Use your expertise - put it in a tangible | | | | Grant Writer, 555-555-5555, jane.". You can list a |
| format, so future employees can really see that | | | | few skills, too, but this is optional. |
| you know your stuff! | | | | - Develop your digital portfolio. If your work is |
| - Podcast and videocast. Using a webcam, you | | | | something you can show off, put together a |
| can record podcasts (just record audio from your | | | | digital portfolio (you can use free hosting site like |
| cam) or vidcasts that showcase your knowledge. | | | | Yahoo Geocities, if need be - WordPress is a |
| - Establish a social media presence. Get a Twitter, | | | | great choice as well.) This will show potential |
| Facebook, LinkedIn and Ning. Network with other | | | | employers what you're about! |
| professionals and spread links to your blog. | | | | These tips will help you establish yourself as an |
| - Keep your skills sharp. Develop something | | | | expert in your field and market yourself into a |
| innovative (like an iPhone app for software | | | | new job! |
| developers), or volunteer for a nonprofit. There | | | | |