Question:

Given the recent terrorist strikes and recession, what is the best way to approach organizations about possible opportunities for employment?

First Answer:

I believe that the terrorist attacks coupled with a declining economy, will change the nature of the job market -- but not the way a person goes about getting a job. There will be fewer jobs and the job market will become more competitive, but developing a job search plan and working deligiently to get a job is still the best way. The following are suggested steps to follow:

1. Decide the type of employment you are seeking
2. Research to find companies that hire people with those skills
3. Develop a resume that markets you to the employer for the job skills the employer is looking for
4. Deligiently send out resumes, follow-up, send out more resumes, follow-up
5. Realize that the length of time it takes to find the right job will probably that longer

I think it is important to also note that because of world events, some types of careers will be impacted by more openings and others will be impacted by cuts in the workforce. If you are looking for a job in the declining markets, you will either need to put forth a lot of effort and patience to find a position or you will need to rethink your career options and ask yourself "What are the other careers that would use these same skills."

The best advice is work hard, don't give up and work hard!!

-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College

Second Answer:

Keep and open mind and assume that your skills are still needed by employers, everywhere. The terrible tragedy of September 11th can be viewed as an opportunity, or a detriment, depending on your goals, skills and attitude. Although it's obvious that the situation will have a negative effect on businesses and some sectors will indeed suffer closures and layoffs, other sectors will thrive. In truth, no one can predict exactly just what kind of an impact this situation will have on the job market sector by sector. My suggestion to job seekers in most sectors is to continue job hunting "as normal." Assume that there will be jobs opening (and terminating) every day and that if you are job hunting properly and your goals are appropriate, you WILL find the types of jobs you seek. On the other hand, if you are seeking a job in sectors of the economy badly by this terrible turn of events, (E.g. the transportation or travel industry, to name two) reconsider and/or adjust your goals. There will still be opportunities in sectors hit badly by the tragedy, but you may have to be more patient in your job search. Consider also looking in similar but less-affected or unaffected sectors.

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.

Third Answer:

The terrorist attacks on the WTC, while shocking and tragic will have no long-term effect on your job search methodology.

The business community in the U.S. is strong and while shaken will continue to do business amid the disaster as before the events of September 11, 2001.

Much of what was taken for granted in the past is now open for in-depth review and adjustment. Hiring practices may be slower due to increased background and reference checks and greater time may be spent in interviewing. In the end however, people are needed to help firms recover and build for the future.

While there will be business as usual again, because of the precautions that may be taken it will likely take longer and require greater effort on your part to be successful. The pool of available people has increased, so competition is greater than in the recent past. Yet, the time proven techniques of networking, strong skill sets, an interesting resume of background and interview skills to sell yourself are the core to a successful job search no matter the circumstances under which they are applied.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College.

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