The current economic downturn is throwing large numbers of transportation professionals on the market. The unemployment rate in Canada and the United States could reach 10% or more before we see a turnaround. As reported in a previous blog, I continue to receive phone calls, e mails and resumes from many high quality job seekers each week. Based on my own experience and the experience of others, here is a list of suggestions for job seekers.

1. Don’t despair.

Acknowledge the feelings of concern, panic or despair that are liable to bombard you from every direction, and be aware that it’s absolutely acceptable to experience such emotions! Realize that the world has seen darker days and that recessions (despite popular belief) could prove themselves healthy. Brace yourself, and take renewed stock of your most valuable assets (your financials, your credentials, your experience, your contacts, your integrity).

2. Understand the realities of the market.

How is the recession affecting the transportation industry? What are the current growth industries or growth opportunities within your industry or others that are resisting the slump? Grab the opportunity that is offered to you at this stage to re-assess your career goals and preferences. This might be just the right time for you to make a career shift into something you have always wanted to do. Seek career coaching if needed as that will help guide you in the right direction.

3. Expand your network

In these difficult times, not all companies advertise their vacant positions online or in the media. The positions available are often sought through search firms or through internal postings. The best way to reach out to these available positions would be through networking with those connected with these openings.

4. Find a fellow job hunting buddy

This can help you in multiple ways. It is good to have someone with whom you can share ideas and leads. Your job hunting buddy can be your cheerleader and disciplinarian. Check in with this person on a daily basis and stay on task.

5. Expand the scope of your job search

Think about the full scope of your skill set and about how you can leverage this. If you have worked in the trucking industry, could you find employment as a Traffic Manager or Dispatcher with a Shipper? If you have spend much of your career in sales or operations, would this be a good time to acquire skills in the other area to round out your portfolio of capabilities?

6. Fine tune your resume

Bring your resume up to date and insert the action “buzzwords” that will be picked up by the resume scanning services. Ask some friends and colleagues to critique it. Make sure to perform a spell check. Keep it short, hard hitting, and focused on your accomplishments. Also, don’t even think about sending out hundreds of resumes in a mass marketing campaign. This will likely be a waste of time and money.

7. Start your Job Search quickly

It is normal to go through a “mourning” period after you lose a job. These feelings of sadness and disappointment are normal and take time to dissipate. Nevertheless, in this difficult economy, it is important to get off the floor and begin your search. There are many people out of work and finding a job will likely take some time. Paint your house, build your new sundeck or take a trip after you find your new job, not before.

8. Craft a Plan

A job search is essentially a sales job. In other words, success comes from using classic sales and marketing techniques. These include selecting your target markets, prospecting, securing appointments, filling your pipeline with solid prospects, obtaining face time with these prospects, presenting your value proposition, handling objections and closing the sale.

9. Make effective use of Social Networks

There are a number of social networks that can be quite helpful. For business professionals, LinkedIn is probably the most popular but there are others (e.g. Deposco, Facebook) that also are widely used. Look at the network of your contacts and ask them if they can arrange introductions to certain people.

10. Join Associations

There are lots of good (and some not so good) associations around. Taking an active role in selected associations can demonstrate your leadership, project management and interpersonal skills. They can also provide you with more contacts and leads.

11. Form a bond with the key Recruiters in your city and industry

These folks can be enormously helpful. While they all work for their clients who pay the bill, good talent is the life blood of every recruiter. Meet these people, have periodic calls and lunches with them and stay in tune with what opportunities are opening up in your segment of the industry.

12. Check out all of the Job Boards

Just as carriers use load boards to find freight, logistics professionals can search a number of job boards (e.g. jobsinlogistics.com, CSCMP etc.) to find some of the positions that are listed.

13. Stay positive and chase away all negative vibes

“If you think something cannot occur in your life, then there’s no way you will take the action required to make that goal a reality! Impossibility thinking manifests itself!” (Robin Sharma)
Refrain from impossibility thinking and shine brightly today! A slowing economy may be just the impetus you needed to redirect your career on a better trajectory!

14. Take advantage of internet based tools

There are some wonderfully helpful tools available on the internet. One of the best is www.net-temps.com. This website produces a wealth of useful information on such topics as how to write an effective resume or how to prepare for a meeting with a prospect. They distribute a newsletter to their subscribers that is filled with very valuable tips.

15. Make Job Hunting your full time job

Get up early each morning and have a plan directed at whom you plan to call and see and what you plan to accomplish each day. It is easy to drift into bad habits when you are unemployed. Job hunting should be your full time job.

16. Don’t be overanxious

Don’t take the first job that comes your way unless you are sure that it is a great fit for you. Make sure that you have a passion for the work and the company. When you are out of work, there is a temptation to take the first position that comes your way to ensure that you receive a steady pay cheque. If the position isn’t tight for you, chances are you will be out looking for work again and that will be a black mark on your resume.

17. Secure positions on a temporary, interim or consulting basis

As companies downsize, there are opportunities to fill positions on a temporary basis. In fact, you may be able to land multiple assignments working one day a week for one company and another day a week for someone else. This can give you visibility into that company and provide your employers with visibility into your skills and work ethic. Of course, it is also helpful to be able to earn money while you undertake your job search.

18. Volunteer

This can provide you will some useful skills and contacts and allow you to make effective use of your time as you continue your search.

19. Celebrate the small victories along the way

When you land a job interview, give yourself a pat on the back. Set weekly goals for calls, meetings and interviews and celebrate the victories along the way.

20. Prepare yourself for your new job

Despite what you may think, companies are hiring people. You will find a new job. When you do get hired, take some time to recharge your batteries and do some preparation to hit the ground running on day one.

Good luck!