This document provides tips for finding a job during an economic downturn. It advises workers to be aware of potential layoffs by paying attention to signs within their company like colleagues being put on leave. It also recommends preparing by updating resumes and networking. If laid off, the document suggests registering for unemployment benefits and using free time for skills development. During the job search process, maintaining a positive attitude is important alongside regular checking of job postings and maintaining an active social network.

1. +
How to find a Job?
In economic downturn

2. +
Before the lay off
Get some signal about company current economic outlook

Read between the line corporate messages

Have feeling about company sales

Signal examples:

Colleagues on a dead end (eg: consultant on the bench)

A first lay off

Increase your networking with colleagues

Get in touch with manager, senior colleagues

Do not hesitate to ask question (but do it right)

Be the first to know!


3. +
Get prepared
First to be laid off
 Senior
employee
Firing indemnity
Last hired employee

Cheap to fire
Young employee
 Employee
Senior employee close to retirement

Other case by case employee
 Young graduated
NOTE: An employee still in its probation period has a small

amount of firing indemnity
Think about yourself

Analyze your strengths and weaknesses

Design your future career path


4. +
Prepare the worst
Update your CV

Emphasize relevant work experience

Get in touch with head hunters

Get in touch with your network

Eg: linkedin

See job opportunities to know what the market is searching for

Emphasise your experience according to market expectation


5. +
The worst occurs
Get register to unemployment office

Keep positive contact with your previous companies

It might help you to recommend you for a new job

Make the most of your time

Engage in social activity

Study new material

Make a specialisation

Get trained (internet, unemployment office)


6. +
Fill your time
Scrutinize regularly employment website

Be the first to apply

Socialize

Keep in touch with friends, former colleagues

 They can get you prepared for job interview
Be involved in the community, volunteer

 You keep up with your skills and competences
 Job hunters appreciate such involvement
Remain positive

Job hunting process can be long and difficult


7. +
Phone contact
Describe your situation sincerely

Speak freely about your expectation

Always ask job description by e-mail

A way to keep in touch with recruiters

Decline job offer not appropriate

Highlight what you would like to do

Give first salary expectation


8. +
Interview ahead (1)
Tell the truth about your current situation

Why are you looking for a new job?

Why did you change for your previous employers?

Have you other interviews going on?

Position yourself against recruiter expectation based on your

experience
Speak positively when talking about your past job experience

Demonstrate that your are still active while searching for a new job

Get you own feeling about your match with the company


9. +
Interview ahead (2)
Do not reduce your salary expectation

Your knowledge is worth your last salary

Remain credible

Do not foresee salary increase

Specially when you have no job

There is no room on the market for salary increase, expect for

really specialised profile

10. +
Almost signing? (1)
Compare proposals

Take your time

You are never ask to sign right away

Salary is not all that matters

But be satisfied with the proposed package

The work environment is more important

Balance the work environment and the salary both can be uneven

Think about the long term and what you would like to achieve


11. +
Almost signing? (2)
Probation period

Better to reduce it to ensure a better safety net

Fringe benefits

Negotiate on fringe benefits that really matters to you

Do you really need a company car, mobile phone, internet

connection…