New Survey Reveals Job Seekers Remain 'Cautiously Optimistic' in Challenging Economy

"I needed a way to gauge whether media reports accurately reflected the thoughts of job search candidates," stated Georgia Adamson, who holds multiple certifications -- including Master Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Career Management Coach, and Credentialed Career Manager -- and owns a San Jose-based career consulting firm, A Successful Career (www.ablueribbonresume.com). "As a careers industry professional, I also believe it's crucial to keep abreast of trends in the employment industry and how they might affect my existing and future clients."

The job seekers were asked a series of questions pertaining to the current economic situation, including viewpoints regarding media reports on the recession, whether they expected to remain in their current positions, and how many individuals they knew personally who would be changing jobs in 2008.

When questioned about media reports on the effect of the recession on their current careers, 66 percent of the front-line workers were concerned enough to keep close tabs on the situation at work, yet only 28 percent of executive- and management-level candidates surveyed felt this was an area of concern. However, 11 percent of respondents indicated they would be updating their resumes in case they fall victim to corporate downsizing.

On the subject of whether job search candidates would remain in their current positions this year, the results were divided almost evenly among the two groups, with only a 7 percent higher ratio of those surveyed stating they would remain in their existing jobs.

The most surprising results surrounded the question regarding the number of individuals they personally knew who would be changing jobs this year. Of those surveyed, 69 percent stated they knew between 1 and 4 people who would be changing jobs.

While Adamson was not completely surprised by the results, she felt it was important for job seekers to be aware of the changes in their work environments and prepared for a potential downsizing. She cautions individuals not to assume they are safe in their current jobs, as the tide can turn at any time.

"As the landscape begins to change toward an 'unemployment economy' and downsizing is more likely to occur, it's critical for job search candidates to know the positive steps they can take to minimize stress if they lose their jobs," said Adamson.

Adamson strongly recommends that job seekers update their resumes before the axe falls. She emphasizes that they need to articulate the unique value they bring to a future employer in their resumes and cover letters.

"Being prepared with an outstanding resume, which includes value-added descriptions and accomplishment statements, before a person loses his job, can mean the difference between finding a new job quickly or wasting several months on a job search, because competition is more fierce when a lot of people are downsized at the same time," Adamson said.

As a strong advocate for building networks of industry-related professionals, Adamson advises job seekers to reach out and build networking connections now. One of the websites she suggests her clients join is LinkedIn.com, which is utilized by many recruiters who search for candidates.

"Having a strong presence on LinkedIn with great connections and recommendations can make a big difference in the job search," remarked Adamson. "Recruiters will be more likely to contact candidates who have built up their networks and are seen as top professionals in their industries."

Finally, Adamson advises job search candidates to utilize all the reputable sources available for their job searches. These sources include major and niche job boards, company websites, job search support groups, and industry-related associations.

For more than 15 years, Georgia Adamson, MRW, CPRW, CEIC, CCMC, CCM, and JCTC, has created professional resumes and related job search materials and has provided career and interview coaching for candidates in numerous industries. Adamson's work has appeared in 11 books, including Executive's Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search; Professional Resumes for Executives, Managers, and Other Administrators; Expert Resumes for Computer and Web Jobs; Cover Letter Magic; and Gallery of Best Resumes. For more information on services, you can visit her website at www.ablueribbonresume.com or contact her at (408) 244-6401.