DePaul Career Expert Offers Advice for Laid-Off Workers, Job Seekers

Just over two years ago, someone in search of a job often had their pick between two or more employer offers. Signing bonuses were common. Competition for available openings was often scarce. Proving one had the minimum required skills was frequently enough to land the job.

Clearly, times have changed.

Today, few companies are hiring. The ones that are receive hundreds of applications for every opening. The economy has slumped, and the wealth of candidates vying for each position means the balance of power in the employment marketplace has decidedly shifted back to employers.

According to Mahelet Senbetta, associate director of employer relations and career services for the Career Center at DePaul, the changes should mark a shift in the fundamental approach for those involved in a job search. “It used to be that you could just focus on your skill set and then go out and find a job,” she said. “Now, the skill set is a given. Employers are looking beyond that. They are looking at a candidate’s flexibility, at their ability to change and to be trained for different roles. They are also looking for those who have strong communication and interpersonal ability.”

Earlier this week, DePaul, Chicago’s largest private university, hosted its Fall Job and Internship Fair at Navy Pier. More than 700 students and alumni attended the event, which featured more than 60 companies. Job seekers stood in long lines waiting to talk to recruitment representatives from some of the country’s top corporations, government agencies and service organizations.

Senbetta said that the face-to-face contact was important for establishing a rapport with employers, especially because many hiring decisions go back to whom the employer knows and trusts.

“These days, referrals are the number one way to find a job, so it’s important to meet as many people as possible,” she said. “Networking is vital, and people shouldn’t be afraid to go out and knock on doors to make that personal connection.”

Senbetta knows firsthand how difficult this job market is. Prior to joining DePaul’s Career Center staff, she was in the midst of a job search of her own. Laid off last February by a local technology corporation after seven years of service, Senbetta had difficulty finding a permanent position, despite her 20 years of work experience. Rather than moping about the setback, however, Senbetta set out on a more positive, proactive course.

“In this economy, unemployment is nothing to be ashamed of,” she said. “I started calling all of the people I know: former colleagues and business associates, friends, family members and neighbors, to let them know that I had been laid off and to see if they knew of any openings. Eventually, someone who I communicated with frequently in my previous job helped me to find this one.”

In addition to working part-time as a contractor, as Senbetta did during her layoff, there are many other options for people who have been laid off to gain marketable skills and experience while they are trying to find work.

“You never want to go into and interview and tell an employer that you’ve ‘just been looking’ for a job for the past six months,” Senbetta explained. “Volunteer with a community organization, take a continuing education course or a skills-training seminar, find ways to work on a freelance basis. All of these things will show an employer that you are ambitious and that you respond well to adversity.”

Julia Manning, a Chicago resident who graduated this summer from DePaul with a master’s degree in information science, recently landed a full-time position because of her ability to be flexible.By expanding her possibilities from the jobs traditionally associated with her major, she was able to secure a teaching position at a local career academy. Manning said that being open-minded, as well as being prepared is a big key to getting the job.

“You have to look at yourself through a recruiter’s eyes and prepare for what they seek in a candidate,” she said. “Also, having a positive attitude can make an employer want to hire you.”

Finally, Senbetta noted that it is important to try to relax and stay upbeat when looking for a job. Although it can be a very stressful time, nonverbal cues can play a big role in an interview.

“It’s a little bit like dating: if you are desperate, you will come across in an interview as insecure,” she said. “Relax, stay focused and concentrate on communicating the value you would add for the employer.”

For more information on DePaul’s upcoming job fairs or networking events, please visit http://careercenter.depaul.edu.