By MARVIN WALBERG
Scripps Howard News Service
"Bad news sells newspapers," I've said many times. Although I write for newspapers, I'm critical of how much doom and gloom is served at a time when positive advice and hints of recovery are so sorely needed.
A recent Sunday newspaper presented a sad front page story of a local single parent with three kids who was suddenly and unexpectedly downsized from her 12-year job. The story jumped inside to almost a full page of sadness, offering absolutely no suggestion of help or direction for the subject of the article or the many readers of that paper. On the positive side, the networking benefit to the young woman was strong, but the article did nothing to suggest a positive plan of action for anyone else faced with a similar situation.
This type of coverage is repeated over and over again throughout our country when writers like me are given approximately 380 words a week to lift spirits and offer encouragement and direction to the millions of workers affected by today's economy.
When TV networks decide to give some time to the subject and offer something positive, they pull together high-profile folks from talk shows and national business magazines to discuss job search strategies. Some of these people are barely out of college and exposed to statistics only and what they see out of their NYC office windows. Where are the working job search experts all over the country who have been active in their industry for many years?
Enough complaining - here's some positive advice:
Stay clear of any negative news you read or hear. It simply will not help you in your situation.
Use the Internet for research and information about industries, jobs, and specific employers. Post your resume and check job openings as a secondary activity.
Analyze your past and recent accomplishments and consider aspects of work that you truly enjoy - then start to match up these findings with real jobs in your community.
Network what you are about to everyone you know, including family, and develop new network contacts daily.
Don't wait for job postings and ads. Contact hiring managers and employers who need people with your skills, accomplishments and passions.
Believe that your new job will more than likely come from a referral.
Work hard and create your own opportunities.
Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. E-mail him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.
