Trafo’s top 5 on how to beat the economical crisis and find that job

Unemployment is probably not the most thrilling subject for September homecoming, we agree. But since the European Union decided to publish the latest figures of jobless youth during the holidays, we felt bad not to treat the subject at all. So, instead of uploading our latest holiday pictures on Facebook whilst showing off our latest suntan, we decided to bring you some tips and tricks to get through the month. Because while some of you are recovering from after holiday blues, over 5 million youngsters in Europe are looking for a job.

The economical crisis strikes us hard. According to figures published by Eurostat, especially youngsters aged 15-24 are concerned. During the first quarter of 2009, over 18% of us were unemployed. That’s about ten percent more than the unemployment rate for the total active European population (8,8 %). Worst off are Spanish youngsters - with over a third of youth currently looking for a job - followed by young Italians (24,9%) and Letonians (21,2%).

These figures might be cause for massive youth depression, but don’t panic. Trafo is here to strike back with it’s job hunting plan. Even if you don’t live in Holland, Denmark or Austria (where unemployment amongst youngsters is ‘only’ of 6 – 9 percent), all is not lost.
Here is a top 5 of tips on how to strike back to the crisis and find yourself a job – anywhere in Europe!

1 Make sure not to loose your job in the first place.
Let’s face it; we’re in the middle of a crisis. It’s not exactly the best moment to change jobs or to find yourself jobless and looking for one. Even when your colleagues might seem quite tense since half of the workfloor got layed off, you can consider yourself lucky. If you really got fed up with your job, at least don’t let anyone notice yet. It takes talent and tact to be the laziest person in the office, and get away with it. Before you try, check out expert Nigel Nigleson :
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-be-lazy-in-the-office-and-get-away-with-it


2 If you did loose your job, know what you want!
When choosing a career, find a job that suits you!
Whether you're looking for work in an engineering career, a computer job, a military career, or some other hot job, your job search will be flawed if you seek the wrong job!
When thinking about careers, it's easy to think of those we might have day-to-day contact with. But, for good career planning, it's important you find out about as many jobs as possible. So start getting job and course information together, before you end up asking yourself what you are doing at your job, and looking like an idiot.
Here’s an example of how not to proceed…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyxfR_nSAwA


3 Use your networks to boost your carrier opportunities
Social networks have more advantages to them than you think. Sharing your latest occupation with the world is one thing, but you might just use your time on the web more efficiently if you can get a job out of it! Here are some tips and tricks on how to use Twitter and Facebook to get your carrier going:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iyzZoYBzNU


4 Know how to sell yourself.
You only have one shot to make a great impression. Your résumé is a word picture of yourself. Showcase your strengths and one or two outstanding skills or abilities. List your education, training, and any relevant awards.
Make sure your cover letter and résumé are e-friendly. Words matter.
Always include keywords in your résumé. Recruiters use keywords to search for résumés. So choose some of the basic, important keywords in your field and pepper them throughout your résumé. Know how to seduce your (future) boss. Don’t know how? Here are some tips:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-seduce-your-boss-2


5 Be original.
Stand out from the crowd. Instead of just listing your job skills, describe the benefits and results of your performance. For each permanent job or staffing assignment, develop a list of major accomplishments, placing the most emphasis on your recent achievements. What problems or challenges have you faced? What actions did you take to overcome them? How did your actions benefit the company?
Keep in mind that most companies value workers who enhance profits and save time and money. But it’s being original that will make them remember you and your personality. Try to be creative and stand out from the crowd. Here’s one way you can make sure you will be remembered: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKV0QuQsonk&feature=related


Still haven’t found that paid job?

If the job doesn’t make it to you, make it towards the job…in other words, why not make the best out of your free time, do (voluntary) work in another country and get your travel costs fully reimbursed? There are several European projects that help out young entrepreneurs with fresh ideas, in order for you to start up in other EU member states!
Several European projects support young people in their steps to work abroad:

- The European Voluntary Service (EVS)
It’s the European Commission's project that allows a young person (18-30 years) to become a volunteer in another country for a specified period, normally between 2-12 months. The service activities can be, for example, in the field of environment, arts and culture, activities with children, young people or the elderly, heritage or sports and leisure activities.
More info on:
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_en.cfm

- Become a European civil servant
There are several entrance examinations, for a large range of jobs for different profiles! Check out the recruitment site EPSO : http://europa.eu/epso/ and inscribe yourself to the official newsletter of the EU (http://publications.europa.eu/newsletter/index_en.htm)

- Start up your own business abroad with help of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
It’s a new European exchange programme aimed at helping new entrepreneurs to acquire relevant skills for managing an SME by spending time working in another EU country with an experienced entrepreneur. http://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/index.php

With these tips and tricks, you should be finding yourself working in no time…Good luck!

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