Finding the right job in a recession - Top Tip # 6

6. Research your options –ensure you have a Plan B and C and be adaptable. Make sure you know what the employers in the sector you want to work in are looking for.

One of our advisers saw someone the other day who had applied for a placement at the BBC. They didn’t get it, but refused to look at any of the other media and television opportunities available. They intended to work for the BBC, so only the BBC would do. Nothing the adviser could say made any difference. It’s not our job to crush people’s dreams. Who knows? They may get their ideal job at the BBC at the first attempt. But the odds are against it. And there’s more than one way to achieve your dream.

Having a Plan B (or Plan C) is not admitting defeat. It’s about creative thinking. Being adaptable and identifying more than one way of getting into the area you want to work in is more likely to lead to success.

On the other hand, it’s not about thinking any job will do, either. It’s best to have some sense of direction. You are more likely to be successful if you identify an area which you are interested in and suited to. Try doing some self awareness work using online tools such as Prospects Planner or Profiling for Success* and come and talk to a careers adviser. You don’t necessarily need to focus on one area. Once you have identified some areas which interest you find out which key skills and experience are valued by the employers in that sector. Some sectors place most value on work experience, for others you may need to do some professional training.

Above all, do your research. Use our careers information section to get you started. Keep your options open, without being too vague. Focus, without being too prescriptive. This is advice we would give to people in any economic climate. But in tougher times, it pays to be completely on your game. Follow your dream, but be flexible and try to think of all the ways you might get there.

* You will need to enter various codes/passwords for this. See our Psychometric tests page