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Job-Search Advice for a Tough Employment Market

San Antonio, TX – March 5, 2009 – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to announce an increase in the February unemployment rate on Friday that may reach as high as 7.9% – up from 7.6% in January – with approximately 600,000 jobs lost in February alone.

OI Partners-Venturion (San Antonio) is available for interviews about unemployment and job-finding advice. OI Partners is a career transition and coaching firm with more than 200 locally-owned offices in 27 countries.

Don Huse, Managing Partner, OI Partners-Venturion (San Antonio), offers the following advice for job-seekers.

- Customize cover letters, resumes, and e-mails to showcase your experience that is related to every job opportunity.

- Mainly target jobs for which you have at least 75% of the stated qualifications, and don’t try to stretch your actual experience too far.


- Volunteer at hospitals, churches, and other nonprofit groups to make networking contacts, keep your skills fresh, and try doing new tasks in which you don’t have experience.


- Have as many face-to-face meetings as you can, and don’t over-rely on online job postings and sending e-mails.


- Join groups of other out-of-work people for regular meetings, breakfasts, and get-togethers.


- Learn how to transfer your capabilities and accomplishments to match those of the desired job opportunity. Communicate your background and expertise in terms of generic skills that you can readily transfer to the position.


- Explore contract-work and freelance arrangements. Former employers who are aware of your skills and qualifications are often a good place to start, and may offer referrals to others needing help, but aren’t ready yet to hire employees.


- Target industries and companies that may see increased business due to the economic stimulus package. Construction, building, engineering, and “green technology” firms may be among the earliest to see increased business as a result of the stimulus package.


- Continue to attend trade shows and professional association meetings.


- Be flexible, nimble, and ready to react at a moment’s notice. Taking 24 hours to respond to an opportunity is an eternity in today’s job market.


- Remain open to new and different job-search strategies. People are getting interviews by handing out resumes in business areas, using libraries for research and networking, and making the most of class reunions, family and social events. .

About Venturion
Venturion, an OI Partner, established in 1998, specializes in job search, career transition, executive coaching and change management services. The firm is recognized for its unprecedented success with individuals seeking professional, managerial and technological positions in today's highly competitive job market.

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Note to Job Seekers: Current economic conditions have lead to a proliferation of job search scams. Venturion encourages those in career transition to read the following:

• Six signs it's a job scam - CNN.com can be found here.

• Avoiding Online Job Scams | Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, found here.