When it comes to unemployment forecasts, it’s difficult to know who – or what – to believe.

Just take a look at the data:

• In July 2008, the OECD was predicting a 100,000 rise in UK unemployment over the course of 2009 and 2010.
• Two months later, the CBI forecast an unemployment surge of 450,000 by the end of 2009, meaning that over two million people would be looking for work by Christmas.
• And just as we were digesting this news, the Institute for Public Policy Research painted an even bleaker picture, stating that unemployment would exceed three million during 2009.

Who’s right, who should we believe, more importantly what can you do as a job seeker to thrive in these uncertain times? None of us can influence the future or the economic landscape around us; instead I believe it’s time to focus on YOU.

Here are my top five tips:

1. Stand out. With increased competition its critical you stand out to potential employers. How – you could use Zookel’s your career focus profile and video CV to show why you’re a great candidate, work for free for a week to prove yourself, or use blogs and forums to build your personal brand.
2. Network, network, network. The people in your network know your skills, strengths and ambitions. So whether it’s your former colleagues on LinkedIn or friends and family on Facebook, why not use this to your advantage?
3. Look for pockets of positivity. New funding = new jobs, so it’s worth assessing whether you can transfer your skills to a growth sector you haven’t considered before. For example could your skills transfer to the charities sector where the government has recently announced £42.5 mil in new funding?
4. Update your skills and knowledge. Now’s the time to ensure your skills and knowledge are completely up to date. Whether it’s attending conferences and webinars, or enrolling in longer term University or College courses, the key is: know your area and stay in the loop!
5. Be prepared. You’ve found the perfect role and got an interview, so don’t blow it by not being prepared. Find out as much about the company as possible. Review official reports (like the ones on Zookel), the company website, and news aggregators like socialmedian In short, do whatever you can to ensure that you’re ready to shine at the interview.

In my view, the current economic conditions and the Web 2.0 revolution mean the ‘traditional’ job search is dead.

You need to do more than write a CV, send it out, sit back and wait for a call. You have to work as hard to get a job as you will once you’ve got it.

So be proactive, use all the tools at your disposal and put yourself at the front of the pack and good luck!

Paul & Team Zookel