Job Search Tips in Any Economy

Searching for a job in this economy is similar to finding a needle in a haystack – a camouflaged item amid one million strands of hay  –  especially depending on the career field. Yet there are ways to make ones self more visible and memorable amongst a stack of resumes.

1. Network – Networking has always been important, but now a days it seems to be the key to getting a job. Contact friends, acquaintances, and colleagues both past and present and send out word that you’re looking for specific job X. In this job market, it’s all about who you know.
2. Offer your services and advice – Already working in your field but need to secure a permanent or more prestigious position? Be the go-to person for advice, solutions, and offer assistance for related tasks. People, especially those in charge of your future, need to remember you. If your name is on the tip of everyone’s tongue (for positive reasons), you’ve become memorable.
3. Keep it professional – Maintain connections with previous and current employers and colleagues but keep the relationship professional, especially if that person has the power to offer you a job or referral. Taking up an offer for a “drink after work” is a great way to stay chummy with co-workers, but if you end up a blubbering, falling-down drunk, that image will be hard to erase from their memory.
4. Brush up your resume – Keep it clean and easy to read. A great book I recently read was What Does Somebody Have To Do To Get a Job Around Here? by Cynthia Shapiro and it has some terrific tips on getting that call for an interview and then some. If you can get the first call, your foot is in the door. It also includes interviewing tips as well.
5. Stay positive – It’s easy to become discouraged after months of searching and hundreds of resumes sent out, but don’t allow that feeling to overwhelm you. At any time that opportunity may show itself and you don’t want to scare it away with a negative disposition.

It’s also good to search for a new job while you still have a job. You appear more desirable. However, if you’ve been unemployed or had to down-grade your position or pay, it doesn’t mean this will be your future forever. Following these five tips will boost your chances of landing your dream job.