Some experts are predicting a jobless recovery, but even if that prediction becomes a reality,
here are key tips to fuel your successful job-search.
Even as the economy begins to show signs of recovery, many expect the unemployment rate,
currently at 9.4 percent, to keep rising above 10 percent before the overall labor market begins to recover.
More than 6 million jobs have been lost since this current recession began -- and it will take more than just
a slight recovery to bring those jobs back, many of which have been lost from companies seriously affected
by the weak global economy.
So, if you are out of work or simply wanting to change jobs or careers, how can you find employment in this
kind of labor market? First, you need to find the job openings. Second, you need to beat the competition.
Let's start with the job openings. In order to increase your odds of landing a new job, you must
uncover as many job leads as possible -- even ones that may seem not quite right at first glance.
The best methods for finding job leads is simply by asking -- asking your family, friends, neighbors,
former co-workers and bosses… asking anyone with whom you have a personal relationship.
Post your status (if you are unemployed) on your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social
networking sites. (If you have your own Website, which you should, post your status there as well.)
Next, consider identifying and requesting informational interviews with prospective employers --
doing so is a way to gain a network contact within the organization, which you can then use to
help uncover job leads.
Finally, hit the job boards looking for possible leads. Realize going into this step that some of these job
leads are old, filled, or simply being used to collect resumes. Start with niche sites -- those for your
profession/industry and geographic location. If you belong to a professional organization, check their site too.
Use a job-search engine to look for possible job leads that have been aggregated from lots of
different sources.
For local employers, apply for jobs in person. Dress well and ask if the manager is available to
meet with you after you have applied.
Finding job leads should consume the vast majority of your initial job-search. And if you truly put in
the hours each day, you'll be quite happily surprised by the results.
Now your only task is beating all the other job-seekers fighting you for those same open positions.
You'll want to devote serious time to polishing your resume and your interviewing skills -- including
both verbal and nonverbal responses and behaviors. And when you start obtaining interviews,
remember to thoroughly research each employer to showcase your knowledge and interest to
the hiring manager.
Finally, remember the importance of follow-up and thank-you letters.
If you are truly committed to your job-search, you will be successful. Good luck!
Use all the free job-seeker resources the
Career Toolkit of QuintCareers.com
to assist you in your job-search!
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