Top 10 job search tips

Searching for a job is a new occupation for many- at least about 10% nationally (based on the most current unemployment numbers). Today’s search is different; scanning the want ads and snail mailing resumes have been replaced with a more aggressive approach. You must define your value and be actively selling it.
Here are some tips that may help in your job search:

1) Get over it! You lost your job, and so have a lot of other people. Accept it and move on. It is a major life event, but convince yourself it is an opportunity to dig deep, identify your skills and abilities, and maybe reinvent yourself into someone new.

2) Get organized!
a) Get a binder with alphabetical tabs, insert a copy of your resume and vinyl pages that hold business cards. When you apply for a job, print out the posting and file by company name in the binder. Notate how you applied, password, who you responded to, etc. Include information about the company from their webpage or internet research. With all of this organized in your binder, you will have everything you need to follow-up on your app, prepare for an interview, or be ready for an unexpected phone interview.
b) Make a working resume by noting supervisor names and phone numbers, mailing addresses, and any additional information you may need for an application.

3) Gather your tools!
a) Get a dynamic resume! A professional writer may present you in a way that you cannot do yourself. Keep it no longer than 2 pages, use only white and or cream colored high quality paper, check the spelling, and load it with words that are key to your profession. Show that you have been successful and have valuable skills, that you are not just a robot.

b) Personalize your business cards!
Include contact info and profession, and perhaps highlight your expertise. These can be a mini-resume, but don’t overload.

c) Make your email portable!
An account with hotmail, gmail, yahoo, etc. will allow you to access email from anywhere and the address will be yours as long as you want it. If you are connected to a cable or phone provider, if you change services you will change your email, and employers who may be interested in you later will not be able to find you.

d) Prepare your references!
You will need 3 to 5, both professional and personal. Let them know they may be called. Keep in contact every few months so they know you are still looking.

4) Identify your target, and explore the perimeters!
a) Expand the scope of your search- this is an opportunity to transfer your skills and become someone new. Browse careerbuilder and monster for jobs that could be of interest. Compare your skills to the qualifications listed.
b) Become an expert in your field. Define your brand (expertise) and hone your skills- you have the time to do it now.

5) Master an elevator speech!
Time your talk- no more than 2 minutes- and make every word count.

6) Network like your life depends on it!
a) Who you know and who they know—dig up those old contacts and give them a ring.
b) www.linkedin.com- the network for professionals, whether you are seeking a job or not. You cannot afford not to be there. Then explore- you will be amazed at what you can find, the people you meet, and the help you can get through this website.
c) Review your Facebook and My Space pages. Do these show you as you want a future employer to see you? Remember those crazy party friends are a reflection on you also. About 75% of recruiters say they check Facebook/My Space before calling for an interview; make sure there is nothing there that would make them not want to call.

7) Post your resume!
Hiring managers with real positions review on-line resumes everyday because they have the ability to search for particular skills. You probably will get calls for positions which you would never be interested in, so learn how to screen the callers and still be polite.

8) Learn how to brag but be sure to tell the truth!
You have to learn to talk about yourself with energy and pride. Just be sure it is accurate- exaggerating or lying on a resume will come back to get you.

9) Get a Superman suit!
Find an outfit in which you feel great, look great, and most of all, look like the person who has the job you want. Make sure it fits, the color enhances your skin tones and eyes, and you feel powerful when you put it on. This makes it an important tool to help you land the job.

10) Ride the emotional waves!
A job search will be up and down. When you fall (get rejected or know you did not ace the interview) get back up. Go back to your search, network some more, and talk with fellow job seekers.