Job Hunting Tips

The job hunt is anything but easy these days. Sometimes there's nothing out there, and you have to survive on unemployment or something not quite in your field at less than what you desire or deserve. But there are things you can do now to aid the job hunting process. Call these tips foundation building.

Make sure you network: Meet people in your field, whether it's at a seminar or introducing yourself if someone comes in the office. Always try to make a good impression. Be funny, smart, friendly, whatever your strength is. Be a good listener. Try and remember something about people you meet, so if you do talk to them or a colleague of theirs in the future, you can bring that up. It shows interest on your part. That's never a bad thing.

Put out extra effort at work and build a network of references. Check on a troubling detail. Find that extra piece of data. Check and double check. People will notice, and you'll earn their respect and trust. Build up these relationships, and if you're leaving a job by choice or layoff, you can ask these people to be references. I have at least 10 good personal and professional references. When you interview give the potential employer the list. Sometimes that can make the difference. One time I interviewed for a job I probably wasn't the best candidate for, but the HR rep called and said they were blown away by all the praise I was given by people who I'd worked for in the past. I got the job.

Keep in touch with your references and work and personal friends. Don't fade out. Sometimes you get depressed when you're out of work, but keeping active is a good thing. E-mail or call former co-workers. Drop in by the old office if you can. Send a birthday card. Send an article or tell them about an event regardng something you know they'd be interested in. Show you care and remember them. They'll give you good references and if they hear of anything they'll pass it on. Once, when laid off, I got several freelance assignments because of my good connections. I also try and return the favor. If I hear of a job and know someone who might be interested, I pass it on. Even if it's a job I want myself, I pass it on to qualified friends. If I don't get it, I'd rather see a friend benefit. Being nice has its rewards.

Always say thank you. Thank someone for an interview, for the job tip, for the freelance assignment. Good manners never hurt and they never go out of style. People appreciate them even more now in this distracted world. Some experts advise sending a card or thank-you note. I think it's a great idea, but sometimes e-mailing is OK. If you're good at reading people or you get a certain impression at the interview, whether they're more likely to prefer a card or they're inclined to check their Blackberries, go with your gut. I've done both with success.

Keep your mind active. Help out by volunteering somewhere. It gets you out of the house, gives you a bit of structure, you make new connections and doing good feels good.

Educate yourself. Read up on things or take classes. If your income is down you could qualify for No Worker Left Behind tuition. Contact companies you are interested in and see if someone will talk to you about the qualifications needed for a certain job. Ask for a tour. Anything to get out and about.

Never give up. Keep communicating. Keep searching. Keep learning. Persistence is key. Tell yourself, if you apply for such and such job on the 15th, that you will follow up one week later. Keep yourself in the loop. Some days you won't want to get out of bed, and sometimes that's OK. Take a day off and read a good book or treat yourself to a movie. But don't get in a rut. Make getting a job your job.

And keep a good record of everything. Being organized is a great habit to have at home and on the job. It'll give you focus and will keep deadlines and follow-up goals from falling through the cracks.