Job Hunting Tips

The current economy makes job hunting a difficult task. There are fewer jobs and more competition so it's more important than ever to make a plan and stick with it until you have the job you need.

1. Decide exactly what you want. Look through job descriptions and find your ideal job. See if you meet the qualifications. If not, is there a class you can take or a certification you can earn that will qualify you? Will you need to take another job and work your way into the perfect position?

2. Somethings never change. The best way to land a job is still "Who you know". Network, Network, Network. Let your friends know you're open to a new position. This includes old school friends, people at your church, your mom's Mah Jong club. You don't want to sound desperate but talking to people in a positive way can help open doors that you'd never have access to by just mailing resumes.

Learn to use technology to your advantage. This doesn't mean post your resume online and hope for the best. But you can set up a profile on Linkedin and reconnect with old friends and coworkers. You never know who might know of a position open in their company. Visit the web pages of companies you like and apply at their site following their directions exactly. This is much better than posting randomly to online job boards.

3. Prepare ahead of time for interviews. Make sure you have appropriate clothes that aren't too dated.

Get a good book on possible interview questions and make sure you have your answers ready.

4. Be realistic. If the job market in your field is depressed you might need to take less than your ideal job to work your way into a good company.

Cut your expenses and consider looking for part-time or freelance work to help your cash flow. Some people find they enjoy working for themselves more than for someone else.

5. Update your resume and focus it on the position you want. You might need to write two or three resumes and tweak each one for certain fields. Don't try to be a jack of all trades. A generic resume is a weak resume.

Get the help you need. If your resume is not working think about hiring a professional to write it for you. If you're not sure what kind of position you want talk to a career coach.

6. Make your plan and put specific dates for when you'll accomplish each item. "Complete resume". "Set-up LinkedIn profile". You'll get more done and stay motivated.

7. Keep yourself healthy. Exercising and eating right will give you more energy. It will also keep you from falling into a depression. Movement creates energy and will help you feel proactive and not a victim. Interviewers want to hire positive upbeat people.

Stay focused and keep moving forward!