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Start with a job search strategy

• It can be confusing and somewhat discouraging to look for a new position, especially in this economy.  Many people feel overwhelmed and simply don’t know where to start.  Let’s face it, most of us don’t make a career of finding a job and there are many hurdles to get over.
• No matter where you start tactically, I recommend considering a strong business strategy backgrounder.
• Write down your accomplishments; make sure you can back up career home runs with bottom-line results such as revenue growth, team building or organizational changes that drove results.
• People are always asking me to evaluate their resume.  Understand that your resume is simply a written summary that should be easy to evaluate and interpret by future business colleagues.  Resumes don’t get people jobs.  But, your replies to the questions it provokes could.  Make your resume work within the above strategy you craft.
• The people who will land positions in 2009 understand value, crafting the best strategy that communicates that value, and how to assert a winning attitude.

Effective Job Board and Networking Site Strategies

• Know thy self – understand how your skills and qualifications relate to the position you are applying. The internet is a rocky road and can be a big waste of time if you’re not focused.  Please don’t press send before looking up the company, do your homework and understand business needs.
• Write a brief - to the point - cover letter stating what value you bring and how it relates to the company and their needs.  Refer to industry trends and ask for a meeting to talk about future growth; dare to be smarter and talk about business problems and solutions.
• Social networking sites have hidden land mines, so utilize these tools with discretion and understand the culture of the community.  According to CNN, 34% of hiring managers chose not to hire a candidate based on what they found in profiles.  Future employers are looking for candidates who will fit their culture therefore, controversial information such as your drinking; dating habits along with inappropriate photographs on Facebook are evidence of poor communication skills and lack of maturity.
• Networking sites are often viewed by recruiters and hiring managers looking for active and passive candidates, so make sure that your profile is updated and positive.
• Bad mouthing your boss and or colleagues in off-putting and sends a red flag to prospective employers.  Most hiring managers are viewing sites and looking for people that have positive comments about past social and business experiences.
• Hiring managers use social networking sites to quickly gain a well-rounded view of potential candidates.  According to ComputerWorld, “22% of employers said they already pursue social networks to screen candidates, while an additional 9% said they are planning to do so.”

Using Executive Recruiters

• Don’t be discouraged if a recruiter doesn’t call you back – companies hire them to find talent to identify specific profiles.
• Seek out the best recruiters in your industry, because good recruiters usually will give you a lead, advice and at the very least keep you on the radar for the next appropriate position.
• Send your information to appropriate executive search firms and follow up with them every couple of months either via email or phone call.  Don’t be discouraged if they don’t get back to you – they simply don’t have a position that matches your profile.
• Build your relationships with worthy recruiters who will keep an eye out for people they know and who have taken the time to get to know them.

Keep Up the Momentum

Searching for a position is work and work takes effort and a lot of time. It’s easy to be discouraged in this market, but hiring managers can only find you if you are putting yourself out there.  You need to be vigilant in keeping up with specific job boards, networking communities, friends and past colleagues.  Talk about business solutions by asking pertinent questions.  Know the company and marketplace before sending your resume.  Keep your profile professional and updated and don’t lose heart, the economy is temporary and you will find a position.