Online Jobs News Letter

Job-hunting is an art that simply takes more time and work to perfect in uncertain times than in good times. You will have to work harder and smarter at finding new opportunities but they are out there, and if you take advantage of these five strategies you will be much better positioned to land a new job.

Utilizing the power of networking

Networking is the most effective tool of job-hunting because if you use your network properly, you will hear of multiple job opportunities, often before they are even listed (if they are ever listed).

Some job seekers shy away from networking because they equate networking with taking advantage of people, but if done correctly, networking can be a rewarding experience for all parties involved. Networking is not asking everyone you know for a job. Networking means developing a broad list of contacts: family, friends, and people you’ve met through various social and business functions and using them to your advantage when you look for a job.

Now is the time to broaden your network even if you are not currently looking for a new job. You never know when you’ll need your network, so make every effort to grow it.

Finding hidden job opportunities

In good times, job openings are plentiful, but in uncertain times the job openings disappear. Job seekers are left scrambling for the few open jobs. But there are always other job possibilities lurking in the background, and it is up to the persistent job seeker to find those hidden job opportunities.

Background opportunities - Job seekers must take full advantage of their network to uncover as many potential job openings as possible. Hunt down every lead. Consider using cold calling techniques to find other opportunities.

Creating new opportunities - As companies downsize and consolidate job functions, many opportunities may arise for a job seeker with the right skills. Determine your most marketable skills, examine the ongoing needs of the employers where you want to work and develop a proposal showcasing how the employer would benefit from hiring you.

Sharpening the focus on your resume

One of the most important tips you can take away from this article is this one: resumes are supposed to document your skills and accomplishments, not your duties and responsibilities. Make a list of two of three accomplishments from each of your recent jobs and then use them on your resume.

Develop multiple resumes, perhaps even customizing each resume you send to the specific job and employer. Finally, remember that a resume is a living document. You are never “done” with your resume. You should update and edit your resume regularly.

Developing a dynamic cover letter

A cover letter is an internal tool of your job search. Perhaps in the past you have been able to get good jobs with a mediocre cover letter, but in uncertain times, your cover letter becomes the main tool that can determine whether your resume is read and whether you are even considered as a candidate for a position.

How can you improve your cover letter? Let’s review the two most important parts of the cover letter: the introduction paragraph and the ending paragraph.

The first paragraph of your cover letter must sell the employer on the benefits: skills and talents you will bring to the job— a mix that no other job seeker has and one that has a clear benefit to the employer. Do not waste this critical opening paragraph.

Weak opening paragraph: I am writing today to apply for the account manager position you have posted on your company website.

Better opening paragraph: I have increased the size and sales levels of my client base in every position I have held, which in turn has increased the revenues and profits of my employers. I want to bring this same success to the account position you have posted on your website.

The final paragraph of your cover letter must be proactive. You must ask for the job interview in this paragraph. You must express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job. You must also put the employer on notice that you plan to follow up within a specified time.

Weak closing paragraph: I hope you will review my resume, and if you agree with that I have stated here, consider me for the position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Better closing paragraph: I am eager to help advance the success of your company, and I am convinced that we should arrange a time to meet. I will call your office in the next week to schedule an appointment.

Mastering the art of follow up

In good times, some job seekers may be able to get away with being impolite in not sending thank you letters and being lazy with not following up all leads, but in a tight or uncertain job market, job seekers must follow up every job lead, every job application, and every job interview.

Some job seekers may see follow-up as too aggressive, but the cliché about the squeaky wheel getting the grease applies to job seeking. As long as you don’t contact the employer too often or get abusive, following up with emails or phone calls is a way to stay at the forefront of the minds of employers, as well as a way for you to stay on top of the status of the search. Each time you follow up, your strategy should be to reinforce the perception that you are the ideal candidate for the job: the job seeker with the unique set of skills and experiences required for the job.

Follow up each cover letter and resume you send with a phone call or email requesting an interview. Follow up each interview you have with a thank you note or letter to each person who interviewed you. And follow up each thank you note with a phone call or email to again express your interest and fit with the job and check on the status of the search.

Final Thoughts

Persistence and patience are the important traits to have when job hunting in uncertain times. Persistence, because as mentioned in this article, the job seeker that tracks down all leads and follows up with every person is the one who is going to have more opportunities.