Take It to the Next Level - Economy Going UP and I Am Still Unemployed; Now What Can I Do?

I read a recent article in the Wall Street Journal and it is stuck in my brain. The article said that “Bernake [Federal Reserve Chairman] sees an end to recession...but doesn’t see many new jobs soon.”

So what does that mean to those of you who are still looking for a job? It means that we still need to do our own work to search and find jobs in a competitive and tough market place. I work with people who are frustrated and worried about getting a job soon. To help them see what they can do to boost their job search, I use two check lists that help them see a system in searching for a job. I divided the two check lists into terms of traditional and non-traditional job search strategies. I define non-traditional in terms of new and creative job search strategies that are emerging or those that job seekers over look.

I want to share these check lists. Each shows the top 5 strategies.

Traditional Job Search Strategies

• Resumes (Chronological, Funtional or Combination)
• Network/Referrals (friends, colleagues, family and professional organzations)
• Research Job Postings (online, newspapers, professional magazines, etc.)
• Skilled Interview and Job Offer Negotiations
• Follow-up and Correspondence (cover letters, thank you notes, broadcast letters, cold call letters, etc.)

Non-traditional/New Job Search Strategies

• Online Connecting and Networking (Online Job Posting Site and Social Media Networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook)
• Electronic Career Marketing Website (your own electronic portfolio)
• Job Fairs and Special Events (“Pink Slip” Parties)
• Personal Professional Business Card (your mini-resume or calling card to help others remember you and refer you to job opportunities)
• Informational Interviews (make contact, learn about different jobs, and create a connection and build rapport to get good quality referrals)
  

These are only 10 strategies that will help you re-energize your job search. There are many more considerations and ideas that you may use too. One extra strategy is “branding you”. It can be a key element to market yourself so you stand out from your competition. Another extra strategy is to find a “survivor job”. It is recommended by some of the nationally known headhunters and recruiters interviewed on major news station. Finding a “survivor job” is a temporary employment solution that accomplishes two things: (1) provides income to meet your life expenses and (2) it helps people get out of the house and keeps them open to meeting people who can refer them onto a job opportunity in their chosen career.

Seeking a job can be seen as a challenge and an opportunity to reflect and grow, or it can be seen as a crisis and nightmare. Seek the positive path. You will find your reward.

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