Finding a job today is hard.  In spite of what the government says; the job market is not coming back as fast as needed and the competition is extremely tough!   Creativity is essential to get an edge in the competitive job market.  I have some suggestions that might help you find the job you want.

1 - Use Networking:

It’s a fact that over eighty percent of the jobs that become available and filled are never advertised.  They are either being filled in-house or by recommendations from people that know the human resource officer.  This is a good example of the importance of Networking. 

You need to take some time and make a list of people that you know within your own industry and make it known that you are available and are seeking a position where you can utilize your skills to stay active within the industry.

Volunteer your services to campaigns or non-profit charity drives.  Do whatever is necessary to let people know that you are a capable, energetic and trustworthy person that people would want on their team.

 
Become active in your church groups.  Pitch in and get to know other members of your church.  As they get to know you they may find an opportunity for you and the best recommendations you can get are from those people you know and see your capabilities.

 2 - Employment Services:

Utilize those services that are available; especially employment services because most  employers want to utilize the employment company  services to do their preliminary screening. 

In today’s job market don’t shy away from part time work; many times the part time work can evolve into full time employment.  Once your employer can see how good you are they will want to keep you on a fulltime basis.  Pull out the stops and prove that you are a keeper!

3 - Creative Marketing:

I use the term “creative marketing” because this is where we think outside the box.  You need to do research and be willing to whatever is necessary to get employers to notice you.

Research the different companies that are within your area and are in your industry.  Find the person that is responsible for hiring and that you need to target.  Check out their website!  Many times they will have their own employment opportunities listed.  If they have an online application; fill it out and do whatever is necessary to get an interview.

If your target company does not have a website then you need to take other measures.  Develop a good introductory letter and fax or e-mail the company and address your correspondence to person that is responsible for hiring. 

 
4 - Update your resume.

 Review your resume and have other people review it too.  Perform your review with a critical eye and improve it to get some sizzle into it.

There are resources available on the internet so research and find out what the successful companies recommend you do to make your resume stand out.

Kim Komando has some suggestions that might be helpful.  Take a few moments and watch.




 5 - Develop a good introductory letter.

A good introductory letter is invaluable.  Remember you only have one chance to make a first impression.  When you meet somebody in person you want to be your best and the same approach needs to be taken in your correspondence.  Again, there are resources available on the internet.  Research and see what the winners are doing!

6 - Study and fine tune your interviewing technique.

This is where you need to shine!  There are right and wrong things that you should do during an               interview and I advise you to do some research and fine tune your approach.  Once again, there are resources available  on the internet.  Take the time and review what the best approaches are!

7 - Improve and expand your skills.

Take the time to improve your skills. There are all kinds of resources available for you to learn and improve.  Among the skills I see employers asking for are Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook. You can learn these skills while looking for that next job.

8 – Use free Online Job Services.

Don’t forget the free online services like Craigslist!  Recently one of my clients landed a dream job that was advertised on Craigslist; she asked me about it because me it sounded too good to be true.  I advised her to make an application and follow the steps that I have outlined above.

Imagine this; she was hired and is able to work at home.  It is a part time position that will develop into a full time position within the next several months.  The company is a subcontracting company that is very modern in their approach; everything is done using all the latest technology.  She handles all correspondence, billings and payroll using the technology available and she is able to do it all at home.  No wasted time traveling to an office and spending money for gas and they are paying her a fantastic salary!

She had spent the time to fine tune her computer skills and she was exactly what her employer was looking for!

Oh yeah!  I almost forgot about a couple of other free resources that are available for your use.  Check out www.hiringtoolbar.com.