The current job market is very tight, and employers are receiving enormous amounts of qualified applicants for each job that they post. So, how do you get hired in this environment? Here are some tips!
* Check out the job boards! Here are a few I recommend you take a look at, in addition to reviewing Monster, CareerBuilder, Yahoo Hot Jobs, and Craigslist:
Indeed.com Meta-search, pulls job listings from many sources.
Dice.com IT specific board
JobsinLogistics, Logjobs Supply Chain and Logistics
Hound.com Pulls directly from employer websites
Snagajob Part time jobs
Sologig Contract jobs
* Go to the unemployment office nearest you and talk to the people that work there. Building a personal relationship can only help you. They may know of new orders that have just come in and aren't listed online yet, and they just might give you a call when something suitable crosses their desk.
* Old school, I know but the local newspaper classified sections still have ads from employers who haven't jumped on the internet speedway yet, so be sure to check it out on Sundays and Wednesdays at the least.
* Make sure your resume is updated and SELLS you! (If you don't know how to do this, get help.)
* Call employers that you've previously worked for and find out about current openings they have.
* Network, network, network call people you've worked with in the past, neighbors, friends and relatives. Let them know you're looking. You never know where that one important lead will come from.
* Be flexible with your salary requirements. The law of supply and demand is in play right now, and you should be aware that employers have more people than ever to choose from. (But do try to negotiate a longer vacation or other perks that might be a little more cost effective for the company.)
* Stick with what you know. Career changing at this point might prove almost impossible. Employers are being flooded with applications, and those with relevant experience are going to get first dibs. Your old industry might look much better to you when viewed in this new light.
* Personalize your cover letter to the job you're applying for, don't cookie cutter it. Tell the employer what interests you in their company or position, and what qualifies you for it more than anybody else. (Again, if you can't do this- get help. It's important!)
*Follow up all resume submissions with a telephone call, and all telephone conversations and personal interviews with a thank you note confirming your interest and why you are a great choice.
* Work for free! No, I haven't lost my mind. This can be an option if there is a job you really want, but the company seems hesitant. Ask if you can do a short term internship to prove your abilities. Do a great job, and you should be asked to stay indefinitely!
*If you aren't yet on Linkedin(linkedin.com), you need to be! Think of it as MySpace for the work world. Join some groups that pertain to the type of job you're looking for, and also mark your profile in transition so that folks know you're looking for work.
*Being a Recruiter, I definitely recommend working with us. But be aware of how things work, and use that to your advantage. Employers pay us to find them great candidates for their openings, which means we will only introduce the very best people for the position. Talk to Recruiters who work solely or mostly in the industry you work in- you'll have a much better chance of matching up with their assignments, getting an interview (or several) and getting hired.
*Be active online in your industry. Join online groups that are specific to your industry, and don't be a wallflower. Talk to people, ask how they are doing, build relationships, offer advice when you can, even answer questions people might have on sites like Yahoo Answers or Web Answers. The idea is to get your name out there as someone who knows his stuff, so that they'll call you when they need someone. (And do not imagine for a minute that your future employers will not Google your name before offering you a job.)
*Government positions at all levels are in a major hiring frenzy. You can research and apply for federal government jobs at jobsearch.usajobs.gov/
*The phone interview: this is a screening tool, not just a little chat to make an appointment! Be sure the dog isn't barking, the baby isn't crying, and you're not making dinner while discussing your future. Give this as much attention as you would if you were in that office with the caller.
*What's in a name? Don't be so stuck on the title of the job that you pass up the opportunity, If the work is interesting and pays okay, be willing to take a step back in that title to move forward.
*Post your resume on the big sites: CareerBuilder and Monster. You can also apply online, and search related jobs. You will get emails from employers offering you positions, but make sure that your Scam Alert is working overtime if the position seems too good to be true.
*Email everyone on your contact list and let them know what you're looking for, career-wise.
*Be open to the possibility of non-traditional hours or weekend work if necessary, at least at the beginning.
* Show up early for every interview, every call, every follow up. You want to appear ready, willing, and able to step in and do that job!
It is a little more difficult to get hired in a recession, but be open to trying new things, and be persistent. Make certain that every single point of contact with an employer is a great sales pitch for why you are the best candidate for the job!