HireDiversity

Try These Tips to Make Your Job Search Successful

Knight Ridder Newspapers

If you've been out of work for a while and can't find anything promising, here are some tips to consider from Forbes.com:

• Keep busy. Do something besides looking for a job. Consider volunteering for a nonprofit, doing consulting or taking classes. If the activity is relevant to your profession, it's a big plus. Doing anything is better than doing nothing.



• Expand your network. Chances are, you've already exhausted your existing network of friends and colleagues while looking for a job. Now expand your network or create a new one. Tap into alumni organizations, get involved in community activities, join professional associations, connect with your house of worship or even take a wine-tasting class. You never know where you'll meet that person who will open a door for you.



• Switch industries. An estimated 85 percent of people switched industries to land new jobs in the past year, according to outplacement firm DBM. How do you pull it off? Obviously, you want to target those industries that are doing well and are hiring, such as health care or security. Still, you have to convince companies that you can easily make the switch. Before applying, try to acquire more training specific to that industry. Then tailor your resume to that industry and particular job, in order to demonstrate that you won't require extensive training.



• Ask for help. Career coaches can help improve job searches and tell you what you've been doing wrong, but they are expensive, especially for someone who hasn't been drawing a salary in months. Still, there are affordable ways to get advice. Try to find a coaching and outplacement firm that does outreach sessions. Another low-cost idea: Find a job search buddy.



• Try many tactics. If you've been answering ads or working through search firms, consider taking a different approach. According to The Five O'Clock Club, a career-coaching firm, only 20 percent of jobs are found through search firms and ads. Contact companies directly, even if there are no job postings. Focus on connecting with people at one to two levels above the position you'd seek. Not sure how to find the names? Look through professional association directories in your field. But be careful not to become a pest.



• Address the gap. Don't leave a hole in your resume. It creates questions, not answers.



• Stay positive. The most important thing is to stay upbeat and confident. If you are glum or despondent, interviewers will pick up on it. Take time off to recharge, and don't postpone having fun until you get a job. Be sure to exercise, eat right and take care of yourself.



• Lower your expectations. Be ready to accept a lower salary or work for a company that's smaller than what you're accustomed to. Look in small towns or in the suburbs.

Source: © 2004, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.