Dear Career Coach- I Need a Job! - CareerAlley

Dear Career Coach- I Need a Job! - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway. Warren Buffett Author Byline: Peggy McKee Author Website: http://www.career-confidential.com Dear Career Coach: Ive been out of work for a while, and it seems that its getting harder to get an interview. I keep applying for every job I can find, but Im not getting any response. I think that my unemployment is hurting my chances, and its getting worse the longer it goes. What can I do? Signed, Job Seeker Joe Dear Joe, You are not alone. Many qualified job seekers are finding that its taking longer to land a position in this economy, and employers realize that, too. The good news is, I believe things are starting to turn around and well see hiring start to pick up soon. Meanwhile, there are some solid steps you can take that will significantly strengthen your position in the job search. First (and this is probably the hardest one), try to keep a positive attitude. Your optimism and energy reflects in your voice and words, and they have a powerful effect on your successboth in how you present yourself as a candidate and in how others perceive you. One of the best ways to do this is to use your between jobs time to learn a new skill, or volunteer for some organization that could benefit from your experience, whatever that happens to be. Not only will it help get your mind off your struggle, it will help you network (you never know who youll meet), give you some additional skills, and provide you with a story that illustrates how you can be proactive. Second, realize that online applications are often a black hole of cyberspace, but you can improve your chances. If your resume isnt getting you the response you want, figure out what you need to do to change it. Do you have the right keywords on it? Check out job descriptions in your field to see if you match up. If not, find a way to legitimately include them on your resumetake a class, do some job shadowing, figure out how your skills transfer, etc. Research resume writing online for tips on how to write a killer resume. Third, make sure youre harnessing the power of social media. Are you on LinkedIn? If not, create a great LinkedIn profile, start connecting with others, join groups, and contribute to discussions. Research hiring managers in your industry, and start contacting them directly. Show them how you are a great solution for whatever problem theyre facing in their company. And last, check out all the resources available to you onlineblog articles, YouTube videos, and more that will give you a steady stream of information, tips and strategies to continuously improve and stay motivated. Best of luck, Peggy McKee Career Coach Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities. Good luck in your search.