by Doug White, Robert Half International
In an effort to revive the economy, Congress recently passed a $787 billion stimulus package. There are probably days when you need your own stimulus plan. Like the economy, you may feel stuck in a slump, especially if you've spent months looking for employment. But instead of losing heart, use this multifaceted plan to recharge your job search:
Build Up Your Networking Infrastructure
The road to a new job often begins with a member of your professional network. Deepen your contact list by meeting new people in any way you can. Get active on networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and niche portals relevant to your industry. For instance, DesignerID is geared specifically toward graphic designers.
Supplement your online efforts by joining professional associations and regularly attending industry events where you can meet others face to face. You also might look into support groups for out-of-work professionals. As the recession has intensified, more people are gathering both online and off to commiserate and share employment leads, interviewing advice, and job-hunting war stories.
In addition, remember that you never know who might be able to offer an "in" with an employer. Spread the word about your job search and career goals to everyone, from friends and relatives to neighbors and former classmates.
Invest in a Targeted Resume
Customization is king. Don't blindly blast the same one-size-fits-all resume to every employer with an opening. While it's smart and efficient to create a solid basic resume, take the time to tailor your document to the specific opportunity. The extra effort can yield huge dividends. Research each prospective employer and mirror the language from the job posting to play up your skills, qualifications and accomplishments that directly relate to the position. Reviewing the firm's website, marketing materials, and recent annual reports will give you a good sense of its mission, history and culture.
You'll gain even more of an edge by submitting a well-crafted cover letter -- a valuable sales tool that many job seekers fail to utilize. Within the letter, expand upon your biggest strengths, highlight your knowledge of the firm, and reiterate your enthusiasm about the job.
Ease Anxiety Through Action
Does your self-confidence need a bailout? A protracted job search can understandably test anyone's pride and patience. But don't let fears and frustration undermine your focus. Hiring managers will want to know what you've been up to beyond just "looking for a job." Instead of wallowing in worry, turn downtime into learning time. Stay current on industry trends and expand your skills by taking a professional-development class, attending conferences, continuing to read trade publications, or even teaching yourself a new software program.
Pursuing temporary work is another smart way to show employers that you've remained engaged while on the job hunt. Many organizations that have instituted hiring freezes or laid off employees due to the recession are seeking the services of interim professionals to keep productivity and service levels high. Project work allows you to stay busy, make valuable new contacts, earn money and get your foot in the door with companies that, at some point, will again be looking to hire top-quality full-time employees.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.
In an effort to revive the economy, Congress recently passed a $787 billion stimulus package. There are probably days when you need your own stimulus plan. Like the economy, you may feel stuck in a slump, especially if you've spent months looking for employment. But instead of losing heart, use this multifaceted plan to recharge your job search:
Build Up Your Networking Infrastructure
The road to a new job often begins with a member of your professional network. Deepen your contact list by meeting new people in any way you can. Get active on networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and niche portals relevant to your industry. For instance, DesignerID is geared specifically toward graphic designers.
Supplement your online efforts by joining professional associations and regularly attending industry events where you can meet others face to face. You also might look into support groups for out-of-work professionals. As the recession has intensified, more people are gathering both online and off to commiserate and share employment leads, interviewing advice, and job-hunting war stories.
In addition, remember that you never know who might be able to offer an "in" with an employer. Spread the word about your job search and career goals to everyone, from friends and relatives to neighbors and former classmates.
Invest in a Targeted Resume
Customization is king. Don't blindly blast the same one-size-fits-all resume to every employer with an opening. While it's smart and efficient to create a solid basic resume, take the time to tailor your document to the specific opportunity. The extra effort can yield huge dividends. Research each prospective employer and mirror the language from the job posting to play up your skills, qualifications and accomplishments that directly relate to the position. Reviewing the firm's website, marketing materials, and recent annual reports will give you a good sense of its mission, history and culture.
You'll gain even more of an edge by submitting a well-crafted cover letter -- a valuable sales tool that many job seekers fail to utilize. Within the letter, expand upon your biggest strengths, highlight your knowledge of the firm, and reiterate your enthusiasm about the job.
Ease Anxiety Through Action
Does your self-confidence need a bailout? A protracted job search can understandably test anyone's pride and patience. But don't let fears and frustration undermine your focus. Hiring managers will want to know what you've been up to beyond just "looking for a job." Instead of wallowing in worry, turn downtime into learning time. Stay current on industry trends and expand your skills by taking a professional-development class, attending conferences, continuing to read trade publications, or even teaching yourself a new software program.
Pursuing temporary work is another smart way to show employers that you've remained engaged while on the job hunt. Many organizations that have instituted hiring freezes or laid off employees due to the recession are seeking the services of interim professionals to keep productivity and service levels high. Project work allows you to stay busy, make valuable new contacts, earn money and get your foot in the door with companies that, at some point, will again be looking to hire top-quality full-time employees.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.
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