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Senin, 23 Agustus 2010

Top 15 Effective Tips For Job Search



Looking for a new job is a challenging and a very daunting process. Each and every step taken in the process should be professional, appropriate, and focused. For this it is very important to have a mindset of what you want so that you can easily get away from the midst of job search. There are many other factors that play a crucial role when searching for your dream job.

Here are some of the most effective tips for job search:

1. The first thing to remember is that your first impression will make a huge difference and in case of a job search it is made through an effective resume. Make your resume clear and precise yet expressive and communicative. Ensure that it is free of errors and full of key essentials like your credibility, your worth, your skills, and your years of experience.

2. If in case you find it difficult to prepare an appropriate resume you can get in touch with some job consultancy that can help you build an effective resume. These days there are many such companies and online portals that offer resume making services at cost-effective prices.

3. Look for appropriate jobs rather than applying for all the available jobs in the market. You very well know your qualifications so apply only for those where you feel you are the best matched candidate.

4. Don't run for too many good jobs but select few best jobs and apply for the same.

5. Explore your possibilities by posting your resume online, browsing online job portals, searching through newspapers, and even attending job fairs.

6. These days there are many good job portals that make your job search easier and better. You can take help of search engines to learn about such websites and portals.

7. Use your contacts to follow the best job in the market. Many times the most demanding and fruitful jobs are not advertised but if you have a strong business network and social contacts as well you may get a chance to apply for the job and get a footstep into the specified company.

8. Be confident and follow up. Don't be afraid to call the employer for any kind of feedback or follow-up as it improve your chances of getting employed.

9. When going for an interview make sure that you are dressed up smartly in formal clothing.

10. Ensure that you reach at the interview spot on time and are well prepared for the same.

11. Be generous and pass on a thank you message after the interview or the business meeting.

12. Be smart enough to answer all the queries of the employer. Any kind of hesitation and ignorance of work related information will take you down the drain.

13. Stay moving with the corporate world. You should be well aware of all the happenings in the corporate sector so that you know well where to hit and when. You also get to learn more about the companies and then it becomes easier for you to select the best company for job hunt.

14. Don't lose hope and give up. At times the job market is really tough and it becomes difficult to get a fruitful job but continue with your efforts to pluck jobs from the market.

15. Keep all the references ready to give to the interviewers. References have become very important these days because of the fast competition in the corporate world. Every company is in search for grabbing the best candidate.


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Selasa, 27 Juli 2010

Job Search Tips

Receive helpful advice on how to effectively market yourself for a new job.
How to Bounce Back from a Layoff

by Kevin Donlin

If you've been laid off -- or are facing the prospect -- you know how tough it can be to re-enter this job market.

So, how can you stand out and compete effectively for a new job?

Here are four ways, one of which will surprise you ...
1) Answering the $64,000 question -- Why you?

Your biggest challenge in finding a new job may be credibility, according to Rick Maurer, author, "Why Don't You Want What I Want?".

"Why should I hire you when there are so many candidates with experience and credentials?" That's the question going through many employers' minds.

"My single best piece of advice is to put yourself in the shoes of the person who's hiring. What does the world look like through their eyes? What might they be afraid of if they hire you? Finding answers to these 'unasked' questions can lead to your next job," advises Maurer.
2) Build a "brag book"

Any job will require you to submit a resume that's clear, concise and focused on results.

But don't stop there, according to Paul Richard DiModica, President of DigitalHatch, Inc., a sales training and consulting firm.

DiModica suggests you build an experience portfolio of what you have done and then bind it like a book to give to employers.

What to include? Try employer awards, technology certifications, articles written about you and examples your business successes.

This method has produced breakthrough results for years. The reason why is shockingly simple: very few job seekers take the time to assemble a knockout brag book. But when you're laid off, time is something you definitely do have ... so make the most of it!
3) Network smart

When it comes to networking -- that most effective and over-looked of job search techniques -- it's crucial to first know what you want, according to Dr. Beverly Kaye, President of Scranton, Pa.-based Career Systems International.

"The starting point is having an objective -- a clear sense of what you are after. A scattered approach to networking will leave you with a pocketful of names and no clear plan of action," says Kaye.

And be sure to observe the Golden Rule.

"All serious networking is reciprocal. People who devote time and energy to you deserve something in return, so you need to find ways to give back," suggests Kaye.

Make an effort to pay others back for networking help. Because success in networking -- and in life -- is a two-way street.
4) Throw a book at them

You can set yourself apart from other job seekers by sending a $30 book to the employers you want an interview with, according to DiModica.

"The business book you send -- preferably a best-seller -- should be based on the industry you want to work in. Inside the book, write: 'I saw this and thought you might find it intriguing,' then sign your name and telephone number. Call the recipient two days later, say that you're the person who sent the book and ask to meet for 20 minutes," advises DiModica.

This method works, if for no other reason than the book recipient feels a sense of obligation to you for the unexpected gift. And it's the kind of creative, proactive job search tactic that just may be the ticket in this economy.

Here's hoping these four tips help you recover quickly from a layoff, or avoid one altogether.


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Kamis, 22 Juli 2010

Job Search Tips - Top 3 Mistakes That Will Keep You Unemployed

Everyone makes mistakes. That's a given and excusable part of being human. But if you're embarking on a job search, you can ill afford too many of them. One mistake here or there, and your job search can be set back weeks if not months. So, what are some of the common mistakes that are made in a job search? Here are my top three...

Fuzzy Goals

If you're stumbling out of the house in the morning with the goal of "getting a job," good luck with that. This is the kind of economy, in the aftermath of the worst recession in 50 years, that will chew up and spit out those job seekers without a clear career goal and a plan to achieve it. Why? Largely, it's the shear number of applicants for available positions; they're simply overwhelming recruiters and hiring officials. Weeding out those applicants who "just want a job" is the first order of priority for those overtaxed employers.

Take some time to identify the position you want, and the company or companies that are capable of offering that opportunity. It's a new world order out there, and those who know what they want and focus their job search like a laser are more likely to get what they want.

A Resume That's Too General

Forget the illusion that a general resume allows you to apply to a variety of job opportunities. In reality, a general resume simply facilitates you getting rejected from a number of job opportunities. As mention above in "fuzzy goals," recruiters and hiring officials are overwhelmed by the shear number of resumes coming in daily. When they've got an opening, it's a title with a real specific set of duties and responsibilities. If your resume doesn't demonstrate job goals and qualifications in keeping with that title, you're out.

Employers today don't have the time or inclination to wonder if your stated objective, "A challenging position with a progressive corporation..." really means, "Senior Buyer with a national apparel retailer that could benefit from an impressive, 10-year history of contribution to comparable store sales and gross margin improvement." If the employer needs to fill a position for a buyer and is left staring the above two objective statements, guess which resume gets the call and which one gets the boot?

Target your resume to a specific job opening or a narrow range of potential openings. While that might mean tweaking the document seemingly every time you turn around, it beats the alternative: a single "general" resume generating zero phone calls.

Wasting Your Time On Internet Job Boards

Yes, there are jobs listed on job boards. And there's the siren call. The problem is, some of those jobs are out of date, and many others are increasingly ‘generic' jobs (that don't necessarily exist) posted by employment agencies or recruiters trolling for candidates to represent. While the latter isn't necessarily a bad thing (assuming you don't mind being deceived), the end result is one more person standing between you and a hiring official. Finally, even when the listings are legitimate and timely, there are thousands of candidates responding to every job listing. It's a crap shoot at best, with success rates of landing jobs running at about 2-4%. Compare that to a success rate of over 60% for ‘word-of-mouth' referrals.

Post your resume to a couple of job boards if you must, or schedule a very limited time every few days to peruse the latest listings. If you see an interesting job pop up on a job board, use the listing information as a springboard to pursue the opening directly through the company's website, or via your growing contacts in the industry.

Personal, one-on-one contact with decision makers, movers and shakers is time better spent that will improve your odds the most in landing your next job. Limit your time on the internet in general, and on job boards in particular, or run the risk of being consumed day and night with nothing to show for your job search but bloodshot eyes.

It goes without saying that your resume needs to be "top shelf" in this tough job market. If you're considering a professional resume service, make sure their writers are certified, have experience with your industry, and are prepared to conduct a consultative interview over the phone. Former recruiter David Alan Carter has put together Resume Service Reviews of 10 of the Web's most popular writers, reviewing quality of workmanship, spelling out their pricing, and giving each a star ranking. (Note: David's "Top Pick" actually guarantees interviews.)
By David Alan Carter


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Rabu, 14 Juli 2010

Tips for Finding a New Job

Getting out of that dead end job may be your goal. The real question is where do you go from there. 43% of workers surveyed say they plan to pursue new employment opportunities from their current job. Here is a list of things to do and not to do when trying to find that new employment future.

Searching for Jobs
In most instances January is a peak month for job search. Get a jump on the competition. Many companies still actively hire over the holidays to gear up for the next year. Send in your resume as soon as possible.

Your Resume
Be careful not to tell your life story in your resume. That is not the place for it. Instead highlight key skills and, most important, accomplishments in bulleted points. Don't forget references.

The Cover Letter
Make yourself sound unforgettable. Begin your cover letter with a bold question or bold statement that speaks about your abilities.

Any Interviews?
Do not go into an interview bad-mouthing your previous company, supervisor or co-workers. You will most likely be pegged a whiner.

Instead be positive and imaginative. Show enthusiasm for your former job and any new job that may present yourself. Any fresh ideas may be just what get's you in the door.

Check back
Do not bother them. Enthusiasm is one thing. Desperation is another, employers can tell the difference. Check back 1 or 2 weeks later. If no decision has been made ask when would be an appropriate time to check back.

By Tim Allen

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Selasa, 13 Juli 2010

Good Career Tips and Places to Help You Find a Job

It seems harder and harder to find a job these days. With the dearth of available openings and multiple candidates to fit every job, there is great competition to fill any opening that is created. This doesn't mean that employers have it simple either. They need to find the best possible candidate for employment, and that means sorting out resumes and bringing prospective candidates in for interviews. The entire process can drag out for several weeks until the right person is identified and tendered an offer. This is one of the major driving forces behind the recruitment fairs that are being heavily advertised at this time

Many companies are now starting to look for outside help in finding good workers to bring on board to their company. Different services are offering this type of expertise, helping firms ease the burden of the personnel department, who would be heretofore responsible for this type of activity. This whole event can be summed up as a call for action. Prospective employees get a chance to meet with headhunters or members of a corporation seeking new talent. By greeting a large number of job seekers at once, this cuts down on the amount of time that a human resources person has to spend sifting through letters and making a decision.

In fact, the face to face process is a good way of immediately identifying a good fit for the opening. A good first impression is still the best way to get a foot in the door so to speak. The way that an event of this magnitude works is simple, the companies are charge some kind of fee in order to get started. This can be a flat fee per candidate, a low cost fee or a fixed fee. Each of these types can be beneficial to a company depending on how many job openings that they currently have.

The flat fee might be the best route if there are only a couple of positions. The firm simply pays for the best 2 individuals and the job is finished. A low cost fee or fixed fee would be better off served when there is a number of people to be hired. In this way, a savings can be realized when the cost of the promotion is compared to the money spent on a normal job advertisement. More enterprising business managers are making use of this type of promotion to hire a new worker.

Probably the most common career fair is in the education industry. Many school districts use this as a weeding out process in order to attract new talented instructors to the area. Since there is not a shortage of prospective candidates currently in this area, it is easy to put out the word to education schools and websites about an upcoming event. By posting the areas of need, it is typically a productive day with turnouts in the thousands. This makes the chance of find the right person a whole lot easier.
Good Career Tips and Places to help you find a job
Marie is a passionate recruitment consultant who trys to help many jobless and unemployed people with skills re-training. Marie works for RecruitmentRevolution, who specialise in recruitmentrevolution flat fee recruitment in the UK. For a low cost of £575, we will fill your company vacancies, doing away with the traditional agency fees. Read more on how much your business could save with an recruitmentrevolution.

By Marie Warren


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Senin, 12 Juli 2010

Tips for Searching for Hospital Jobs Online

In this day and time, the internet is a one stop shopping and information destination. Just about anything can be found on the internet. For this reason, many businesses are choosing to post job openings online because they know that more people are searching for jobs online rather than the old traditional ways of calling or looking in the newspaper. Searching for hospital jobs online is no exception. Hospitals and medical centers across the country and around the world are now posting hospital jobs online.

If you are searching for hospital jobs online, the first thing that you need to realize is that there are literally hundreds of thousands of jobs listed on the internet. Therefore, the best way to search for hospital jobs online is to narrow your search. For example, searching for hospital jobs online by location or job position will significantly decrease the number of websites that you have to sort through. One of the best ways to search hospital jobs online is to search by hospital or medical center. Most hospitals will post job openings on their website, so you can go directly to the source for job information.

One thing to keep in mind is that many hospitals will post jobs internally before they open them to the public. So, if you have a contact, friend or family member at a particular hospital, have them search for hospital jobs online via their intranet. This way, you will know about a job opening before the general public knows and can go ahead and submit and application or resume to the appropriate person. If nobody from the hospital applies, you will likely be the next runner up. In addition to searching for hospital jobs online, we also suggest that you contact hospitals of interest to see if you can submit a resume to the departments where you would like to work (such as nursing, maintenance, etc.) so that they will have your information on hand should a job opening occur.
University of Chicago Hospital
Services and Contact Information for University of Chicago Hospital

By Kathy Gupton


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7 Top Tips for Using Job Search Websites

Finding a job online is not longer a luxury or something reserved for only a few lucky people who know how to find job opportunities on the Internet. Today, anyone can get quick access to a large variety of job listings on major job search websites such as Superjoblist.com or Monster.com. Such websites allow you to post resumes and apply to a job through online forms. Newsletters and email announcements that let you know of new jobs in the areas you are interested in are also available and should be used extensively to get the edge on new listings. In addition to the actual job listings, you may also find resources on how to secure a job and how to make your CV more attractive. Here are a few general tips that apply to all major job search websites – assimilate these ideas in your job hunt strategy and your chances of success will skyrocket.

1. Use online and offline social networking to get more resources on new jobs and to get recommendations.

2. Don’t rely on a single job hunting website and try to diversify your search. There are literally thousands of niche job sites that might give you a better chance than a huge general job searching website.

3. Job search engine websites are also an interesting option – they work similarly to Google or Yahoo, but they only display results closely related to job offers.

4. Local websites should also be included on your list, together with national job listing websites.

5. In addition to creating profiles on job websites, also check with your Chamber of Commerce and local newspaper listings.

6. Job banks are another resource that can land you your dream job. Search by keyword, location, career type or any other relevant criteria and narrow down the list to only the most relevant available jobs.

7. When applying for a job, you should try to personalize the message as much as possible, and show the employer that you actually took the time to read through their ad and to go through their company profile. A simple copy-paste cover letter won’t do much good, especially if it is very vague and general.

Finding your dream job is not as difficult as you might think. However, remember that you are not the only one hunting for a good job, so expect some tough competition. Success won’t necessarily happen after one or two job applications, but perseverance and a good baggage of skills will definitely put you on the right track.
SuperJobList.com

By Michael Rad

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Selasa, 06 Juli 2010

Interview Nerves

The feeling of being nervous is something that happens to all of us, and during an interview, it’s no different…sweaty palms, butterflies and a dry mouth are all part of the ‘interview experience’.

There is no magic cure to interview nervousness, however, follow these simple tips below to make the experience that little bit easier.

Prepare! Going to an interview fully equipped is one of the best ways to prevent feeling nervous. Practise answering some common interview questions and prepare some questions to ask about the company / position you’re applying for. Swat up on the company’s background to prevent any potential embarrassments.

Plan your journey well in advance! Once you’ve been given your interview date, plan how you’re going to get there. If needed, make use of online services, such as streetmap – especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Without planning, you could find you’ll end up getting to the interview late, and this will just add to your feeling of nervousness.

Deep breaths! If you’re panicking, the likelihood is that you’ll be short breathed. Before going into the interview, take some deep breaths. When in the interview, talk slowly and clearly.

Drop your shoulders! When talking, try to drop your shoulders as this will help increase the feeling of being relaxed, and if your body feels relaxed, so should you.

Remember, nerves aren’t necessarily a bad thing and adrenaline is often a good thing, as it will help keep you on your toes.

Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia

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Learn How To Use Recruiters In Your Job Search!

by Nathan Newberger

I’ll quickly cover the following fundamentals:
A) Why use recruiters? The advantages.
B) How to effectively work with recruiters

FACT
Even for the most able job seeker, the job search can feel like a lonely process. You find yourself in a whirlwind of sending resumes, writing cover letters, juggling interviews all while networking at every opportunity. You do all this in order to the land the job of your dreams. But you don’t have to do it on your own. If you choose, you can have your very own agent (at least of sorts). This person is a recruiter. Using the right recruiter can help you to both better manage and improve the results of your job search. 


WHY USE RECRUITERS? THE ADVANTAGES?
 
 

#1 - THE POWER OF CONTACT:
As a part of his or her job, the successful recruiter has developed relationships within many different companies. Through these relationships, the recruiter gains an understanding of what the employer is looking for. This is knowledge that he can pass on to you as you prepare for interviews. Recruiters also have access to people that they have placed in other positions. From these people, the recruiter can gain an accurate picture of the work environment. This is valuable information for the job seeker for whom work atmosphere is an important consideration. 
 
#2 - GUIDANCE COUNSELOR:
While the average person may go on 6 job searches in a lifetime, the experienced recruiter has been on hundreds if not more. What this means is that he has tremendous experience in finding the right job. He is an excellent source for your job search questions. In addition, recruiters who specialize in placing newer candidates (those with less than 3 years experience) often give tips on items such as improving resumes and interviewing. 

#3 - HIDDEN JOB FACTOR:
Sometimes the best job opportunities are not posted for the general public. The needs of the employer may be too specialized to be described in a 3-line job posting. Or the employer may not have time to waste in sorting through hundreds of resumes that could come flooding in by placing an add in the paper or on the internet. In these cases the employer must rely on other sources to obtain the right person for the job. These sources often include trusted recruiters. 

#4 - ABSOLUTELY NO COST:
Most recruiters are paid by the employer once the employee has completed a certain tenure at the job (usually less than 1 year). Considering all the advantages mentioned above coupled with the lack of financial outlay, using a recruiter is something any serious job seeker should consider. 


HOW TO EFFECTIVELY WORK WITH RECRUITERS
 

#1 - COME PREPARED:
The successful job seeker does his homework. Before you meet with a recruiter give serious thought to items such as what you require in a new position and what types of companies interest you. If you are planning to interview while still on the job, think about when you can meet with prospective employers as well as when you can talk to the recruiter. Come ready to discuss all these things. Don’t forget to have your resume updated and your references prepared. You want to be ready to act when the recruiter presents a good opportunity. 
 
#2 - BE UPFRONT:
Clearly communicate your needs and preferences to the recruiter. This includes items such as salary, relocation, benefits, advancement opportunities and anything else that is important to you in your job search. Your being upfront will help the recruiter to match you with opportunities that you would genuinely be interested in. Remember may opportunities come across a recruiter’s desk. They won’t know what is right for you unless you tell them. In addition, be honest about your expectations of the recruiter. 

#3 - BE HONEST:
Do not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. The recruiter is representing you to prospective employers and you want him to represent your true ability and experience. If the recruiter believes that you are not being forthright, he may discontinue the relationship. One of the recruiter’s most valuable assets is his relationship with the employer. Dishonesty might jeopardize your chances of getting the job, the recruiter’s reputation with the employer and your relationship with the recruiter. 

#4 - BE PROFESSIONAL:
Don’t save your good behavior for the job interview. Show the recruiter that you are a talented and intelligent professional who is bound for success. Your interaction with the recruiter strongly influences his impression of the type of person you are. This in turn has a direct impact on the job opportunities that he sends your way. Remember, part of the recruiter’s advantage is that he has built relationships with people of influence at various companies. By sending an unqualified candidate to a job interview he risks damaging his credibility with the employer; therefore it is unlikely that he will do so.
To sum it all up, a recruiter can be an excellent tool to add to your job search arsenal. They offer a wealth of expertise and guidance in a process that can seem overwhelming. 

Selasa, 29 Juni 2010

Preparing for Your 2010 Job Search; 5 tips to get you ready

Robert Half International

job search

The good news: You have a job. The bad news: You'd like to find a new one, and the current state of the economy has undermined your efforts.

You don't have to wait out the storm. You can take steps to prepare for your job search. By laying the groundwork now, you'll be well-positioned once the job market recovers, giving you a valuable edge.

Following are five tips to get you started:

1. Update your résumé. The most essential element of any job search is an up-to-date résumé. If you haven't touched your résumé in awhile, dust it off and make sure it highlights your most recent skills, areas of responsibility and accomplishments. Taking a little time over several weeks to work on this document is better than rushing to complete your résumé all at once. Keep in mind that this draft of your résumé will serve as a starting point. You'll want to customize it to each position for which you apply.

2. Keep your profile current. Your professional profiles on networking Web sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook serve as an informal résumé for recruiters, who are more frequently using these sites to locate talented candidates. Make sure your profile is complete and current. Also, consider taking advantage of the extra features many of these sites offer. For example, LinkedIn allows you to secure recommendations from members of your network for display on your page. Adding a few to your profile can help you stand out from the crowd.

3. Put your best digital foot forward. In a competitive job market, a polished professional reputation -- both online and off -- can make or break someone's chances of landing a coveted position. As a result, it's important to get a sense of your digital footprint, or the presence you have on the Web. Building a strong reputation online, or remaking a poor one, can take some time.

Start by searching for yourself on several search engines. If you discover unflattering information, such as an embarrassing picture from a college trip to Mexico, remove it or ask the person who posted the information to do the same. You also should adjust your privacy settings on social networking Web sites to ensure that personal details or photos are available only to the people you select.

4. Make new friends. The best time to expand your network of business connections is when you don't need a job. Reaching out to new contacts now allows you to nurture the relationships. Maintain regular communication with your contacts and offer your assistance as necessary. When you launch your own search and you're in need, they'll be willing to return the favor.

5. Prepare your references. You'll need several people with whom you've worked to sing your praises to prospective employers when your search begins. So why not start identifying and reaching out to these contacts now?

Although most hiring managers ask to speak to three to five individuals, you'll want to prep more people than this. Like your résumé, your reference list should be customized for each opportunity. That means you'll want to be able to call on people who can speak to several different aspects of your career -- for example, your work ethic, management skills or ability to work with diverse audiences.

Check in with former managers and peers to ask if they would be willing to recommend you if contacted by a hiring manager. If it's been awhile since you've connected with a potential reference, arrange to meet for coffee or lunch, or send a note along with an article you think the person would find interesting. Let each person know you'll contact him or her if a prospective employer has requested your references.

Although you can't control the economy, you don't have to be a passive observer. By preparing for your entry into the job market now, you'll be ready to take advantage of new opportunities as soon as they arise.


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10 Job Search Tips for 2010

Winter, Wyman Co.



The New Year -- sure, it's a time to rejoice, be merry and have some fun, but to some folks it is a time to reflect on their lives, and yes (a big sigh here) that means making the ever popular New Year's resolutions. The most common resolutions are losing weight, paying off debt, saving money and getting a better job. Try looking beyond the recession and the "doom and gloom" of 2009, and make 2010 a bright new year by kicking your job search into high gear.

"No matter the market conditions, there are always companies looking to hire talented professionals, and those people who are prepared will be best positioned to take advantage of new career opportunities as they are uncovered," says David Sanford, executive vice president of business development at Winter, Wyman. Sanford says that people should always be looking for a new job (hey, you never know what's out there unless you're looking) and that the New Year is a great time to go out and make it happen.

If you want to know how to get yourself noticed and find your dream job during the New Year, follow these 10 tips for 2010.

Be ready to move.
As with all of life's opportunities, you have to be ready to strike when the iron is hot -- and sometimes even when it's heating up. No matter if your plan includes pounding the pavement for a new job or sitting back and waiting for one to come your way, make sure you have all the groundwork in place for a successful job search. Update your résumé, prepare a compelling story to tell about why you would consider a new opportunity and know whom you would use for references. Start becoming mentally and emotionally ready for a change so you are better prepared for when it happens.

Don't ignore the elephant in the room.
In soft economies, many people think it's safer to stay with their current employer than to risk taking a position with a new company -- and often it is. But don't ignore the elephant in the room and hope that everything will be OK. Even in the best of times, companies routinely are merged, acquired, imploded and overtaken, sometimes leaving hundreds and thousands of people looking for new jobs. Be prudent and always be aware of your business's conditions; keep your nose in the wind and your eyes and ears open for when it is the best time to move on to a new job.

Know thyself.
As people age and lives and goals change, so do their career objectives. Spend the time necessary to know what really makes you happy. Is it being an authority at work? Having a schedule flexible enough to see your kids play soccer on a midweek afternoon? Knowing the drug you are researching will someday eradicate a life-threatening disease? Have a heart-to-heart with yourself about what you want from your career and what steps would be necessary to achieve this goal. Have realistic expectations, but know that most career dreams are within our reach.

Step out of your comfort zone.
As human beings, we don't like to admit that we don't have all the answers, and it's uncomfortable for most people to ask for help, especially from those outside their inner circle. Asking for assistance and advice is the heart of networking and the single most important thing a person looking for a new job should do.

Your next opportunity could come via a tip or chance encounter with a former boss, colleague, neighbor, recruiter, barber, golf buddy -- but you will never hear about it if they don't know you are looking (even passively). You need to be courageous enough to talk to people you meet about what you ultimately want instead of regretting that you didn't mention it sooner.

Devote time to job searching.
Take a hint from the world's greatest athletes. Succeeding at anything takes practice and hard work. If you are trying to further your career, you need to devote the energy needed to make that change, and that takes time. Find a way to carve out the hours necessary, whether it's giving up an hour of gym time on Tuesday nights to attend networking meetings, or getting up early on Sunday mornings to search for leads and contacts online, establish some goals and set aside the time it will take to accomplish them.

Focus your résumé.
Most résumés are vanilla -- overview, titles, tasks, accomplishments and education. But companies want to see the sizzle and the steak. They want to see progression in experience, skills and responsibility and how you have contributed directly to your employer's, or former employer's, success. Make sure your document includes enough substance to explain the strategies and tactics you were responsible for, but also the intangibles where you made a difference. It doesn't have to be overly long or detailed, but back up any success claims with real facts and examples.

Join in and get connected.
There isn't a profession or industry on Earth that doesn't have a trade association, user group, online discussion board or fan club. Find one relevant to you and join it. Whether you are employed or not, opportunities flow from being around like-minded people, and professional associations and communities are where you need to be. They are a great way for uncovering hidden jobs, to further your knowledge and to make new relationships. Investigate which are appropriate for you and join in.

Sell yourself.
Unless you are a pompous, arrogant bore, you are probably not used to -- and are uncomfortable with -- talking immodestly about yourself, your attributes and shining moments. Get over it. Advancing in your career or finding a new job requires you to balance humility with bravado. Your résumé or a relationship may open a door, but you have to be prepared to march through it with a lot of confidence and a bit of swagger.

Find a way to get over any discomfort when talking about yourself and how wonderful you are. The best job candidate is one who truly believes he has something unique to offer and can articulate his message with words, body language and confidence. A hiring manager wants to fall in love with you; give her a reason to.

Narrow your thinking.
Don't try to be all things to all people, especially when looking for a job. You are not going to be good at everything you do, so don't fool yourself into thinking you are. Figure out what you want to do and where you want to do it, and narrow your search to opportunities that fit into your realm. Don't have interviews or networking meetings where you hope the other person can help you figure out what you want to do. The responsibility is yours; be targeted and specific about the jobs you want, skills you have and the companies for which you want to work.

Get started.
Self-assessment is important but can be paralyzing. Take the time necessary to be introspective and then craft your plan, but don't let those activities stall you from taking action. Talk is cheap -- get out there and take the steps to change or improve your career. Being proactive in your career will open up opportunities you never dreamed of and will start 2010 off right.


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