1. Step outside your comfort zone. Avoid limiting your search to your current industry or field. Identify your transferable skills and experiences, and communicate them to prospective employers.
2. Be flexible. Remain open to all possibilities, even if the job title, salary and benefits may not be exactly what you hoped for. Once you get your foot in the door, you will have a chance to prove yourself.
3. Cast a wide ‘net.’ General job boards can be useful, but don’t forget industry and trade association websites, which may have more targeted career opportunities.
4. Network—online and off. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job, whether in-person or using professional networking websites.
5. Manage your digital footprint. Think your friends are the only people who viewed those less-than-professional vacation photos you posted online? Think again. With a few mouse clicks, potential employers can dig up information about you on blogs, personal websites and networking site profiles. Make sure you do a thorough self-search and take any necessary corrective action.
6. Customize. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each opportunity. Employers want to see why you’re the right person for their job.
7. Enhance your marketability. Find out what skills are most in-demand and take courses to give yourself an edge in these areas. Focus on sharpening both your functional and interpersonal skills.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
