If you're in career transition and feeling discouraged, a job search expert has hope and advice for you.
"There ARE great jobs out there, but these days you have to work much harder in order to compete," says Deborah Schuster, Certified Professional Resume Writer and President of The Lettersmith.
"A common job search mistake is to rely solely on advertised positions or online job listings. The Internet has certainly revolutionized the job search, but old-fashioned career marketing strategies -- like networking -- still work best."
Ms. Schuster offers the following tips on marketing yourself:
1. Start with the right attitude.
"Employers don't want to know what you want FROM them; they want to know what you can do FOR them. Candidates who present themselves as someone who can help will always have an advantage."
2. Take an inventory of your skills and accomplishments.
How can you help your next employer? Can you reduce costs, improve revenues, or increase efficiency? Can you solve problems or manage projects? "Companies want employees who can produce bottom-line results, so list the ways your previous employer has benefited from your performance."
3. Prepare a stand-out resume.
These days, a good resume isn't good enough. It must be outstanding. Ms. Schuster, whose resumes have been published in "101 Best Resumes" says, "Your resume is a marketing tool - not a work history. It should answer the question 'Why should I hire you?'"
Ms. Schuster has critiqued thousands of resumes over the last 16 years. So what is the most common error she sees? "Not emphasizing accomplishments," she says. Duties don't sell. Accomplishments do."
4. Always include a cover letter with your resume.
In a recent survey, 86% of all hiring professionals said that a cover letter is important. Be sure the letter is tailored to the company. "A cover letter is not just 'wrapping' for your resume. It is an essential marketing document that may determine whether your resume is read or tossed."
5. Penetrate the "Hidden Job Market."
"Don't limit yourself to advertised positions and Internet job postings. By all means peruse them, but keep in mind that they represent only about 15% of all opportunities.
And if you post your resume on the Internet, don't just sit back and wait. "The Internet is a valuable and powerful tool - but networking is still the number one way to find a job." She cites a recent
New York Times Survey which shows that 64% of jobs are found through networking.
"In real estate the axiom is location, location, location. In the job search it's network, network, network," she adds.
6. Follow Up.
After sending your resume and cover letter, be sure to follow up with a phone call to the hiring manager. "Candidates who take this extra step will be noticed," says Ms. Schuster.
She adds, "The key is to conduct a proactive job search, rather than a passive one. This will give you a clear advantage in a changing economy."
