10 Secrets to Finding a Job – Despite a Scarce Job Market

Every time we turn on the news, we seem to be bombarded with discouraging news about the job market. However, there are open positions that can be found, with persistence. Here are 10 ways you can stay positive and greatly increase your chances for great results. When you take action toward something you want, you remain more positive and feel more in control of the situation.

1. Strive to be the best in your profession – Demonstrate at every opportunity how you can add value to an organization. Show what distinguishes you from your competition. This applies whether you are currently looking for a job, or whether you already have one.
2. Brand yourself – How are you unique? What are your strengths? Who is your target audience? Do you have a personal brand statement? If you’re not sure about the answers to these questions, take the time to reflect on them so you know just what VALUE you offer a new employer, or your current employer.
3. Network constantly and consistently – Join Internet networking groups such as LinkedIn and FaceBook. Also, join local and national professional organizations, such as your local Chamber of Commerce, or the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), to name a few.
4. Develop a relationship with a recruiter – especially one that works in your field. Being in their database isn’t enough, you want to be the one that comes to mind when they have a position for which you’d qualify.
5. Think about freelancing – Become more entrepreneurial, whether you work for yourself or someone else. Visit sologig.com. This is a site that hosts jobs just for freelancers and contractors.
6. If you are out of work, join a support group – The Career Conquerors Job Club or the Job Hunters Success Coaching Club – either one is a terrific place to start. Each week people support one other and provide leads and advice to others in the group.
7. Embrace change – Keep your job skills up to date. Create a personal website, or at least a great profile (ask about the 60 Second Commercial) on websites such as LinkedIn and FaceBook. Take a class.
8. Prepare for an evolving job market – Look for trends in the job market where there is increased hiring. Growth industries include health care, education, and green living, to name a few.
9. Your resume is what gets you interviews – Make sure it shows the type of position you want, how you have the skill set for that type of position, and how you have used your skills to make a difference in the various jobs you have held. It must show VALUE, and it must look great, so an employer will pick up the phone and call you.
10. Make sure your credentials and skill set matches the employers job requirements – Pay attention to the employer’s requirements or job posting – you should match about 75 – 80% of what they want.