7 ways to make your job search less tedious

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Job searching may be at the bottom of your “fun things to do” list— but that might just be because you’ve hit the “job search wall.” It happens to the best of us, and it’s pretty common. But it can be reversed!

“Looking for a job is a universal source of anxiety,” says Steve Dalton, author of The 2-Hour Job Search: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster. It’s also intimidating, he says, given that there’s a seemingly endless number of job postings at your fingertips.

That’s the irony: while you have great access to job openings, having too many options can make the job-search process seem overwhelming. Monster asked career experts for their advice to avoid job-search burnout. Here’s what they said can turn those feelings of fatigue back into excitement.

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Staying Positive in the Job Search

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It’s no secret that job hunting at its very worst can be a demoralizing experience. When trying to sell your qualifications in a competitive job market, rejection is inevitable as employers have so many applications to choose from. For this reason, it’s crucial that you maintain a positive attitude toward your job search. In fact, your attitude toward your job search is as important as your strategy for conducting it; your results will certainly suffer if you feel negative, unengaged, or stressed out.

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If Your Job Search Isn't Working, Here's Why

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A job search can be a tough slog. It takes a lot of research, a ton of fortitude and a great deal of determination to navigate the talent market these days.
The easier a particular job is to get, the worse the job is likely to be! Job-seekers who have been on the market a few times become savvy. They learn to spot recruiters and hiring managers who don’t tell the truth, and to back out of job opportunities that don’t hit their gut the right way.

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6 Tips for Overcoming Job-Search Writer's Block

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Those words aren’t going to write themselves, you know.
It’s common for people to have trouble talking about themselves and their accomplishments. But when you’re putting together a resume or cover letter, you don’t want to have to struggle to get the words on the page. Writer’s block is a real pain, but I’ve got several tips to help you work through it as you put your application together.

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Five Stupid Job Search Mistakes That Smart People Make

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You’ve seen job search advice articles about embarrassing resume bloopers, like misspelling the word "running" to comic effect (“Instrumental in ruining entire office"). You’ve read about cringe-inducing interview mistakes, like asking the interviewer to "hold on" while you respond to a text message. And you’ve said to yourself, “I’m too smart to make a stupid mistake like that.”

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5 Attitudes That Lead To Job Search Failure

Your attitude can make or break your job search. Having a bad attitude -- whether that means you no longer care enough to put effort into your applications or you think no one is ever going to hire you -- is one of the fastest ways to fail in your job search. Having a good attitude, on the other hand, can help your cause as much as a bad one can hurt it.
"Attitude is vitally important in a job search, because it's the one thing out of the entire process you can control," says Dave Sanford, senior vice president of business development at Winter, Wyman, a Boston-based staffing firm. "You can't control if and when someone is going to call you back, or if the person liked you or what the economy is going to be like, but you can control your attitude and how you conduct yourself throughout the process."

Five attitudes that will get you nowhere in your job hunt:
1. "I'll never find a job." OK, so it may sound obvious, but a negative attitude will seriously hinder your job search. It will not only kill your motivation, but like the old saying goes, "If you think you can't, you probably won't."

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Job Search Errors You're Probably Making

Over the years, hiring managers have born witness to every hiring, interviewing, résumé, cover letter and negotiation mistake there is.

You know what these blunders are. We've told you several times. Yet you (and hundreds of other job seekers) continue to make common job search mistakes.

From those who see your mistakes over and over, here are common job search mistakes to avoid -- and some of them may surprise you.

1. You don't keep your options open
Candidates tend to think that if they interview for a job they will get an offer, so they do not apply and interview for multiple positions. They wait until one plays out completely, putting their job search on hold until knowing for sure they didn't get the offer. By having many more irons in the fire, you diversify the risk and disappointment that is inevitable when any single opportunity disappears. You also present yourself as a more passionate and energetic candidate. You're in the 'zone' -- a point where you're in the flow of information and ideas -- and that makes you more valuable.

2. You turn up your nose at job descriptions
Entry-level candidates are reluctant to apply for a position unless the job sounds like their 'dream job' or they have all qualifications listed. Rather than going on an interview to get more information, they base decisions about applying on the job description alone. They fail to see that all interview experience is good experience, or that, until there is an offer on the table, there is no decision to make.

3. You haven't perfected the thank-you note
Don't be too verbose with a thank-you note after an interview. Sending out a version of "War and Peace" can come across as desperate and needy for a job. However, sending a one or two sentence thank-you note comes across as flippant, not well thought-out and potentially shows indifference regarding the job to the employer. We encourage candidates to keep them to four to eight sentences.

4. You don't check your references
Always give out references that you've pre-screened. We sometimes see candidates give out references that were never checked with and the references feedback isn't always kind. Also, make sure they're predominantly managers. An occasional colleague is okay, but contemporaries and friends really don't carry that much weight in helping you land a position.

5. You've got poor business acumen
Managers are becoming more savvy and are taking candidates out to lunch for interviews. They want to see how you treat a restaurant staff and see the 'real' you. If you're rude to them or don't seem appreciative for their hard work to make your meal pleasurable, managers wonder how you'll treat contemporaries you work with.

6. You have a messy briefcase
A messy briefcase can imply the person is unorganized, messy and unprepared, and that their work will be less than optimal. Someone who is neat, clean, organized and prepared in all areas conveys they're serious about getting a job and working.

7. You discount temporary positions
Many employers coming out of a recession want to hire on a temporary or temp- to perm- basis. We have already seen several contractors be offered permanent positions after they have proven themselves. Not only will the temporary position pay some bills, think of it as an audition for a potential perm position, or at least a way to get a good reference for another position.

8. You have a bad attitude
Poor attitudes come through in telephone calls and in interviews. If you are not positive, why would a potential employer want to hire you? It may take some time, but by being positive, by doing all the right things, by seeing each position as an opportunity, it will happen.

9. You include too much work history
Many job seekers over 40 think that they have to take their work history back to their first job out of college. All that is needed is the last 10-15 years of your work history.

10. You use your work email address on your résumé
Some people do not regularly check their personal email, so they use their employers' email instead. This sends a negative message to potential employers that the job seekers will not hesitate to use their equipment for personal use.

11. You take "no" as a final answer
"No" usually only means "no" for that position.
If you are rejected for a job you should send a thank-you note, thank the employer for the opportunity, and wish them well. No one does that. When the next opening comes around, he'll remember you.

12. You lack tact
Be determined without being pushy. Calling or emailing to ask about the status of your résumé or interview can be a double-edged sword. A tactful follow up can place you top of mind with the hiring manager, while incessant calling or emailing can push your résumé right off the table.

13. You don't search for yourself on the Internet
Your would-be employer is probably going to look you up online, so you should know what is out there. Clean up what you can, check your privacy settings on social networks and if it is something you can't get down off the internet, you may want to consider talking to the company about it.

14. You have a 'death by bullets' résumé
Bullets are great but they need context. Keep them to one line, focused on a result and include a figure like a fact, percentage or number, put the information in a short summary of the position.

15. You've got a scattered strategy
Looking for a job in any industry and with two or three résumés is going to get the same result as the strategy: scattered. Job seekers with a clearly defined, focused and organized strategic approach to their job search end up with clear results -- and a new job.

16. You think it's about you
It is not about you and your need for a job -- it is about the prospective employer and their need to run a successful business and make money.
Many applicants mistakenly believe they will be an appealing candidate if they explain they will accept any type of job offer at any because they have been laid off, unemployed for an extended period of time, have children in college, or are having difficulty making the mortgage payments. Even if all of those circumstances are true, candidates need to craft a different message, focusing on how they can benefit the employer by saving them money, streamlining processes, creating additional sources of revenue and bringing overall value to the company.

Apply Now - Resume or CV with Job Post Title
Email: jobs@aarenconsultants.in

Job Search Advice Worth Ignoring

If you're looking for a job, chances are you're getting advice from a host of people -- your spouse, friends, former co-workers, maybe even your parents. Everyone means well, but not all of the tips you receive are valuable. In fact, some advice could even be harmful to your job search. How do you know which advice you should pay attention to and which you should ignore? Following are some words of wisdom you might not want to follow:

'You should ... blanket the market with résumés.'

Some people think you should send résumés to every job opening that interests you. The problem with this theory is that it assumes you are qualified for each of those positions, which may not be the case. If you apply to every job posting you see, whether you're qualified or not, you'll waste your time. Instead, identify positions that are a strong fit with your skills and experience, and research the employers to determine how you can meet their unique needs. By being selective and focusing your efforts on these roles only, then targeting your résumé to each opening, you give yourself a much better chance of finding the job you want.

'You should ... have a lot of contacts, even if they're not all close.'

When searching for employment, it pays to have as many contacts as possible. After all, the majority of jobs are still filled by word of mouth. But knowing someone won't do you much good on the job hunt if you don't know him or her very well. The people in the best position to aid in your search are those who understand the type of position you seek and the unique skills you can offer an employer. Armed with this knowledge, those in your network can keep an eye out for job leads that might fit your career goals and refer you to companies that are hiring. In addition, prospective employers may reach out to your contacts during the hiring process -- especially people who are linked to you through social networking Web sites. You want hiring managers to reach out to people who can speak knowledgeably about your professional abilities.

When establishing new relationships, go out of your way to make sure they will last. That means continually following up with those you've met -- by sending them articles of interest, for example, or meeting them for coffee on occasion -- and offering to help them first before you ask for assistance yourself.

'You should ... focus all of your efforts online.'

The Internet is a valuable tool for job seekers. Along with the aforementioned social networking sites, job boards, company Web sites and industry-related forums can also play a part in your search. But the Internet shouldn't be your only avenue for finding employment. In fact, one of the most effective ways to hear of opportunities -- and potentially land a new position -- is through face-to-face networking. So instead of putting all of your job search eggs into just one basket, attend trade shows, job fairs and conferences. And don't forget industry print publications, which can be good sources for job leads that you won't find online.

'You should ... skip the cover letter when applying online.'

Many people think that a cover letter is unnecessary when submitting a résumé online, whether by e-mail or through a Web site. This is a mistake, for a few reasons. First, because the cover letter is the initial document a hiring manager sees, it's your chance to make a strong impression. Second, the ability to express yourself well with the written word is a highly sought-after skill, something your cover letter can demonstrate. Third, if your résumé has something a hiring manager might question, such as a gap in employment, a cover letter is where you can provide clarification. And finally, executives understand a cover letter's worth. According to a Robert Half survey, 86 percent of executives polled said cover letters are valuable when evaluating prospective job candidates. Remember, your cover letter doesn't have to be a separate attachment; it can be the e-mail message itself.

You should always appreciate the job search advice that people give you, but take the suggestions with a grain of salt. Remember, you're the one looking for a job, so you need to be selective and apply the advice that works best for you.

25 Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search

You know the friend who constantly dates the wrong kind of person? The one who's endlessly frustrated that he or she is going to die alone because all the good ones are taken?

After enough venting sessions, you realize something your friend doesn't: He or she is the common thread tying together all of these -- let's just say it together -- losers. Someone needs to speak up and say, "You're doing this to yourself."

You'll find this same pattern can be true in a job hunt. Granted, we're in tough times and plenty of reasons out of your control can keep you from getting hired. But that's just one more reason to do everything within your power to be the best job seeker you can.

With that in mind, look over these 25 ways you might be unknowingly sabotaging your job search:

1. Assuming you'll never need to look for another job

You love your current job and that's great. If you're happy there and see a promising future, I hope you never have to leave. Nevertheless, you should always be prepared for the day you have to move on. Even if the boss loves you, things can change. Buyouts, economic disasters or changes in leadership can affect your employment. Continue to update your résumé while you're employed so that you have an accurate record of your accomplishments.

2. Burning bridges

We love the scenes in movies where the disgruntled employee finally tells off the boss and storms out of the office, only to live a happy, fulfilling life. In real life, these idols are probably unemployed because they don't have good references, and no employer wants to hire someone with a tarnished reputation.

3. Keeping mum on your job search

Most people aren't keen on being unemployed, and if you were laid off it's understandable that you don't want to spend all your time talking about it. But you need to network; it's one of the most effective ways to find a job. A friend of a friend of a friend often gets you the interview that lands you the job -- but that won't happen if no one knows you're looking for new career opportunities.

4. Looking for "The One"

Although you want to conduct a focused job search, you need to keep an open mind. With any luck, you'll land the perfect gig, but sometimes you have to take a job that possesses most of the qualities you want -- not all of them. If the pay is right, the requirements are in line with your experience and the opportunities for promotion are good, then you might have to overlook the fact that you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier than you'd like.

5. Not searching at all

This mistake probably seems obvious, but as anyone who's been on a lengthy job hunt can tell you, discouragement is easy to come by. A few weeks or months without a job and enough news segments on layoffs are enough to convince you that no one is hiring. Without question the market's competitive, but if you're not actively looking for work, don't expect it to fall in your lap.

6. No cover letter

Including a cover letter is an easy way to play it safe during a job hunt. Although not every employer wants one, surveys continually find employers who automatically remove job seekers from consideration if they don't include a cover letter. Why would you give any employer a reason not to hire you?

7. A generic cover letter

The only thing worse than no cover letter is one that could be sent to any anonymous employer. Starting with "To Whom It May Concern" and filling the page with phrases like "hard working" will signal the reader that you're blindly sending out applications to every job opening you see. Hiring managers are looking for someone who fits their needs, and their needs are different than another employer's. Don't treat them the same.

8. Typos

If you received a wedding invitation full of misspelled words and poor punctuation, you'd probably wonder why these two people didn't take the time to proofread the page. After all, it's an important event and a lot of people will be reading it. Employers will wonder the same thing about a résumé or cover letter filled with errors.

9. All "I" and not enough "you"

Your cover letter and résumé are definitely about you, but they're not for you. Employers are interested in you only in the context of what you can do for them. Whenever you reveal information about yourself, use it as proof that you offer something to the company that no one else can.

10. Giving bad contact information

When hiring managers like what they see on your résumé and cover letter, they're going to look for your contact information. If they see that your e-mail address or that your current work number is the best way to contact you, they're going to think twice before reaching out. The only thing worse is forgetting to include your contact information at all.

11. Running late

Every boss wants an employee who is dependable and a good representative of the company. Someone who's tardy to an interview is neither.

12. Dressing for the wrong job

Appearances matter in an interview, and you should dress for what's appropriate in your field. Find out what the dress code is before you show up so you fit in with the company culture. Wearing a suit when you're told jeans are the norm can make you seem stuffy; wearing shorts and sandals when everyone else is wearing suits makes you look oblivious. You're better off erring on the side of too professional than too casual.

13. Griping about past employers

Keep in mind that you're not guaranteed to be with any company forever. When you talk trash about your last company, your interviewer's thinking, "What are you going to say about me once you leave?"

14. Not asking questions

One quintessential interview question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Sitting there silently suggests you're not invested in the job. When you go to a restaurant, you probably have a few questions for the waiter. Shouldn't you be just as curious about a new job?

15. Not doing your research

Research for a new job involves two important subjects: the position and the company. Find out as much about the position as you can so you can decide if you even want it and so you can position yourself as the best fit for the job.

Knowing all you can about the company will help you decide if you like its direction and share its ideals. Plus, when it comes to the all-important "Do you have any questions for us?" portion of the interview (see above), you have plenty of material to cover.

16. Thinking the interview starts and ends in a meeting room

The formal interview occurs when you shake hands with the interviewer and ends when you leave the room. The full process begins when you're called or e-mailed to come in for an interview and it continues every time you converse with someone at the company. Were you rude to the recruiter or the receptionist? You never know what gets reported to the hiring manager.

17. Talking about money too soon

As eager as you are to land the job and cash your first paycheck, let the employer mention salary first. Broaching the subject first implies you're more eager about money than about doing a good job.

18. Acting cocky

You never want to beg for a job, but you should act as if you care about it. If your confidence level spills over into arrogance, you'll guarantee no employer will want to work with you.

19. Being so honest you're rude

Not every job will turn into a lifelong career, and you might have no intention of staying at the company more than a year or two when you interview. Still, hiring managers don't want to hear that you're taking this job just to pass time until you find a real job that you care about. You don't need to commit yourself to the company for a decade, but don't make yourself sound like a flight risk, either.

20. Forgetting your manners

Common courtesy can get you far, and in a job hunt you'd like to get as far as possible. After an interview, send a thank-you note (via e-mail or regular mail) to show your gratitude to the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. This will leave him or her with a good impression of you.

21. Stalking the hiring manager

If the interviewer gives you a deadline for hearing back from him or her, go ahead and call to see if a decision has been made. Do not call, e-mail and visit every day until you finally get a response -- which will probably be, "You definitely did not get the job."

22. Not keeping track of your applications

Because a job hunt can be lengthy, you should have a running list of where you've applied and whether or not you've heard back. Although you don't think you'll forget where you applied, after a dozen applications your memory can get fuzzy. Sending multiple applications to the same employer says, "I'm either disorganized or I'm just sending out bulk applications."

23. Not learning from mistakes

You're bound to make a mistake here and there during an interview. If a question trips you up, think about what went wrong and prepare for it the next time. Don't forget mistakes from your past, either. Look back at jobs you hated and try to avoid landing one of those jobs again.

24. Assuming you got the job

Don't ever assume you have the job until you actually hear the hiring manager say, "You got the job." Several factors can complicate whether or not you get hired, so don't halt your job search until you receive an offer. Keep searching for work because the deal might fall through at the last minute or you might find an even better job.

25. Forgetting the lessons you learned during a job search

When your hard work pays off and you do land a job, don't forget all the trials and trouble you went through to get it. Just because you have a paycheck doesn't mean you've looked for your last job. Remember how important it is to maintain a network, keep track of your achievements and have good references. If you do find yourself looking for work again, you'll have a much easier time.

Top 10 Reasons Your Job Search Isn't Working

You don't get it: You've scoured the Internet for jobs. You've blanketed the market with your résumé. You've sent a basic cover letter with every application. Why isn't anything happening?

While simply submitting your application materials and waiting for an opportunity to fall in your lap might have been enough to land a job at one point in time, the frustrating reality of today's job market makes that type of job search impossible. Instead, today's job seekers must go above and beyond if they want to stand a chance at landing a great opportunity.

Competing for work is a process that requires full engagement but generates significant momentum, says Jim Villwock, author of "Whacked Again! Secrets to Getting Back on the Executive Saddle." But, many job seekers get distracted in their searches and get frustrated when they don't see results right away.

"Initially, it is overconfidence that the process will be easy and [that] time should be carved out for family, sports and other activities that were neglected when working. The opposite is true. Getting a job is usually more work than being employed," Villwock says. "The core mistake is not procrastination, not working on a résumé or not going to a networking meeting. It is not knowing the process and working the plan to get the job that you deserve."

Here are 10 reasons your job search might not be succeeding:

1. You aren't networking

No one can help you find a job if you they don't know you need it. Your friends, family and previous employers all know someone who knows someone, so utilize their knowledge and connections as you look for work.

Additionally, make yourself (and your job search) visible on social and professional networking sites like BrightFuse, Facebook or LinkedIn. According to a survey by Robert Half International, 62 percent of executives think professional networking sites will be useful while searching for candidates in the next few years. Thirty-five percent of respondents said they would use social networking sites as a recruitment resource.

2. You're skipping the cover letter online

For some reason, people can't get used to the idea of how to submit a cover letter online, so they just skip the step altogether. Wrong move, people. Your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression or address any inconsistencies on your résumé. When sending your application via e-mail, your cover letter serves as the body of the e-mail and your résumé is attached.

3. Your cover letter is generic

Now that we know you have to send a cover letter, the next step is making sure that it's not generic. You need to tailor each letter to a specific job and person, while clearly identifying the aspects of your background that meet the employer's needs, says Ane Powers, managing partner at The White Hawk Group, a career management firm.

"Your cover letter is your ticket to the interview. The ticket is voided and placed in the 'thanks, but no thanks' pile if it doesn't scream 'I am a perfect fit for this position,'" she says.

4. You're procrastinating

Oftentimes, when we don't see the results we want, we get frustrated and worried. After applying to so many jobs without hearing anything, you just don't have the energy to update your résumé, write a targeted cover letter or follow up with a hiring manager, so you put it off until tomorrow, then the next day and the next day. But why put off tomorrow what can be done today? Your dream job is not going to fall from the sky, so continue to endure and be proactive in your search.

5. You're only searching for jobs on the Internet

While job boards and company Web sites are a great starting place to find a job, the majority of open positions are never advertised, Powers says. Communicate with people who can help you: human resource managers, recruiters and successful professionals will all be key in discovering new opportunities.

6. You're not doing your research

This might be the most basic piece of job advice out there, yet some people still choose not to follow it. Executives polled by RHI said 25 percent of candidates didn't have any knowledge of the company or industry to which they're applying.

Things change every day in business, especially in today's market. It's important to know of any changes going on at the company where you're applying. If you are applying for work in a new industry, do some research to prove that you can be a valuable addition to that field.

7. You're blanketing the market with your résumé

"Attractive candidates demonstrate strategic marketing. Blanketing the market with your résumé demonstrates desperation and lack of strategic thinking," Powers says. Don't send résumés to every single job opening out there. Identify the organizations that meet your requirements and go from there.

8. You're not following up

Too many job seekers assume that if they haven't heard back from an employer, it's because they've been shot down for the position. While that may be true, there is also every possibility that your résumé never made it to its final destination or it got lost in the flood of submissions. Eighty-two percent of executives say candidates should contact hiring managers via e-mail, phone or personalized letter within two weeks of submitting their résumés, according to RHI. Just contact the hiring manager to say that you wanted to confirm your application was received and ask if there is anything else they need from you.

9. You have too many distractions

Try to focus on only your job search for a couple hours each day -- don't check your personal e-mail, make phone calls or surf the Internet (unless it's for jobs).

"Conducting a job campaign is a full-time job. As with any job, to achieve results, one needs to set goals and develop an action plan to achieve the goals," Powers says.

10. You don't ask for the job

Many candidates are shy about being to outspoken or upfront about their desire for the job, but many hiring managers will be impressed with your candor.

"Employers are looking for candidates who are excited about the position," Powers says. Be forward and ask for the position by telling the interviewer why it is a good fit for you and the organization.

Top Secrets of the Holistic Career Search

Every day I talk to Fortune 500 Executives who can't get a grip on their overall job search. They ask the same questions: "Where should I start? Whom should I talk to? Should I just start calling recruiters?" Finding a job is a job in itself.

It starts on the inside: step back, do a gut check and take a holistic approach.

Ask yourself:

1. Why consider a job search in the first place?
2. What's really going to make me happy on the job, 40-60 hours a week?
3. What trajectory do I want my career to take?
4. If I start a search, what are the first steps to take?

#1: Why consider a search?
This is your key to success because it targets your motivation. In Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life (Zondervan) he says you need to get right with God. This cuts to the core of your spirit, your personal dream, and your overall satisfaction.

Is it all about money? (hint: that's almost never the case). A greater career challenge? Are you stressed out or just tired of your boss and the working conditions...or are YOU the boss and just bored with the industry, the company or the people around you?

Action:
Write down a few keywords or sentences about your real motivation and level of commitment. How much time are you willing to spend creating a resume, learning & conducting internet research on target companies, calling them personally and doing personal networking? Will you keep track of your calls? How long can you be unemployed?

#2: The Satisfaction Factor
At this very moment, what do you want to DO with your life? What are you lacking in your current position, and what's going to really satisfy you on the job, regardless of job title, industry, location or money? We hear "Life Is Short" all the time. Yet most of us are content to remain in our comfort zones. Only when that becomes unbearable do we reach out for advice and support.

For many, it's a chance to stand up and help others; you discover whole new challenges. You meet new people, create new relationships, and find greater value and substance to your days, and that's priceless.

#3: The Big Picture
Take the long view; don't be afraid to dream and imagine greater possibilities, meeting new challenges, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is your trajectory.

Talk it over with your spouse, good friends you trust, your Pastor, or co-workers who can keep a secret. Don't rush this; take some time and sleep on it. Think out of the box. I built a career helping others with their careers, yet certainly never thought I'd write six books on resumes and career marketing.

#4: Strategy and Execution
OK: So you've done some dreaming and pictured yourself in the ideal opportunity; how do you get there? Get online and search for job descriptions; talk to anyone even remotely related to the position or industry.

When you're sure about the skills you want to use, sidestep the fear and market your abilities. Track down the names and numbers of key players to contact and line up informational interviews to gain information about the job market, their company direction, their challenges and how you can help them. Such interviews can lead to job offers, it happens all the time.

Studies show only 5%-10% of jobs are filled through internet job sites and bulletin boards. Yet many executives, including those in our Career Workshop at Willow Creek Church, spend hours online seeking the perfect job. But Personal Networking is the single most effective approach to finding - even creating - the ideal opportunity. In fact, 60-70% of all positions are filled through Personal Networking: people who know people.

Real networks are created one call at a time, one person at a time. It can be slow and frustrating, but we see it work all the time. A good career coach can help you perfect the skill of calling companies and creating a 30-second snapshot of your best value and benefit.

Some Final Thoughts:
A job search is a chance to assess where you are right now. We all know life is short, and no one else can make it meaningful for us. It's up to us to get right with God and move forward with greater confidence and determination. It's up to us to use our gifts to add greater impact and meaning to our lives and the lives of those around us.

Seize the day.

Resume Mistakes That Will Kill Your Job Search

There are many things you don’t have control over during your job search. You can’t control whether or not a hiring manager will call you, what questions you are asked during your interview or if they will call you back for a second interview.

Thankfully, there are some aspects to the job search process that you can manage and the way you are represented in your resume is one of them; this is one of the main reasons why your resume is so important.

In order to create a successful resume, it is essential to be aware and avoid the following resume mistakes:

"Borrowing" Resume Copy
Resumes can be hard to write. It is easy to get stuck on how to best phrase your accomplishments or what to leave out of your resume. When difficulties arise, it is tempting to seek help from other sources, such as copying accomplishment statements from resume books or borrowing information from a friend’s resume. This tactic almost never works. It can also backfire on you. For example, if you copy from a book, you run the risk of the hiring manager reading that book and seeing your resume in there!

Your accomplishments, skills, and abilities deserve to be showcased in an original way that best sells you. Take the time to create your own style and look to your résumé.

Writing a “Me-Oriented” Introduction
Your objective or profile statement is the first section of a resume that hiring managers read. This section must be compelling and showcase the immediate contributions you can bring to an organization. This can be the hardest part of the resume to write and unfortunately, most job seekers don’t pay much attention to this section. Many write a statement that is meaningless.

For example, the most famous resume introduction – Seeking a challenging position where there is room for growth. What is this objective statement really saying about you? Nothing at all! By using this type of introduction, the only message you are sending to an employer is that you are not interested in the hiring organizations needs, only your own.

Unfocused Job Objective
Without a doubt, writing a resume with the premise of, “I don’t care what type of job I get, I just need a job,” will lead to failure. A resume must be targeted to a specific objective. If this means that you need to develop more than one resume for each job objective, then so be it.

A focused job objective tells the reader the type of position you are seeking and describes key marketable and transferable skills you can offer.

Poorly Written Resume Copy
Many job seekers try to write a resume in an hour without taking inventory of their qualifications or researching the hiring organization. They also don’t take the time to evaluate who they are, what they can do for an organization, and why an organization will want to hire them.

Compelling resume copy has three criteria:

1. Key understanding of the audience
2. Strong, succinct message of qualifications
3. Relate past successes to the hiring organizations immediate needs

If your resume doesn’t meet these three criteria, it won’t make the needed impact on the hiring manager.

Wrong Resume Format
The resume format you choose to showcase your career history is very important.

The two widely used formats are:

• The chronological resume arranges your experience and education in chronological order, with the most recent dates first.
  
• The functional resume highlights specialized knowledge, marketable talents that are in demand, and your strong vocational and transferable skills.

Regardless of which format you choose, be certain that the format supports your objective.

No Visual Impact
Fortune 500 companies spend a great deal of money on product packaging and presentation because they know customer’s buying decisions are influenced by how a product looks. This same philosophy holds true for a hiring manager. When they have to sift through a pile of resumes, they will automatically be drawn to the resume that is easier for them to read. Combined with strong resume copy, a clean and easy to read resume layout will generate more positive responses.

Over-use of Bullets
The only purpose of a bulleted statement is to draw the reader’s attention to key accomplishments. If every statement is bulleted, the reader will have a difficult time differentiating between them. Also, for maximum visual impact, combine the use of paragraphs and bulleted statements.

7 Job-Search Mistakes New Grads Make

This year's crop of college seniors is, unfortunately, graduating to a soft job market. A weak economy means fewer opportunities -- and greater competition for every single opening.

Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, says, "In today's employment environment, there is less room for error when looking for your first career opportunity."

Don't let one of the following seven missteps cost you the career of your undergraduate dreams.

1. Keep It to Yourself

When you're looking for work, you want your burgeoning network to know it. Messmer, author of "Job Hunting for Dummies, 2nd Edition," advises, "Spread the word about your job hunt to everyone you know, including family members, friends, professors and former coworkers." Make use of online networking sites and reach out to your local business community and staffing firms.

2. Treat Every Opportunity Equally

One resume does not fit every job opening, so don't use the exact same document or cover letter when you apply to different companies. States Messmer, "Tailor each resume and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and try to obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter. A little detective work can go a long way in helping you stand out."

3. Make Careless Errors

Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. Every document you send to a potential employer must be error-free. Go through your resume, cover letter, emails, thank-you notes, and any communication with a fine-tooth comb to make certain they don't contain typos or grammatical errors. If you're not a grammar guru or lack an eagle eye, Messmer suggests, "Ask a detail-oriented friend to review all of your job-search materials."

4. Don't Do Your Due Diligence

When applying for a position, go beyond the job description to find out about the company as a whole. A little online research can go a long way, according to Messmer. He says, "Applicants who uncover beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and the company are better able to communicate specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success."

5. Air Your Dirty Laundry

Before you meet someone in the flesh, online image is everything. Pictures of you goofing around with friends may seem funny, but they also may lead a recruiter to question your judgment, especially if they are salacious in nature or show you doing things that are illegal.

Messmer urges applicants, "Don't post anything that would appear unprofessional (think spring break photos, rants about a former employer, etc.) to a hiring manager or recruiter."

6. Act Casual

Once you begin your job search, make certain that you're acting like the professional you aspire to be. States Messmer, "Keep land line and cell phone voice-mail greetings clear, professional, and succinct. Likewise, avoid using off-color or overly cute email addresses or signatures."

7. Forget Your Manners

You probably won't get every job you pursue, but it is important to be gracious to everyone you encounter on your journey to employment. "Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in your job search, whether or not their efforts on your behalf are successful. Also be sure to send thank-you notes to every hiring manager you meet," he says.

Use the Friend System for Your Job Search: Five Tips

A lot of situations in life are easier when you have a friend at your side. Take, for example, losing weight. Many people who have tried for years to shed pounds are more successful once they start working with a friend. Programs like Weight Watchers have a support system to keep members going, offer words of encouragement and provide a helping hand when the going gets tough.

Now imagine what a similar support network could do for your job search. Utilising a "friend system" where you and a friend team up to look for new jobs may yield similar success. Here are a few ideas to get your own friend system started:

1. Find a friend in a similar situation.
You're probably not alone in your search for employment. Ask a friend or neighbour who is in a similar situation to team up with you. This will work best if you and your friend are not vying for the same jobs, so seek out someone who is in a different field. Make sure you join forces with someone you can count on and who is equally motivated to get a job.

2. Set ground rules.
If you were training for a marathon together, you would sit down and come up with a training plan, decide on the number of days and distance you would run together, and hold each other accountable. You and your job search friend need to do the same thing. Talk about your goals and what you expect from the other person. Schedule a weekly "check-in" to share ideas and report on your progress. Your partnership could also include sharing of leads and contacts. Keep an eye out for opportunities that the other person would be interested in.

3. Develop your plan of attack.
Next, figure out how the two of you will approach the search. Will you share and critique each other’s C.V.s and cover letters? What about rehearsing interview questions? Consider attending job fairs together. Share online job search and company research results. Brainstorm contacts in your respective networks and swap names and information. Go shopping together for the perfect interview suit.

4. Tag team at networking events.
Networking events can be less intimidating and more manageable if you attend with a friend. Split up at events and agree to look out for the other person’s interests as well as your own. Let’s say, for example, that you are looking for a marketing position and your friend is interested in graphic design. You are likely to find contacts for both at the same events, so agree to introduce each other and speak on each other’s behalf.

5. Practice, share ideas and support each other in challenges.
One of the best things about searching with a friend is having a confidante you can talk to. You and your friend can grill each other before interviews, discuss company facts, and debrief after each screening and interview. You can remind one another to follow up on leads and send thank-you notes in a timely manner. You can also bounce ideas off each other like salary negotiation tactics and money-saving tips to keep expenses down while out of work. Your friend can also offer a shoulder to cry on if you don't get your dream job and need a consoling ear.

There are many more things you and your friend can help each other with, from critiquing your personal sales pitch to offering honest opinions on companies and offers. The bottom line is that two heads -- and groups of contacts -- are always better than one. Working with a friend will double your resources and put another person in your corner to support you, no matter what.