Six Ways to Get Back in the Job Market

If you have been out of the job market for a while, you may feel intimidated by a job search. But don't be. Whether you have been comfortable in your current job for a long period and want a new challenge or even change career, or you are retuning to work after spending time away raising a family, you can make a smooth transition back into the into the job market. Here are some tips and tricks that will prepare you to look beyond the obvious when searching for a new job.

1. Have a plan The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true today as it has ever been. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your career plans and ambitions. If you are just embarking on your career it is important to join an organisation noted for its training. Some organisations have built up reputations as excellent training providers or promoting from within, for example, and are industry-recognised as leaders in their field.

2. Become Internet savvy Most online job boards, offer job seekers the opportunity to register their details and CVs onto a database that can searched by potential employers, recruitment consultancies and head-hunting firms. This puts your details in the public domain and increases your visibility in your chosen marketplace. And, most job boards will allow you to block your current company from seeing your details, so you don't have to worry if your boss discovers that you are actively looking for another job. Create your own blog. Writing a blog gives you the opportunity to become a leading authority on your business. It also gives potential employers an insight into your character and -- if you keep it updated -- dedication. Blogs can act as a personal PR tool too because you can link your blog to other blogs to create a network and this will further enhance your credibility and profile.

3. Become an expert in your field One of the most effective ways of getting noticed quickly is by attracting media attention. I am not suggesting that you have to go the extremes of appearing on "60 Minutes" or "Newsnight." But, writing articles for your trade publications or running seminars and presentations to business leaders will position you as a leading authority. The media will know you and so will potential employers.

4. Put it about and open some doors The power of networking cannot be underestimated. Think of it like speed dating for workers -- self-promotion to impress a potential suitor (employer). Admittedly not everyone is comfortable schmoozzing with a room full of strangers. But, networking can enable you to gain access to the hidden job market and it can take place at industry functions, breakfast meetings, online or even at the bus stop. From a self-marketing point of view, networking can increase your chances of getting your next job by as much as 33 per cent, according to Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute?" Keep your conversations short to give yourself the opportunity to speak to as many people in the room as possible. The more business cards and contacts you make the better.

5. Ask questions If you are considering changing your career, ask someone who does the job that you want how they got where they are. People love to talk about themselves, it's human nature. And, the more people that you talk to, the more you will identify the key traits needed to achieve your ambition - and know what pitfalls to avoid.

6. Phone a friend Personal recommendation and word of mouth are one of the most effective forms of advertising. Some career analysts suggest that 80 per cent of vacancies are not advertised. After Y2K, a new school of marketing thought emerged that questioned the effectiveness of advertising in the modern age -- when did you last see Starbuck's advertising? They don't. But everyone has heard of Starbuck's. So, contact ex-colleagues to unearth potential opportunities, and get client testimonials to add to your CV. And, increase your chances of being found by posting your CV on the CareerBuilder.co.uk database and let potential employers find you. Paul MacKenzie-Cummins spent several years working within the online recruitment media. He is now a freelance writer specialising in all issues regarding careers, workplace issues, recruitment, interviews, and hiring trends.