The job market is flooded like it hasn’t been in years. It’s a discouraging situation; but it’s anything but a hopeless one. In his book Get the Job You Want Even When No One’s Hiring, a colleague of mine, the career expert Ford Myers, explains how to differentiate yourself from the competition and find a great job even in these difficult times. Here are the key excerpts from my recent sit-down with Myers.

Q: What are the most important job search tools?

A: The key is to use the right tool, at the right time, with the right person, for the right purpose. The résumé is actually one of the least important job search tools. Other vital tools include the professional biography, target company list, testimonials sheet, professional references list, networking agenda, accomplishment stories, positioning statement and so forth. Using all these tools “synergistically” takes some education and practice; but once the approach is mastered, it generates exceptional results.

Q. What role does networking play in searching for the right job?

A: Before the downturn of the job market, I used to tell clients to spend about 75% of their time networking. In the current economic climate, I’m telling them to spend 90% of their time networking. For people in career transition, networking is no longer part of the job search — networking is the job search. Until someone comes up with a better idea, networking remains the single most effective means of researching, identifying and securing the right position. Of course, there’s a right way and a wrong way to network — so I’m obviously talking about a structured, proven, effective approach that consistently leads to interviews and eventually, job offers.

Q. How can one reasonably expect to land his dream job in today’s challenging job market?

A: The situation isn’t as hopeless as the media would have us believe. Most professionals are still fully employed. Even as companies are laying-off employees through the “front door,” many are quietly hiring candidates through the “back door.” But these positives don’t make the evening news.

To land a great job in this economy, it’s critically important to first take a look in the mirror and assess your attitudes and assumptions. Then, it’s a matter of developing a solid search strategy and following through with discipline and patience.

More than ever, candidates must match their strengths and assets directly to the employer’s needs and challenges. Rather than marketing their credentials and experience, job seekers must sell their proven results and tangible contributions. It’s a complex process to be sure, but it can be made much easier with career help and support. I strongly suggest that candidates seek assistance from such resources as job-search groups, professional career coaches, faith-based or municipal employment services, career seminars and workshops and so on. There is no shortage of information or guidance that job seekers can take advantage of! If candidates follow these suggestions, they will continue to find excellent positions — even if it takes a bit longer due to this difficult economy.

Q. How does an online presence help in a job search, and how does one go about creating such a presence?

A: In today’s world, candidates MUST have an online presence. It has to be positive, and it needs to project the sort of image you desire. Job seekers can create their online presence by posting their résumés online and by using blogs, personal websites, email campaigns and social media websites (such as LinkedIn). It’s also a good idea to buy the domain of your own name (www.yourname.com). Having a strong web presence is a great way to differentiate yourself. You’ll stand out as a technology savvy, smart self-marketer. Surveys show that recruiters like candidates whose online identity reflects a professional image, well rounded skills and a personality that fits their clients’ corporate cultures.

Q. What are some traits of highly effective job seekers?

A: By changing some job search behaviors and refining some career strategies, you can produce much better results. From my work as an executive career coach, I have observed the following traits in my most successful clients:

1. They network continually and effectively;
2. They seek help and professional support in the search;
3. They read career books and attend career seminars;
4. They leverage technology, to connect with their industry and build greater visibility;
5. They position themselves as experts by writing articles, giving presentations and leading professional organizations;
6. They act with speed and urgency, to get an edge over other candidates;
7. They take care of themselves physically, emotionally and intellectually;
8. They remain flexible and adaptable, to open up more career possibilities;
9. They improve/enhance all the documents in their self-marketing portfolio;
10. They identify industries that will emerge stronger when the market improves and position themselves to take advantage of these trends;
11. They consistently practice interviewing and negotiation skills;
12. They pay extra attention to their personal image, to present themselves in the best light; and
13. They watch and adjust their attitude, recognizing that job search is ultimately “an inside game.”

Conclusion

The bottom line bears repeating. Time are tough, not impossible. Those of you who can differentiate yourself effectively can still land not only jobs, but great jobs.

Wishing you career success!

Lauryn Franzoni

ExecuNet
www.execunet.com

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