Great thoughts, Tim. It's very important to project a positive image to people around you when you're looking for jobs, because that will give them incentive to help you out. Nobody likes someone with a negative attitude, even though you may have every right to be frustrated when you've been job hunting for a long time.
Another way to get a job faster is on the organizational front. The better you keep track of your applications, the people you've spoken with, current events about the company, etc., the more likely you are to break through. Simple errors like forgetting to follow up are a big reason why people don't get offers. I think Huntsy (http://www.huntsy.com) is solving a lot of these problems with our job organization tool. There's plenty of stress involved in this process, so by eliminating the need to think about the little (and time-consuming!) things, we free people to focus on the big items, such as preparing for a networking event, polishing up their image, etc.
Cezary from Huntsy.comof NY5:43PM April 18, 2012
Great article Tim! These steps not only give job seekers a better chance of getting a job, but they can really make someone feel better and more in control of their job search too.
I especially like the last piece of advice about Helping Others. It seems like good things always happen to us when we're helping someone else. Look to your networks (Fbook and Linkedin) and reach out to some people who may be in the same boat as you. You never know what opportunities they might know of!
Seth of NY2:58PM August 31, 2011
Thank you for this article Tim. This list is a great reminder for what job seekers need to focus on as preparation in their job hunt.
To go "outside the box" of your post here, I also look to the other side of the equation and have a few comments.
If everyone who is working would take one unemployed person "under his/her wing" and make that job seeker his/her project, we would see the unemployment rate in this country go down.
We, all, have had enough of the unemployment situation, however, it's one thing to talk about it and quite another to take action. Please join the movement and get involved. Sometimes people looking for work just need a support system and someone they can rely on for feedback and to bounce ideas off of when uncertain. There are many opportunities to help whether it be online or within your community.
Just one person... reaching out to another person.
Cyndy Trivellaof KS12:37PM August 31, 2011
It was ironic that after our weekly HireFriday Twitter chat on Friday (hashtag #HFChat) about this very topic that Hurricane Irene slammed into the East Coast adding insult to injury for those already slammed by the current economic tides. I am working with one job seeker who has been unemployed for two years, is about to lose his home and got to sit around in the dark over the weekend to further consider his plight. Emergency crews rush to the rescue of people hit with natural disaster, but often the pain goes beyond physical acts done for them in the line of duty. What is needed is an action plan to provide job assistance from all available sources, not just the government.
I feel ashamed that I have told so many job seekers to stay positive without really thinking that it takes more than just kind words to keep someone afloat when there is a feeling that all the forces around them are holding them down. Recent events have jogged my thinking for a personal plan to provide deeper assistance, but there needs to be a broader movement toward helping our fellow man. I would suggest that everyone consider what they can do to force change.
1. Volunteer personally to assist job seekers in training, resume writing and job search techniques. Employee referral programs are one of the most productive sourcing techniques to fill company jobs. Refer a friend.
2. Participate in local organiations that provide relief beyond food and shelter. Professional associations have tremendous local clout and only need someone to start the wave for it to continue.
3. Follow social media volunteer groups such as HireFriday (hirefriday.com) and be an online leader in a more global job seeker assistance.
4. Encourage elected leadership to put jobs before politics. This is not the time to impose additional restrictive policies on business that only exacerbates the jobless situation in our country.
I am only one voice. I am glad that USNews.com devotes the time and effort to publish and promote a careers section and would encourage others to do so as well.
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Cezary from Huntsy.com of NY 5:43PM April 18, 2012
Seth of NY 2:58PM August 31, 2011
Cyndy Trivella of KS 12:37PM August 31, 2011
Tom Bolt of CT 9:07AM August 31, 2011