As a professional resume writer and career coach the main way I stay connected with others in my industry is through email, forums, e-lists, and social networks. So it is really a treat to be able to spend uninterrupted face-to-face time with colleagues. 

During our visits I always try and bring something to the meeting that will help my colleagues. Although we are technically competitors – we all improve by sharing our knowledge and things we’ve learned form our successes and mistakes.  

For job seekers, it can be equally lonely and uncertain going through your job search. It is especially difficult if you have not looked for a new job before or at least not in the last five years. Now job seekers must understand new technology, new resources, social networking and the importance of developing and enlisting an effective network. 

A great way to get ahead in your job search is to find a job search partner to “workout” with. Just like when you are starting a new physical workout program or working towards a new goal, having someone to assist, support and hold you accountable can really make a difference. The most effective partner is one that is also currently looking for a job. They know first hand the stress, frustration, fears, and problems that come up during a job search. 

A job search partner reminds you that you are not alone in your job search. We all hear the high unemployment rates on the news, but sometimes it feels like you are the only one going through it. A partner is someone to vent with, share with, laugh and cry with, and someone to keep motivated. By helping someone else stay motivated you have a better chance of staying motivated and working daily at your job search. 

The person can also be very helpful in your search. The two of you can share strategies, useful websites, blogs, and social networks. Together you can cover twice the number of job boards, networking groups, and search strategies, even if you are not looking for work in the same industry or field.  

You also can help each other by telling others about your job search partner. If you are in the same field or industry you may find many contacts that may be able to help you and or your partner. Acting as their personal promoter and sharing their information with who ever will listen will help to spread their value to others. 

With so many advantages to having a partner in your job search – don’t wait. Find someone (and these days it is pretty easy) that is motivated and willing to work together to wade through the process. Two sets of eyes are better than one -  start today.

2. Recommendations – Get permission from each referral on your list – every time you look for a job. Remind them of achievements you would like shared when they are called for a referral. If you have reference letters make copies and keep the original at home so it does not get worn or damaged and can be used as a master copy. And don’t forget the Thank You letter! 

3. Computer – Job seekers need to be able to be contacted and be able to contact others during their job search. You must know how to send and receive emails, open attachments, send attachments, search the web, and post your resume online. If you do not know how to do some of this – go to the library, take a class, get a book or ask someone for assistance. There are just no options here. If you are not comfortable on the computer start playing around on it. You won’t break it – make it your friend! 

4. Networking Cards/Business Cards – While networking, attending social groups, joining associations, or just going to the car wash or gas station you need to be prepared for any opportunity. Instead of using a business card from your previous employment, invest in a set of networking cards. Include your contact information such as your name, address, phone, and email address. You can also include a website address, blog address, or a LinkedIn profile or VisualCV URL. Some job seekers have even included a set up Career Highlights on the back of the card that showcase their unique strengths. 

5. A Right Attitude! - The best resume in the world is not going to get you an awesome job that you deserve if your attitude is in need of a serious adjustment. Make sure you are grateful and positive, helpful and aggressive during your search. Don’t let yourself get too down, it will be noticed and could be a deciding factor – or deal breaker. Stay motivated by helping others, sharing knowledge and moving forward. 

Once you’ve got everything in place, you are ready to aggressively pursue your ideals jobs with confidence. Use your tools to garner leads, contacts, new friends and interviews and enjoy the journey!

Remember that Who song? “Who Are You – Who-Who, Who-Who?” Great tune! Always made me stop and think for just a second about who I was at that point in my life when I heard the song on the radio. For job seekers it can serve the same purpose when looking at your resume and trying decide what to put in it to make it work for you.

Who are you? Who do you want readers to meet? What do you need to let the reader know that will lure them in and make them want to read more about you? These questions are crucial in writing a powerful and effective resume. Three questions to ponder when developing your resume:

What do You Want Others to Know About You? – It is important to look ahead when writing your resume, look forward. What do you want to do now and in the future, not only what have you done in the past? (more…)