How to Shorten a Job Search

Finding a job nowadays can be a tough job in and of itself. Want to speed up the process? Follow these steps to help expedite your job search.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Newspapers
• Internet Connection
• Business Cards
• Personal Contacts

1. 

   Consider your experience. When you apply for positions in your current field you will be more likely to get a gig that way. While you may want to change careers, you can do that by relying on existing skills. Jumping into another field may be harder, especially if you are on a timeline. If you need to get a job quick, stick with what you have.

2. Leverage keywords. Assuming you have a powerful resume, give it that extra something by using keywords. Scour the Internet to find applicable keywords that show your competencies and optimize your resume with them or list them above your professional experience.

3. 

   Cover all avenues. A speedy job search cannot simply rely on the Internet, so you have to include in-person networking. Don't discount recruiters either. They know about opportunities that you may be unaware of. And certainly do not discount contacting a company directly--that initiative may be exactly what they are looking for!

4. Put in the time. You can get a job more quickly if you are willing to put the time into your search. So don't think that an hour of blasting out resumes is it. Be persistent and take the time to keep looking at jobs online and in newspapers, and also to attend networking events and make personal connections.

5. 

   Go on interviews--any interview if you have to. You may not want the job, but if you need one, go for it. Another plus to going on interviews when you do not necessarily want the job is that you may find out it is something you are interested in. If not, you get more practice interviewing--never a bad thing!

6. 

   Use social networking. LinkedIn is the perfect resource for making connections and getting updated contacts to use in your job search. It is not just for social purposes; many people use this form of social media over sites like Facebook and Twitter to gain career leverage. Why shouldn't you?

[km23704]

on 11/12/2009 Short and concise. The pointer on Skills is very right on in todays market

[DiscountTickets]

on 11/6/2009 Such great information, thanks for sharing.