Landing a New Job

Developing a strategy can help you focus your search and, ideally, help you overcome that sense of desperation. Also, consider these other mistakes to avoid when job-hunting:

1. Relying solely on ads and online job sites. Jobs often are not advertised, and the only way to find them is by networking. Many employers prefer not to advertise on the Internet. They prefer to fill vacancies in more personal ways. Job hunters who go on the Internet, typically only 10% or less are successful. That means finding and contacting companies that can use your skills. Find a live human being there that you can connect to so you're not just another resume coming in the door. Contact that person via email or telephone, and say, for instance, "I understand you're in the process of rolling out a new product. I would like to talk to you about how I can support you in this." Also send your resume and a letter "packed with reasons for them to want to talk to you." At small to mid-size firms, try simply walking in the door, resume in hand -- but keep in mind that not all employers appreciate this. Get yourself looking professional. Walk into reception. "I understand you posted an ad for this. I know it said to email the resume. I personally wanted to drop one off." It shows tremendous initiative to be able to do that. It sets you apart from 90% of job seekers out there, and it gets your resume to the top of the pile in hardcopy. Still, at a larger company, you'll likely need to find somebody to drop off your resume for you. In that case, your network, as well as online sites can be invaluable for making connections.
2. Don't make your resume a list of activities. Job seekers often think their resume is for listing "everything I've ever done in my life." Don't do this. This is a marketing vehicle. This is your company brochure. It's your brand statement. It's got to tell your story. Focus on detailing your achievements, not listing what you've done. Quantify your successes, whether in dollars or time saved for your previous company, or in customers retained. Also, your resume should be tailored to fit the company's job description so it catches the eye of the person doing the initial resume sorting. Also, your resume's story should parallel what you say in the interview. More resume rules: Two pages maximum, and no colored paper or cute graphics. If you drop off your resume, use a slightly heavier paper so it stands out from the stack the company printed out from emails.
3. Don't go to the interview unprepared. If the company recently made an acquisition or unveiled a new product, you need to know, and be able to speak intelligently about the company's needs and culture. Companies loved to be loved, just as much as individuals. Another way to prepare: Come up with two or three messages you want to get across to hiring managers. Again, tailor these to match the job description. Why? More than one person is going to have to approve hiring you. If you've presented a coherent story about your achievements and how they fit the job's requirements, you're more likely to be considered as a contender.
4. Don't confuse "networking" with asking for work. Networking is about developing relationships. Contact people you know to ask for advice; don't ask for work. Tap their expertise about their industry and company, and what advice they have for you on the job hunt. Also, don't ask chance acquaintances for a reference, but tap them for information on their firm's hiring process, its culture and even the name and number of the person doing the hiring. Networking is developing relationships that may not have an immediate payoff tomorrow but certainly in the long run are very helpful.
5. Don't treat support staff poorly. Sixty-one percent of executives said they considered their assistant's opinion important when evaluating job candidates. No matter how stressed you get, keep in mind that if you're not as nice to the front desk person as you could be, that information always gets back.
6. Failing to tap resources. Many college career offices offer their services to alumni of all ages. Also, search for local nonprofit and for-profit career-counseling agencies. Along with networking opportunities, support groups can help job seekers maintain a positive attitude.

Finally, while you're job-hunting, consider volunteering or taking a class at a local college. The experience will keep you connected and may lead to achievements that will serve you well on your resume.

[By Andrea Coombes, MarketWatch]