What do you do when your job search is not working?

I was sorry to hear of your problem. I work as a recruitment consultant and quite frequently come across people in a similar situation.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but may I say that 30 CV's in 3 months is not a lot. The average advertised position receives 250 applications. You need to be applying to 30 positions per day!

Try using internet job sites. I'm not sure what there is in the US, but to get an idea try looking at www.reed.co.uk or www.jobserve.co.uk. Agencies use these to advertise their vacancies as well as employers.

If you are finding it hard to get interviews, you need to find your selling point. Whatever it is that you can offer the company over and above all other applicants. Do or say something unique that will make you the one person out of 250 that they remember.

Last but not least, when you get that interview, stay focused, research the company before you go and remain cool, calm and professional.

Answer

Sign up for five or six general internet job sites like monster.com and careers.com. Post your resume on each, and take time to be specific and make sure it clearly communicates your strengths and skills. Also sign up for four or five industry-specific sites.

Here's a hot tip: Employers pay most attention to the newest resumes. So, change something minor on your resume each week, and it will show up as "new."

Search the sites on a daily basis and apply for the jobs that interest you. DON'T assume because your resume is on the site, employers will find you. It just doesn't work that way. If you're unemployed, you should be actively job hunting at least from 9am to 5pm every weekday.

Reconsider the jobs you are applying for. Are they the ones you are MOST qualified for? Or are you reaching too far?

Customize your written or email resume for each position, targeting their needs. If an ad requests "friendly, smiling people" mention your customer service award. If it requests a "team player" mention the projects you lead.

Emphasize your achievements and awards on the resume. Employers interview candidates, but they hire based on achievements.

Network with other professionals in your industry, the chamber of commerce, Rotary, and other organizations. You'll hear about the 75% of jobs that aren't advertised. Some job hunters have business cards printed up with their name, title, and contact info just for this purpose. (If you can't afford cards, you can get them free at vistaprint.com. You pay only postage and handling.)

If money is tight, consider working for a temp service or taking a lower-level job in your field. The old adage that "it's easier to find a job when you have a job" is correct. And good luck! I know there's a great job out there for you.

Answer

It always takes me awhile to recover from the past job and then to find the next. Networking has always come through, but sometimes it takes months. I have several avenues to find "survival jobs" since it keeps me focused on the job hunt, keeps me out there and away from TV and pays the most basic expenses. Substitute teaching, temp jobs (I take anything, call first thing in the morning with availability: dressed and ready to go) and/or an evening job.

First answer by Dee Dee. Last edit by Sdresh. Contributor trust: 250 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 233 [recommend question]