Use Job Alerts

Tired of endlessly going back to the same job boards or company websites?  Most allow you to set up job alerts using criteria you set.  What does this mean?  When a job that matches your criteria is open these alerts will notify you by email.  This is easy, convenient and keeps you from the boredom of constantly checking certain websites.

Get Your Resume in Front of the Hiring Manager

Seek out the hiring manager for the position you are applying for.  With so many people applying for the same job most resumes are overlooked.  Instead of sending off your resume blindly see if you can find out who the hiring manager is through people you know at that company, through LinkedIn or basic networking.  This will help your resume get to the top of that pile and to the eyes of that important hiring manager.  This will give you a huge advantage.  This is easier said than done but if you can find a way to do it, it will pay off.

Riley Guide - Free Career and Employment Information

Check out the Riley Guide.  This site provides a wealth of free career and employment information.  They have resources including how to search for a job, resumes and cover letters, networking, salary guides and much more.  Take some time and look around this website.

Job Keyword Trends

Times and jobs are always changing but current trends point towards social marketing and technology.  Indeed.com, a search engine that pulls job listings from thousands of places recently listed the ten most frequent keywords found in these job listings.  Here is what they found below in no particular order.

-Facebook
-iPhone
-Sharepoint
-Virtualization
-Social media
-Twitter
-Blogger
-Cloud computing
-Certified nurse assistant
-Patient care technician

Try your own keyword searches while job hunting and compare the number of jobs that show up for each keyword.  Follow the trends, add keywords to your resume and show that your up to date with technology.  Remember don't lie here if you don't have certain experience.

Keep Your Resume up to Date

Keep your resume up to date even if your not searching for a job.  You never know when you may need to provide your resume and this is something you don't want to rush so be prepared ahead of time.  A resume tells a potential employer your qualifications and sells you to the employer.  An up to date resume not only has you prepared ahead of time it will also be fresh in your memory during interviews.

10 Things Smart Job Seekers Do

Found another insightful article on things smart job seekers do.  Check out this article here.  Feel free to share if anyone has any to add or found some of the tips to be useful.

Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

Found an interesting article about ways to use LinkedIn to find a job.  LinkedIn is a great networking website which we have featured before.  Check out this article here to learn more.

Join Industry Related Groups

Join groups related to your industry and attend their meetings.  These associations can be added to your resume, you can learn new things and be up to date in your industry and most importantly you will be networking.  Networking is the key here for finding possible job opportunities.

References are Important

When you fill out a job application most likely they will ask for a few references.  Be sure to have the names and contact information of three or more reliable and honest references.  Try to include references that are professional, in your field and have a good background on you.  Do not just pick friends that will sugar coat or lie for you.  Many recruiters and interviewers will follow up and call a couple of your references so they could make or break your chances of landing that dream job so put some thought into who you choose.  I would also suggest reaching out to your chosen references ahead of time so that they are not caught off guard when a recruiter comes calling.  Make sure they are ok with being a reference and let them know what kind of jobs you are seeking.

Tough Interview Questions

Some interviewers may ask weird, tough or off the wall interview questions.  Usually they are looking to see how you handle issues, pressure, your creativity and how your mind thinks.  There really is no way to prepare for those unexpected questions other than to be relaxed, be honest and don't over think it.  Here is an article focusing on this issue at http://www.quintcareers.com/wild_card_interview_questions.html.

Check Temp Agencies

Temporary agencies are always looking for new people and work with many companies.  Although the pay is not always as high and you may have short assignments it still can be a useful resource.  Working as a temp at a company you get a chance to network, possibly get hired as a permanent employee and will make some money while your working on your job search.

Never Burn Bridges

Never burn bridges when you leave a company.  You never know what opportunities may pop up at your old employer.  You might end up networking with a former co-worker or see a job listing at your old company but if you burnt any bridges when you first left then those opportunities are now closed to you.  So whether you were laid off or resigned remember to restrain from bad mouthing the company, co-worker or anything involved with that company for that matter.

44 Resume Writing Tips

Your resume is your starting point and you need to sell yourself.  Here are 44 tips for writing your resume.

7 Tips to Make Your Job Search Successful

Check out 7 tips to make your job search successful.  Although most are basic tips it is something to revisit.  Stay positive!