Job Search in a Tough Economy - How to Step it Up

by John Leutermann

We continue to hear in the headlines about the slipping economy and numerous jobs being lost. Every open position draws between 100 and 1000 applicants. The facts are as a job seeker you are searching in a very competitive market. How are you differentiating yourself from your competition? Below are a few tips to get started:

Network, Network, Network - Most people find a job through someone they know. You need to find out who your connections know. Tell as many people as possible what type of job you are looking for. Great sources include: family, friends, neighbors, professional associations, previous employers, and former classmates.

The numbers game - When you're searching for a job keep your search broad and look at a wide range of industries and positions. If you have any interest at all, apply to the position. If you get an interview, you can find out if the position is a good fit. The more positions you apply to, the better chance you'll have.

You must be detail oriented - This means micro manage every aspect of the process. Make sure your resume is impeccable. Personalize each and every cover letter with position and company specific information. If you get an interview spend several hours learning about the company and preparing answers to potential questions. On interview day wear your finest clothing and arrive 20 minutes early.

Treat your resume as a marketing tool - Your resume is your only opportunity to sell yourself to get an interview. Employers want to see what you've done. Try to put specific accomplishments in a way that is measurable. Cost saving, revenue increase and new clients are music to an employer's ears.

Follow - up is key - Companies interview multiple candidates for each position, and by the time they meet to make a decision, they may not be able to easily distinguish one candidate from the next. Make yourself stand out. After an interview, send a personalized thank you to each person you interacted with at the company and tell them how interested you are in the position.

Work with a staffing company - Often times staffing companies know about positions before they are available to the general public. Many companies will only hire through a staffing company, so working with them will open the door to additional positions.

About the Author

John Leutermann Jr. is the Recruiting Marketing Specialist at QPS Companies, Inc. QPS Companies is a staffing and recruiting company, and has 21 branches throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. QPS has been placing great people at great companies since 1985. Visit the QPS website to find a branch near you. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Jobs Site
QPS also offers Outplacement services to companies experiencing downsizing, mergers and acquisitions. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Outplacemement Site