What job search strategies are you utilizing? Since we know that networking is the most effective and successful job search tool available have you made it your top priority? If so, are you prepared to network in person   and online?

Professional networking opportunities are easily discovered but don’t ignore opportunities to network at any social venue including your church, fundraisers, local organizations, special interest groups and Birthday parties! Someone knows someone and that someone could very well be the key contact that will lead you into your next appointment. Always be prepared to reach out and share information about yourself and never be shy about including the fact that you are seeking a new position. Remember first impressions are critical so take note of the following:

• Look in a mirror! Are you well dressed and well groomed?
• Do you have an elevator pitch, well practiced and in both a short and long version depending on the opportunity?
• Does your business card look professional and is it current?
• Are you prepared to ask for contact information and to follow up?

Networking online is no longer an option, it is a must. HR professionals and recruiters agree that Linkedin is a top resource in their recruitment of candidates. To ensure you are successful with online networking, take note of the following:

• Create your Linkedin profile using content from a professionally prepared resume.
• Display an enticing tag line. 
• Acquire a professional photo for all online profiles.
• Clearly describe the position you are seeking.
• Be diligent in updating your status and increasing your network of connections with a personalized invitation.

Linkedin currently provides access to 60 million professionals but don’t ignore the significant impact of networking within your social circle of colleagues, friends and relatives. It is only a few degrees of separation that connects us all and it only takes one contact to succeed in your job search.

A job search can be an extremely discouraging experience for many people. Sending out a resume over and over again to recruiters, companies and job boards and waiting beside a phone that never rings. Of course you’re left to wonder, what is wrong with my resume?

Before you blame your resume, it is important to have a clear perspective and a good understanding of the job market. Did you know that online jobs account for less than 5% of all available jobs?  Did you know that close to 80% of jobs are obtained as a result of networking? How many resumes are you submitting to online job postings versus those submitted from leads obtained by networking? Is it possible that your job search strategy is to blame and not your resume?  

How closely does your experience and qualifications on your resume match the job descriptions that you are applying for? Most companies are willing to accept experience in lieu of a degree but if you don’t have the experience or the education, do you think you should be called in for an interview? Are you still blaming your resume?

Your resume is a critical document in the job search process establishing a first impression. As your introduction to a job interview, you must present a professional and accomplishment based resume if you intend to catch the attention of a decision maker. It is just as important to ensure your resume reaches an HR professional or recruiter in a position to make a decision for a viable job. As is the importance of applying for positions that you are qualified to fill.

Email your resume for a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

Any job search can be challenging, emotional, time consuming, stressful and depressing, which is why keeping it positive is the most important asset to achieving success. A job search made positive is necessary to keep you motivated with the strength and determination needed to continue along a career path that can sometimes become a very rocky road. It is a positive mind set during a job search that produces the resilience to continually rise up from a stumble or a fall along the way. A positive outlook will also ensure you never lose sight of your value to a potential employer even when it seems that no one else is recognizing the talents you possess. 

Dale Carnegie said, “Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” 

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Winston Churchill

Focus on success not failure to stay positive! Here are a few more tips for a job search made positive:

• Go outside every day and take a breath of fresh air. Enjoy nature, the beach, snow covered hills, flowers, trees or decorated shop windows on a city street. A change of scenery can re-energize and keep you feeling positive.
• Volunteer. All studies confirm volunteering produces numerous positive psychological benefits. It is an opportunity to connect with others, gain valuable knowledge and impress a potential employer.
• If you feel that you require emotional or professional support, take action fast. If you feel tired, angry or discouraged give yourself permission to take a break. Stay clear of alcohol or other depressants.
• Consider returning to college or university to develop new skills. Life should be one continuous learning exercise increasing knowledge and boosting self confidence. Further education is also great to show on a resume.
• Celebrate every success, every accomplishment every step of the way. If you have acquired a job interview, celebrate! If you have received a new connection providing the opportunity to apply for a position, celebrate! If you acquired a testimonial or a new certification, celebrate! With each small success you are that much closer to the big celebration of a new job.
• Avoid negative, pessimistic people! It is imperative to surround yourself with positive, supportive, driven and energetic people who strive for success and are willing to provide proactive guidance and support throughout your job search process.
• Network, network, network! Building positive, meaningful relationships with other professionals presents more opportunities resulting in job search success than any other means. Get out there and introduce yourself!
• Engage in inspirational and energetic activities. Join a gym, play a sport or become an active member of your community.
• Ask for support from your closest friends and family. These are the people who know you and can reiterate to you the many exceptional qualities that you possess, providing you with the inspiration needed to pursue your job search through thick and thin and stay positive.
• Be realistic about a job search and the amount of time you will need to invest in your search. Success will not be achieved without a great deal of patience and determination.
• Invest in your personal appearance. A new suit and a visit to the hair salon will help you feel confident, reassured, generate good first impressions and above all keep you feeling positive!  

Finally, SMILE! Even if you don’t feel like smiling, do it anyway. Nothing is more positive than a smile. It will brighten your day and if shared with someone else, will brighten theirs. A simple smile can help you to keep your job search a positive one.

For further information on job search strategies contact Martin Buckland at Elite Resumes, Certified Job Search Trainer, Co-Pilot Executive Coach, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Professional Branding Strategist, Certified Job and Career Transition Coach, Certified Employment Interview Professional.

As a member of Career Collective, I’m pleased to share the following professional job search advice provided by our members:

@GayleHoward, Job Search: When It All Turns Sour
@chandlee, Strategy for Getting “Unstuck” and Feeling Better: Watch Lemonade
@heathermundell, Help for the Job Search Blues
@heatherhuhman, 10 Ways to Turn Your Job Search Frown Upside-Down
@KCCareerCoach, You Can Beat the Job Search Blues: 5 + 3 Tips to Get Re-energized
@WalterAkana, Light at the End of the Tunnel
@LaurieBerenson, 3 Ways to Keep Your Glass Half Full 
@resumeservice, Don’t Sweat the Job Search 
@caereersherpa, Mind Over Matter: Moving Your Job Search Forward  
@WorkWithIllness, Finding Opportunity in Quicksand 
@KatCareerGal, Job Hunting in a Weak Job Market 
@keppie_careers, What to do when your are discouraged with your job 
@DawnBugni, It’s the little things 
@ValueIntoWords, Restoring Your Joy in Job Search 
@BarbaraSafani, Making Job Search Fun (Yeah, That’s Right!) 
@GLHoffman, How to overcome the negativity of the Job Search Blues
@ErinKennedyCPRW, Dancing in the Rain–Kicking the Job Search Blues
@expatcoachmegan, Dealing with Job Serach Stress: Getting to the Source of the Problem
@jobhunt.org, Just SO VERY Discouraged

How are you conducting your job search? What strategies are you implementing? Are you utilizing the vast array of social media tools available? If it has been awhile since your last job search, you will find that effective job search strategies have changed dramatically!

There are still many basic strategies that have remained constant as follows:

• Show determination and confidence
• Invest in a professional resume and cover letter
• Develop relationships with recruiters
• Research and identify potential employers
• Prepare questions for the job interview
• Follow up with thank you letters
• Network
• Be patient and persistent

The following blog, The Ultimate Social Media Check List for Job Hunters, is an excellent resource containing more than a few job search strategies that you may not be as familiar with including:
Broad Networking- Linkedin, Twitter, Local/Trade-specific Professional Social Networks, Facebook, Bookmarking/site sharing networks
Build Your Brand - Providing Content- Create a blog, Create a Gravatar/OpenID, Video Interview/YouTube
Also included, Links You Must Visit –  ”30 Ways to Land a Job in 2010″, ”50 Twitter Users to Follow for Your Job Search”, ”Global Twitter Recruiting System” and “JobMob, One of the leading career/job search blog”; to name a few.

If you are a little overwhelmed with these job search strategies, Making the Most of Social Media Marketing – Links, includes a comprehensive list of Social Media Tips, Guides, Plugins, Platforms, Analytics Tools, Apps and other resources. Another excellent resource.

Contact Elite Resumes to speak with Martin Buckland, Certified Job Search Trainer.

The recruitment for the new Chief of Police for Barrie, Ontario began with an advertisement in the Globe and Mail on February 6th, 2010. Usually the response to an ad in the career section of the Globe and Mail results solely in applications from potential candidates but this job opening is generating a lot more attention. The Barrie City Council Meeting brought up concerns from councillors regarding the origin of the job posting and many questions to Mayor Dave Aspen regarding his involvement. The controversy doesn’t stop there. With Rick Jones’ resignation as chairperson of the Barrie Police Services Board, Mayor Aspen becomes acting chairperson. One board member is absent due to assault charges and three of the four remaining have denied any involvement in placing the ad, which appeared two days after Police Chief Wayne Frechette threatened to resign.

Despite the political turmoil, there is an opening for the position of Chief of Police in Barrie, Ontario as the current Police Chief is expected to retire on September 1, 2010.

Martin Buckland, Principal of Elite Resumes has been providing executive career management services for the past ten years, working with many clients in Law Enforcement, as he himself has had an extensive career in this industry, specifically with the renowned Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard as a police officer before immigrating to Canada. If you are interested in a Professional Resume and cover letter or a free resume critique, contact Elite Resumes to speak with Martin Buckland, Certified Professional Resume Writer.

If you are interested in advancing your career in 2010 your number one task should be a thorough research of emerging career trends. Even if you are not one of the hundreds of thousands of executives who found themselves unexpectedly thrown into a career transition in 2009, you may be influenced by your research to voluntarily consider a career transition in 2010!

Maintaining a successful career is dependent on a healthy, growing industry and acquiring those skills which are in highest demand. Following career trends and positioning yourself in a growing industry will increase the probability of career advancement. The transition into a more secure industry may not be as difficult as you may think as many skills are transferable. A project engineer will have a greater opportunity for career advancement in the aerospace industry than in the automotive industry.

Career trends are influenced by many factors including our environment, social evolution and our economy. Although our economic recession has had a dramatic impact over the past 2 years resulting in unprecedented job losses, it is a temporary influence as many of the hardest hit occupations, architecture and engineering are expected not only to recover but forecasts show continued growth through 2018. This is not the case for production supervisors and managers where the decline in employment, experienced over the past ten years is expected to continue into 2018 as North American manufacturers struggle to survive moving their production overseas to cut labour costs. Environmental concerns combined with new legislation have provided a wealth of “green jobs” and Generation Y are demanding a balanced work/life career influencing change in the workplace. Many companies are providing more flexible work schedules, increased vacation and further training and educational development programs. Canada’s Top 100 Employers is published annually and includes the reasons these companies were selected, providing a valuable glimpse into emerging trends in the workplace that will impact career trends.

Be smart and stay informed. The dramatic increase in our aging population has resulted in thousands of new jobs within the health care industry despite the recession. This is an industry that is expected to see continued growth in  all sectors. The demographics of our aging population, new and emerging markets, predicted skills shortages, recruiting practices, company benefits and industry lay offs all have an impact on career trends. Following these trends will provide you with the knowledge you need to maintain a viable career path and ensure the maximum potential for career advancement and continuing success in your future career. 

For further job search strategies, career coaching or to obtain a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer contact Elite Resumes.

As a member of Career Collective, I’m pleased to share the professional job search advice from the following members:

@KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, “The Art of Being Gracious: Much Needed in Today’s Job Search”
@heathermundell, life@work, Kaizen and the Art of Your Job Search
@barbarasafani, Career Solvers, Looking Into the 2010 Careers Crystal Ball
@resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog, The Resume and Your Social Media Job Search Campaign
@kat_hansen, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, New Year: Time to Assess Yourself and Your Career
@keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, Help for job seekers in a rut
@heatherhuhman, HeatherHuhman.com, Job seekers: 5 tips for making the most of 2010
@DawnBugni, The Write Solution, Ya, but
@ErinKennedyCPRW, Professional Resume Services, Advice to Job Seekers in 2010–learn Yoga?
@Chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, Starfish, JobAngels, and Making a Difference
@ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, Is Your Job Search Strategy a Snore?
@debrawheatman, Resumes Done Write, Making the most of a new year
@walterakana, Threshold Consulting, Starting anew – tips for truly managing your career
@careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, The Year of the Tiger
@WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithIllness.com, Dogs Can Do It, Can You?
@JobHuntOrg, Job-Hunt.org, Lifelong Learning for Career Security
@AndyInNaples, Career Success, What Are You Getting Better At? Make This the Year You Become the Best You Can Be!
@GLHoffman, A Flash of the Blindly Obvious 

“Tis the season to firm up your job search plan! January 2010 will see the renewed energy of job seekers looking forward to a new year of opportunities and a year that is forecast to bring significant economic recovery. Are you ready?

“Devise the optimum plan“, written by John Pollack, quotes Laura Lockwood, job search specialist who says, “Any time of the year is a time to job search”. Many businesses may be looking forward to the holidays and allocating less time to speak to potential employees over the next couple of weeks so this could be an excellent time to revisit your job search plan. Don’t forget to share your plan with colleagues, friends or family, especially those on holidays who will have the luxury of offering you a little extra attention. You may receive some very valuable feedback during the holidays to improve or enhance your job search plan.       

We’ve seen more and more positive news for job seekers over these past two months so now is not a time to turn you back on your job search.  The December Newsletter from Higher Bracket posts, ”We have seen more postings, more logins and more activity this month than any other December in our history”. It goes on to say, ”Last week was the busiest job posting week we have seen in the last 17 weeks. We now have more job openings on the site than we did in October of 2007!”. Monster provides a good article, “Turn Volunteer Work Into a Paid Job” . What better time of year to consider helping out a good cause?

Whether you are focusing on optimizing your job search plan, updating your resume or actively networking, don’t miss out on this opportunity to establish the necessary competitive edge and postion yourself to reap the rewards.

Contact Elite Resumes for professional advice on job search strategies, resume writing, personal branding and executive coaching.

A recent study by Accountemps provides some interesting results on the significance of “people skills” in your job search. Although most job seekers may believe industry expertise to be their key selling point, it may not be enough to secure your next position according to the results from a national survey of 270 CFO’s. 

CFOs were asked, “If two candidates interviewing for an accounting or finance position had similar skills, which one of the following additional qualifications would you find most valuable?” Topping the list at 31% was “personality or people skills”! Perhaps even more significant are the results of the study in 2004 at only 1% for ”personality and people skills”. The trend is clear showing the value of “industry specific experience” at 20% in 2009 and in 2004 it was 44%. 

“Interpersonal skills take center stage in a collaborative workplace,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies^®, 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.).

Whether it is the focus on collaboration and teamwork, the fact that we are becoming more educated, the continual expansion of interaction required in today’s business world or the vast number of qualified candidates available, it is clear that industry expertise is not enough.

Contact Elite Resumes for professional advice on job search strategies, personal branding, resume writing, executive coaching and more.

Are you between the ages of 30 and 40 years old? If so, according to Susannah Fox, “Twitter and Status Updating, Fall 2009“, you represent the median age for all three of the top social media sites, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. If you thought social media was just for kids, think again.

An article by John Moore, CTO, “Your 2010 Social Media Plan, Get that person hired”, provides advice about experience when hiring a social media professional and says, “They must have existing accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Anyone who is not participating on these networks is living in the 1990s and does not understand the importance of social networking.”

You are probably not a social media professional, but as a job seeker, can you afford to disregard the vast amount information available from surveys and statistics? Jeff Cole writes, “How you should use that social media life jacket to get a job”. He says, “Another statistic – according to Nielsen, 80 percent of employers start their search for employees on LinkedIn. Obviously, that’s a site a job hunter wants to be a part of. In fact, social media is a place a job hunter should want to be.”

If you are in career transition, it is in your best interest to create a visible online profile. If you wish to create opportunities to advance in your present career, you must maintain a professional online profile. Once visible, it is imperative that you think before you post. Martha Irvine writes, “For stars, high-tech gaffes hard to hide”. Whether a star on not, your online profile will allow potential employers to review information about you that will influence their decision. Existing employers will also have the ability to stumble upon your information so be very careful. It really is pretty simple if you ask yourself, is it professional? Most will agree that posting a negative opinion about anyone for all to see is not acceptable, professional etiquette and will do more damage to your reputation than the person you’re trashing online.

Contact Elite Resumes to speak with a Certified Professional Branding Strategist.

Don’t stop your job search during this holiday season but rather, ramp it up! Sharing Season’s Greetings and an active Job Search are a great deal more compatible that you may think.

No other time of year presents as many opportunities to get together with friends and family and even strangers than the many events that are planned throughout the month of December in the spirit of sharing season’s greetings. This is your chance to accept every available invitation and while sharing in the celebrations, network, network, network! No job search tool is as effective or as successful as networking!

For many who are not at ease with networking, this time of year presents a perfect opportunity. As the holiday season unfolds it generates a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Most people are more receptive, friendlier and many are more apt to share a truly, genuine smile. This is the time of year that transitions even the most unreceptive and stoic of individuals into those filled with camaraderie and joy. It is a time for giving and caring and sharing. So share the story of your job search and reap the benefits of a new contact or a new lead but be sure to keep in the spirit of the holidays and that of networking by asking what it is that you can do to help in return.

You probably haven’t seen your cousin since this time last year and if you didn’t share information about your job search including your interest in a specific company, you would never have discovered that his neighbour is not only the CEO but a close friend! The fact that you are able to offer your mechanical expertise to help your cousin get his recently acquired, antique vehicle on the road is surely what networking and the holidays are all about.

After a month of celebrating and networking, your New Year’s resolutions should come easily:

• Follow up on contacts and leads
• Acquire your dream job
• Give back

Season’s greetings to all! And to all, the very best of luck in your job search! For further job search strategies or to obtain a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer contact Elite Resumes.

As a member of Career Collective, I’m pleased to provide you with further professional job seach advice from the following members: 

Heather Mundell: Have a Holly Jolly Job Search
Erin Kennedy: How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays 
Hannah Morgan: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers
Gayle Howard: It’s Christmas: And a ho-ho-ho-hum?
Laurie Berenson: Three Resolutions to Take It Up a Notch 
Dawn Bugni: Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays? 
GL Hoffman:What Would Dad Say,Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?
Heather R. Huhman: 4 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Job Hunting
Chandlee Bryan: Job Search Tips for the Holidays
KCCareerCoach: The Gift Every Laid Off Job Seeker Needs
resumeservice: Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob
careerealism: Holiday Tip for Job Seekers: 4 Ways to Impress Others with Your Professionalism
KatCareerGal:  Avoiding the Holiday Blues in Your Job Search
sweetcareers:Holiday Job Search Tips for College Students 2009
WorkWithIllness: Avoid this Minefield: No Holiday Here!
andyinnaples: Shift Your Focus to the Highest Impact Job Search Activities During the Holidays to Leverage Your Time
keppie_careers: Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year
expatcoachmegan: Holidays are a Great Time to Nurture and Grow your Network
ValueIntoWords: Navigating the Mistle Toe of Job Search