Now that the Great Recession, as I’ve heard it dubbed, is officially over, your job search should be taking off, right? Well that’s what several people are hoping for but I’m still receiving emails and phone calls from frustrated job seekers wondering what is wrong with “those employers.” Ok, let’s think about it...those who are still gainfully employed are totally overwhelmed and probably would love to have extra help, but their own employers are holding off on hiring the extra help they need. Therefore, the vicious cycle continues.

I realize you’re not here to read about the woes of the employed, but to better equip yourself for dealing with your issue, the woes of the frustrated job seeker, whether currently employed or not. So, my next few entries will provide a few tips and strategies that will hopefully help you out. People wonder where I come up with this stuff...my own little noggin based upon what I know from 10 years of industry experience and what I perceive to be helpful from multiple resources. So if you like it, THANK YOU! I’ve had the opportunity to work individually with literally hundreds, probably close to 1000 job seekers over the last 10 years and I’ve always rooted for you. I’ve ALWAYS been on the side with job seekers and NEVER the side screening out job seekers.

Truth - All journeys begin with a travel plan, map, GPS, or something. You’ve got to know where you’re going. Take a hard look at your individual marketing plan. What I mean is how are you selling yourself. Are you selling yourself as someone who is desperate for anything or confident that you’re the right fit for the next employer? Is your resume targeted toward a specific industry? Have you created a list of companies that you are marketing yourself toward? Have you measured up your qualifications to the job announcement and created a comparison? Have you been networking through both social media networks and face to face networks? Have you begun participating in a local job club in your community? Have you utilized some non-traditional resources? Think of it this way, if you were the latest and greatest new product on the market would people be interested in you based upon your current marketing? Even Apple had to create buzz over the i-phone.

Truth — Your current job title is Sales Director regardless of the industries in which you have worked. Create your targeted sales plan. Review the business journals and industry associations to determine what companies in your area are doing. Target companies, then jobs within the companies. Network with people who have specific contacts within those companies. Get to know what the the companies are about and package your resume and yourself in such a way so as to prove that you are the right fit. Most people work opposite of that, they target jobs and never companies. Change your approach and it will work better for you. Then you’ll begin to start moving in the right direction. Even McDonald’s and Disney know who their target market is, you should too.

Truth – If you haven’t figured it out by now, sitting at a computer, sending your resume into 50 online job postings (aka “black holes) a day is not going to get you a job. Look hard at your resume to determine what kind of value proposition you can make to a company. True story, I was working with a client making significant career transition. Because we worked together to emphasize his problem solving, team management, and customer service skills over specific job history, he became a very attractive commodity for the right company. He sent out 5 resumes, and got called for an interview. After the first interview for a technician’s position, the company called him back and said they wanted to consider him for a manager’s position. He’s now working as a manager for the one and only company he interviewed with. Five resumes, one company, 4 weeks of hard job search. His resume focused on the key strengths that he brought to a company. Even a princess will kiss a toad if she knows a prince will appear.

False — I should dumb down my resume so that I can get working again. I strongly discourage that. You should take pride in the strengths and value you bring to a company. Companies will pay good money for top talent in any job market. If your industry is over saturated with talent, then make sure you stand out among the best. I know a few folks who can help you with that. LOL give me a shout out. Stephen Hawking may have ALS, and he’s still valued for his brilliance.

False — Companies are discriminating against me because I’m over 50. Again, I disagree. If you haven’t noticed, there are three generations of workers in today’s work place and most of them are over 50. Companies value that talent and experience because they know you’re not going to work forever. If you’re showcasing your talent appropriately and not coming across as a “fuddy duddy” during an interview then they’ll take notice and value it. What are you selling them on? Your age or your accomplishments? Accomplishments always win out over age and good looks. I will admit though, having a healthful appearance will be advantageous. Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that Bill Gates is over 50?

Truth – Traditional job search methods still work. I love how everyone says, “job search has changed” or “job search is now easier”. No it’s not...employers have just adopted ways to screen candidates faster. Online job databases, whether company-managed or through major job board search engines are all key word-driven. The resume must play a more strategic role than ever in your job search and must include key words. However, when you boil it all down...it’s still more about who you know over what you know. That’s one reason LinkedIn is so popular. And my only little “quip” I can come up with is, sing it loud now, TRADITION!