tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391461292034861708.post-32739451537183346282008-04-28T12:18:00.001-04:002008-04-28T00:22:40.192-04:00In a highly competitive job market during a decline in the economy, finding a job can be challenging. But <strong>even when companies</strong> are <strong>laying off</strong> employees, they often <strong>continue to hire</strong>. You can <strong>increase your chances of finding a new position by:</strong><br /><ol><li>Requesting more <strong>face to face meetings</strong> rather than relying on e-mails and telephone contacts.</li><li>Increasing the number of letters and phone calls you make. Plan on <strong>15-20 mailings</strong> and <strong>40 or more phone calls a week</strong>.</li><li>Having flexibility; considering <strong>contract, semi-fulltime,</strong> or <strong>part</strong>-<strong>time work</strong> that may lead to fulltime work.</li><li>Being <strong>open to relocation.</strong> </li><li>Investigating the <strong>hidden job market</strong> (80% of available jobs are not advertised in good times). How do you do this? Use <strong>networking</strong> and <strong>contact employers</strong> directly by <strong>phone</strong> and <strong>in person</strong>. Whenever possible, register on companies' web sites to receive e-mail updates about new openings that fit your experience and skills.</li><li><strong>Minimizing</strong> the time you spend <strong>searching Internet job boards</strong> and <strong>help wanted ads</strong>. Fewer job opens mean greater competition. One ad can produce thousands of responses.</li><li><strong>Taking advantage of networking sites</strong>, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Friendstar, and MySpace to reconnect with old acquaintances and make new ones.<a href="mailto:aresume@roadrunner.com"> <strong>You are invited to join my linked in network.</strong></a></li></ol><p>The bottom line is that <strong>networking</strong> and <strong>telephone contacts</strong> are still the <strong>best</strong> <strong>way to</strong> <strong>find jobs</strong>. The <strong>Internet</strong> is great for conducting <strong>research</strong>, identifying <strong>potential</strong> <strong>employers</strong>, and <strong>preparing</strong> for <strong>interviews</strong>.</p><p>For more information visit <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/12/news/economy/job.hunting.fortune/index.htm">7 Tips for Job Hunting in a Tougher Market</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Arlene Schwartz Personalized Résumé Service 330-666-5858 aresume@roadrunner.com www.aresumes.com</div>JobFindernoreply@blogger.com