What's New in Job Search?

We are being bombarded by bad news about current and future job losses. No wonder everyone is so worried. If you haven't looked for a job in awhile - or even if you have - you might be wondering what, if anything, is new in the Land of Job Search.

For starters, the basics are still the basics. Networking is still the best way to find a job - keeping in mind that it's not just who you know but who you can meet that matters. Be open-minded about the possibilities and cast your search net both deeply and widely. That said, you will probably be disappointed if you over-rely on mega career sites like Monster and Careerbuilder. Although those job listings are the easiest to find, those jobs are surprisingly hard to get. It's not because they're better than other jobs; it's because you are directly in a numbers game where the odds are working against you. With so much activity, it's just too difficult to get noticed.

I've said this before, but it bears repeating: social networking sites like LinkedIn are the real revolution in job-hunting because they enable you to expand your network exponentially without ever leaving your house. But that doesn't mean that's all you have to do. Once you have identified people that you want to talk to, you still have to email them, or pick up the phone, and have a real conversation. And I still believe that face-to-face meetings are absolutely crucial.

Recruiters also have an important role in job-search success especially for senior level executives and professionals. Use your network to identify and connect with recruiters who work in your industry and/or job function.

I've never been a fan of the shotgun approach to job hunting where you simply pepper the immediate universe with resumes. While the Internet makes it even easier and more tempting to enact that scenario, I continue to advocate for the qualitative approach to job hunting. Take the time to research the companies that really interest you and to talk to people who can facilitate your interest in that company and then hone your conversational skills.

When I say "hone your conversational skills" I am reminding you to talk "to" rather than "at" people. Potential employers always respond better to potential candidates who have done their homework and can talk knowledgeably about the employer's industry and products/services.

Don't make the beginner's mistake of expecting the employer to educate you about the basics. Know the basics before you begin and then build upon that foundation so that you can have an interesting and productive conversation with your (hopefully) future employer.