How to revive a job search

If you're like a lot of weary job seekers we come across in our recruitment practice you're just worn out. You may feel like you've tried everything and applied everywhere and if you have to fill out another application you'll scream! If you've "had it" we have a few recommendations to revive that job search in no time. Whereas we can't guarantee results, you'll have a some new tricks, tools and techniques.

First, if you're applying everywhere-Stop. Yes, that's right stop. You probably just need one full time or two part time jobs and probably have anywhere from 3-5 solid, marketable strengths and skills that you should be focusing on.

5 Things that can turnaround your Job search

1. Write out a job search plan. List the jobs you definitely could do and how much you would be willing to earn doing those jobs put a high and a low payscale together for yourself. The act of putting it on paper actually puts new energy and solidity to it. As a recruiter I often come across people who say they need a job but they have no pay scale requirement in mind or they say I made X at this job but that was two years ago they haven't worked (they can't expect to make the same salary unless they have some very specific and highly specialized skills). Synergy Solutions offers a free job hunter planning sheet http://www.smsicorp.com/Job_Search_Sites.html click on mailing list request and in comment ask for job hunter worksheet.

2. Get out your resume and read it Does it need work? Are there type-os? You'd be surprised how many people are startled when I call them or tell them that their resume didn't have their phone number or email on it or that one of the two is wrong! And type-os and use of wrong tense. If its past tense don't use present. That is a subject for another article in itself however if you want FREE and private help on doing a resume you can use a resume wizard which will coach you along as you do it to use it you have to register at www.jobhuntwiz.com It's a portal with a lot of wonderful free resources, the free resume wizard tool, free career assessments, free access to thousands of new jobs with top job boards and niche boards.

3. Use new tools using the www.jobhuntwiz.com tool mentioned above will provide new resources including free webinars to help you conduct a better interview, reviving your resume by putting it through the resume wizard (which will tell you in private what you need to fix) and you can do it wherever you have access to a computer.Through the portal, you can also get free subscriptions to trade magazines to read up on what is happening on the industries you want to work in.

4. Work your network Even if you've told everyone you know that you're looking its time to circle around (unless it was five minutes ago). If its been more than 3 months definitely. Send them an email, call them, let them know you're still on the market, can they think of anyone you should be talking to?

Remember everyone's favorite radio stations are DAM (Doesn't affect me) or WiiFM (the what's in it for me channel) so you need to reach out and be more than a "give me person".Networking is about staying in touch not just because you need something its about seeing what you can do for others so when you approach them a good networking pitch is something like:

"Hi Name, hey its been a while I'm just taking a moment to say hello and see how are things going for you? Is there anything I can do for you? (wait and listen if there's a live conversation and if you're emailing or leaving a voice mail) say, "well, I'm still looking to connect on my job search do you know anyone that I should be talking to (list industries or companies or specific areas)"

5. Practice follow up skills After you've sent your resume follow up (nicely) After you've spoken with someone or they emailed you in response to your network request thank them (even if they didn't do anything) people respond to gratitude.People respond to people who respond so follow up politely and you'll not only be gaining more respect in your network you may just find that job faster.

Good luck and don't give up. Focus and think about quality of contact with potential employers and networking associates for job leads rather than quantity and check out the cool new tools.