Already Looking for Your Next Job? Get Started Now.

Are you unemployed, unhappily employed, or underemployed? If you are, this is the time to get your job search in gear. Below are some tips to help you get started:

• How warm is your network? By this, I mean you may have 10,000 Linkedin connections, but in reality, how many people do you actually know from that list? How many of those people would actually be willing to help you land your next gig? Do you only contact your network when you need something or do you keep in regular touch? Asking for help when you are desperate or only when you need something is a sure way to turn off people who might otherwise be willing to help. As with any networking relationship, be sure to always give back. Pay it forward. Give to get. You get the idea.
• Is your resume and cover letter up to date and up to snuff? It’s easy to forget accomplishments between the last time you updated your resume and when you need it. I suggest a minimum of a quarterly review of your resume. That keeps you focused and your resume up to date. And, with networking being the key way to get a new gig these days, there’s a very good chance that you will be approached by someone in your network who needs your resume now. Pronto. Better to have it ready.
• Are your skills up to date? It’s easy if you’ve been laid off or working outside of your field to let your skills lapse. The job market is still so competitive that any little thing can give you the make it or break it edge. Ensure that your skills are completely up to date and be ready to showcase that fact on your resume and/or in your cover letter.
• If you’re in a gig that’s out side of your normal career, be sure to highlight transferable experiences and skills that you have gained that can help you in your normal career.

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