From the article: Job Search Tips for a Difficult Job Market
What to do when the job market gets tough? Share your tips and advice for job searching in a challenging job market. Share Your Advice
Change your job search perspective
- Are you continuing to send out 100s of resumes without any results? Are you sick of hearing, “just keep trying, you will find something”? In 2011 many are faced with the reality that they are not finding a place in their historic field of expertise. Many are realizing that the specific skill perfected and developed over the last 30yrs are of little value due to a collapse in your field or industry. For others, you are simply feeling that your age is the contributing factor in not finding work. "The definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over, and then expecting different results." It is usually attributed to Albert Einstein. If things don’t change soon, in 50 years from today it may well read: "The definition of insanity is continuing to send resumes and call the same people over and over, and then expecting different results." Quote: Michael Patrick 2011 I submit to you some encouraging words.
- —redtaillight
Over 40 & You’re Hired?
- Dr. Steven Covey (author The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”) has recommended job search expert Robin Ryan’s new book “Over 40 & You’re Hired!” It’s just out, and pretty incredible – turns the whole job search process for those over 40 upside down. Comments? Has anyone worked with her or read her new book? She has a petition to congress on her blog site "Voice of The Unemployed" that is dead on -- but what is she up to? Unemployment is her bread & butter – so why does she care?
- —glange96
Online networking
- If you're not already a member of Facebook or LinkedIn, sign up and create a profile. Look up old friends and acquaintances and let them know you're looking for a job. At a minimum, you'll get to reconnect with old friends. And maybe one of them will have a lead to offer.
- —Guest Suzanne
Changing Fields
- Modify your resume, with a professional if needed. If you've spent the last few years in mortgage/real estate and want to now be an exec admin, tailor your resume to reflect administrative traits/tasks. Help the prospective employer see how you are able to cross into their field. simply telling them over the phone "I know i can do it" doesn't mean much if they are seeing resumes of people with curent industry experience.
- —Guest Andrea
Ditto on the Seasonal Jobs
- Ski resorts along with other warm destinations are hiring now for the winter season. Follow Cool Works on twitter to get mini updates of everything new posted on the site. http://twitter.com/coolworks
- —Guest Kari from Cool Works
How About a Seasonal Job?
- Take a break from the corporate world - and from your job search - and think about a seasonal job at a ski resort (they're hiring) and they typically have lots of perks, too.
- —skiing1
Use Your Connections
- When you find a job on a job board you want to apply for, use your connections to introduce you to the recruiter or hiring manager.
- —Guest Mike
Consider Keeping Your Job
- How bad is your current job, really? Maybe consider keeping it.
- —Guest Teena

