The past year hasn't exactly been kind to the unemployed, but towards the end of 2011 the situation looked a little more promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the U.S. job market added 200,000 new jobs in December, resulting in a further drop in the unemployment rate from 8.7 percent to 8.5 percent. Compared with the 9 percent employment rate of the summer of 2011, these new figures indicate a very favorable future for the unemployed in 2012. Although the odds may be leaning toward your favor, it's still important to focus on keeping up with the competition and improving your strategy for your 2012 job search by adopting the following new tactics.
Objectively evaluate your resume
You should never underestimate the power of a good resume when it comes to your job search. Your resume should not simply be scribbled out, copied several times, and submitted to every employer within reach. Instead, take time to evaluate and customize each resume according to the position for which you are applying. Always write a personalized cover letter for each position as well. Both your cover letter and your resume should directly indicate why you are the best fit for the job for which you are applying.
Further your education
The job market is filled with stiff competition in the form of graduates fresh out of college, holders of advanced degrees and well-experienced workers with a wide range of skills. To keep up with these highly valuable candidates, it might be in your best interest to further your education by going back to college or considering an online mba program. An online program would give you the unique opportunity to extend your degree without sacrificing valuable time for job searching.
Improve your online image
According to CareerRealism.com, 88 percent of employers will search for your name online to find out more about you. If your online presence is shabby or non-existent, it could cost you a job. Take advantage of the opportunity to show off your skills and credentials to potential employers by enhancing your professional appeal on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, LinkedIn,and other online platforms. Look at these accounts through the eyes of an employer to determine what is appropriate and what isn't.
Go where the competition isn't
Sometimes your problem with finding a job is that you are looking in the same place as hundreds of other people, which dramatically reduces your odds. Instead of browsing the listings on Monster.com (where thousands of other people will be looking), take a more creative approach to determine who's hiring. Watch the news often to see which companies recently received stimulus funds, signed a huge contract or had an otherwise highly successful year. These factors usually indicate that the company will create new jobs and be looking for new employees as a result.
Stay organized
Searching for a job can be a busy and stressful endeavor in general, but a failure to organize and plan appropriately can often exacerbate the situation. To avoid adding more stress than necessary, create schedules and track your daily activities to ensure better follow-up on the jobs you have applied for. Doing so not only reduces your stress levels throughout the process, but helps you more effectively balance several applications and interviews at once.
