Five Ideas to Find a New Job

Job hunting in a slumping economy is no picnic.  However, just because competition is fierce shouldn't mean that you give up.  "Collecting unemployment" pales in comparison to the elation of "landing new job."  Here are five simple tips to help you become gainfully employed.

As unemployment rates continue to skyrocket, more and more people are job hunting.  That means that there'll be more applicants for every job you see posted online or in the newspaper.  Don't be discouraged.  To transition from "down in the dumps" to "landing new job," you need to get aggressive and get smart.

1. Think beyond the classifieds

If you believe that the only place you can find a job is in the classified section, you're mistaken.  Often, you can preempt these notices if you meet up with someone in a management position who's looking for help.  Networking is crucial to get your foot in the door- it can help you find those new jobs before they hit the street.

2. Spruce up your resume and cover letter

An employer will glean lots of information from your resume and cover letter, not just your job history.  They'll want to see how well you can write, your level of enthusiasm, even your presentation.  Your resume and your cover letter should be professional.  Consider asking a designer to create an extremely slick presentation.  Tailor your cover letter specifically to the job description and the hiring company.

3. Research the organization

Conduct extensive research on the company before the interview.  When it comes time for you to ask questions, be sure to probe into as many details as possible.  If you spend time learning about them, a company will most likely want to learn more about you.

4. Follow-up after the interview

It's wise to send a thank-you note.  Printing out and signing a letter shows added effort.  But don't stop there.  If you don't hear anything after a week or two, contact the hiring individual.  Let her know that you're still interested.  Don't appear desperate, just stay in touch.  Your regular follow-up will show her how thorough you are, and could be a deciding factor in your favor.

5. Be reasonable in your salary requests

Times are tough, and companies are looking for people who can bring value to their business.  It's no longer enough to ask for a huge salary; now, you must show you can deliver something in return.  Ask for higher pay, but tie it into your performance.  Show them your ambition for a big paycheck, but let them know how hard you're willing to work to get it.

Job hunting in today's market is going to take fierce determination and plenty of hustle.  As you embark on your hunt, be creative and positive as you check out new prospects.  A world of opportunity awaits a person with skills and ambition.  Show prospective employers you have both, and you may be hired before you know it.