It’s true: searching for a job right now is tough. It’s harder for some than others but for so many people in nearly every industry, it’s a struggle. We can speculate as to why, but there are so many reasons – economy is slower, jobs are fewer, employers are more selective. For many  job seekers, turning to job boards and social networking as tools for their job search seems like a futile effort. Job seekers often complain about applying for opportunities through job boards because of the lack of response from employers. They often wonder, “Are they real jobs?” “Why won’t they respond?” “I feel like my resume has gone into a black hole!”

On the other hand, employers complain about the lack of quality applicants through these same job boards. They complain about  job seekers failing to follow application instructions and applying to positions for which they aren’t qualified. Employers have become unconcerned about applicants they receive through job boards. Many feel that they won’t find the candidate they want to hire in that huge stack of applicants.

Job Seekers, ponder this: Do you think you’re going to get that job by simply submitting a cover letter and resume to a job posting? Or do you think your chances of getting hired might increase by making a social connection within the hiring company? What if you were the hiring manager? Would you be more interested in interviewing someone you know nothing about, or someone with which you have made a connection and know something about? Making that connection helps make you a real person instead of just a personality-deficient resume.

Here are some quick do’s and don’ts for Job Seekers:

Do use job boards. All of them that you can find.

Do use targeted resumes. (modify each resume you send to cater to the verbiage in the job posting, using key words)

Do use cover letters when applicable. Make sure they are customized to the job posting.

Do use social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to connect with potential employers and recruiters. Many employers now also engage via their own websites in social communities.

Do use the power of Google and job search engines like Indeed and SimplyHired to help you learn about the companies you want to work for.

Don’t be afraid to make those connections! You don’t catch a fish with an empty hook!

Don’t be a pest! Calling or emailing repeatedly will make you look unprofessional and desperate. Doing so almost guarantees you won’t be considered. Follow up is important but stalking is bad.

Don’t complain. Employers and peers alike are watching you! Social Networking follows you. You can’t delete something once it’s said. Complaining about how much your job search sucks doesn’t make you a more attractive candidate.

And last but most importantly….

Don’t give up! Job Searching can be tough on your self-esteem. Don’t self-loathe. Treat your job search as if it’s your job but don’t forget to take time off . You need that time to rejuvenate.

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