Great Career and Interview Tips to Help You in This Tough Job Market!

June 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Tips to help you in this tough job market!

Let's face it, the market is bad and it does not appear to be getting any better. With no chance of job prospects increasing anytime soon, there are a few tips you can do to try improve your chances to find new employment or transfer into another position to move your career forward. As you continue on your job search, it is important to remember that staying positive is a crucial - and often overlooked facet of the job search.

1. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: Finding employment in a tough market is a numbers game. The more people you know, the larger your network, the better chance you will have to find a job. It is common knowledge that people do business with people they like. So, make sure you meet lots of people - and make sure they like you!


2. NETWORKING EVENTS: The more you get out, the better chance you will have to meet new people and increase your contact list. There are several different types of events you can go to, and it is important to try all different types of events. That way, you can both find your comfort zone and assess which events are bringing the best and most contacts. Also, PLEASE do not be scammed by some of these large "networking" organizations that cost $50 per event and provide you nothing of substance. The best strategy is to find something you enjoy, find meetings and events for those things, and attend them with the idea of meeting just one new person (People who hate to network, pay special attention to this)


3. LEARN THE ART OF SMALL TALK: For some people, this is very easy, for others it is a fate worse than death. Small talk is an art, and making it is essential. Therefore, if you were not born with the gift of gab, it is an unfortunate necessity to be an effective networker. One of the best tools to becoming a successful networker is practice. Also, it is crucial to prepare a 30-second "elevator" speech and practice ad nausea. For example: "Hi, My name is David, I am from New York, and I am Regional Sales Manager for XYZ corporation...." This way, your new contact will know your name, where you are from, and what you do - all GREAT conversation starters.


4. SOCIAL NETWORKING: This is the wave of the future, and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. As I write this in June 2011, the most important business network site is LinkedIn. This is because, even for people who refuse to engage in Twitter, Facebook, or other "Social" networking site, LinkedIn is the most widely known "Business" social networking sites for just about everybody.

GOOD LUCK!


Remember, keep your HEAD UP, keep you BACK STRAIGHT, and keep your THOUGHT POSITIVE, and you will be on the right track!