“In job transition” is a commonly used phrase I hear more and more these days. As the recruiting manager for a sales consulting firm, I receive and review dozens of resumes on a daily basis. When recently asked how many of those resumes were well written, properly formatted, and didn’t violate the ‘no spelling errors’ rule I responded, “About 10%”- That’s scary!

It's hard not to feel sympathetic to those that have been 'downsized' out of their latest job. If you are in the recruiting industry, you have heard the stories and read the news; things are tough out there. You've had your best friend, significant other, or neighbor lose their job and they want you to give them advice. There are so many things to say, but what are the MOST important things to share that will help them solve their problem...finding new employment.

To my dismay, I see the same problems with advice given to those that have found themselves in this unenviable situation. I recently reviewed an article titled, “Top 25 job hunting tips” and while many of their suggestions are good ones, I have to take umbrage with the following:

Job hunting tips

Time to develop a transferrable skill set. Use your outplacement or a trusted friend who will challenge you at every question. Make the list, review it and build from it. Use internet job boards to find key words and functions that transfer from your current role to a new one.

My comments: You can’t choose to develop a transferable skill set because you’ve been displaced.

Hopefully you have been developing marketable skills while you were employed.
Write a resume for every job type you wish to pursue. Have someone critique it and conduct a mock interview for each job type. Use online job descriptions to pull key words into your resume. Do not lie on your resume. Align your resume with key words that are listed in job descriptions that you are seeking employment for.

My comments: Really? Write TEN different resumes? Your resume should reflect your education, work history, job junctions, and accomplishments. They don’t change based on the job you are applying to. Better advice would be addressing different cover letters.

Most good jobs won't be posted. This is why networking is critical.

My comments: I think this is a false blanket statement. There are plenty of good jobs posted, just not all. Networking is essential in today's world. Use ALL your options when seeking new employment!

Use recruiters and headhunters for your job search, but don't rely on them to find you a job. They are truly only worried about themselves. Don't let yourself be forced into a job/situation that is not right for you.

My comments: This one really got me. A good recruiter or headhunter is concerned about everyone but themselves. The net result of doing all the right things, helping connect a potential candidate with a hiring company, and doing so without prejudice will result in a successful placement over time. If you are in sales, you are measured by RESULTS. Your results are a direct reflection of your ability to get the job done and this is accomplished when you do what's best for everyone involved.

Post your resume on the top job search sites: Monster, Career Builder, Hot Jobs. The pay sites can be good, but be aware they all offer discounts to join (ladders.com). Sign-up/register, but don't pay. Wait a week or two and they will offer you a discount to join.

My comments: Often times posting your resume on the big job boards doesn’t help and can often times hurt. The minute we make ourselves available for all to find we lose the perception that we are desirable and difficult to obtain. If you have ever posted your resume on the big boards, you know that several financial companies will be calling to offer you a commission-based advisor position. Pay sites can be beneficial and typically produce better candidates and higher level postings. The opposite advice would have been more appropriate.

The moral of the story- DO MORE!
In today's competitive market, you have to be at your best at all times. I suggest visiting Mike Limpkin's website to learn more about building preeminence one conversation at a time. For the next year you most likely will have to work harder, smarter, and increase your activity level to survive. Finding your next job/career could be your biggest sale...make sure you are prepared!