Job Search Tips

A recent report released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of the early part of 2012, the duration-of-unemployment numbers show that more than 54% of all job seekers are searching for a period longer than six months.

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes an Economic News Release outlining the duration-of-unemployment in the United States. As of February 3rd, 2012, the numbers indicate that longer than six month job searches still prevail. According to the survey, in January 19.3% of job seekers found work in less than 5 weeks; 22.4% in 5 to 14 weeks; 15.4% in 15 to 26 weeks; and the majority, 42.9%, found that their job search extended past 27 weeks.

So with the economy in the condition it is at this time, it is that much more important that you do all that you can to maximize the use of your time during the job search phase. Working with a job search assistant/coach or company like Nexxt can be an additional benefit if you have never used one before.

During the job search you need to have an established main goal. This goal may be a little flexible if you have multiple skills that allow for a wider range of possibilities, but having a specific goal in mind will greatly assist you in what key areas really need your focus during the job search. Knowing and understanding what type of job would fit the best with your skills, personality and what type of work preferences you desire, will help to establish the best path to initially pursue. If that goal seems less likely over a short period of time, it is fine to switch directions some depending on the area and career field of your search.

There are a wide range of suggestions and tips about resume and cover letter formats located here among the various blog postings (one example being “The Cover Letter Makeover”), so be sure to really spend some time focusing on these items and using them in the most powerful ways possible.  One particular tip in the area of resume preparation is to customize each resume you send out, to focus and deal more directly with the specific skills you have that are needed for the job being applied for at the time. A generic catch all resume might not always be the best bet, and so tweaking each one to have a bit more emphasis and focus on those skills and experiences desired by the company and directly related to the job applied for is a good idea.

Take time and look through the many valuable articles discussing the type of tough questions you may run into during the job interview (Answering Tough Interview Questions) or the many tips for things to do before, during and after an interview (Preparing for a Great Interview and 5 Interview Blunders). The point of all of this is to really be proactive in learning what might be new or different approaches to the job search than what you might be inclined to do. Seek the assistance and wisdom of others, and apply these things to help you shorten the time you may search for a new job. Stays connected with us here at the Nexxt article section and glean from a wealth of information to assist in your endeavors.