Five Job Search Steps to Start the New Year Off Right

So it’s a new year and as usual, many of us vow to make some changes. Some of those changes may stick while others might not last one day. One change that will most likely make a difference in your life is to reevaluate your job search process.  Ask yourself what worked in the past and what didn’t. 

Have you been called in for interviews? If yes, then your resume and cover letter must me pretty good.  If you haven’t received any calls, it might be time to revise your resume.  Have any of your network contacts gone to bat for you? Do you have a list of network contacts? How about your social networking techniques? Is your LinkedIn profile 100% complete?

Let’s take a look at five steps that you can use to change and hopefully juice up your job search routine. They include:

1. Set goals: Type out SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals and stick to them.
2. Network: Create a list of your personal, social and professional contacts along with phone numbers and email addresses.  Make a SMART goal to contact at least one person per week.
3. Match resume to job description: Your resume is a template and should be revised for every job opening.  Your resume doesn’t have to go through a major face lift for every job opening but your ability to cut and copy the key words in your resume may go a long way. Look at the key words in the description and tailor your resume and your accomplishments to those words.
4. Use social media: Enroll in LinkedIn and create a profile. Add a professional looking picture and join groups that match your skills and interests.  Become a member of the groups that show you how to use LinkedIn properly and that will help you get noticed. Take a look at Twitter and if you are inclined, join up and follow job search sites and the companies that post job openings.
5. Create a personal brand or short elevator speech: If someone asks you, “Tell me a little about yourself”, how would you answer? Be prepared to speak confidently about your professional experience, your strengths and how you are a valuable asset.

Small steps can make a big difference in your job search and these five steps may greatly improve your job search success in 2012.  Good luck!