Six basic rules for finding a new job

Here are a half-dozen key tips for finding the right job – in good economic times and bad:

01. Try a sales technique

During a phone interview or first job interview, prepare for the “60-second sell,” a four- to five-sentence summary of your resume and professional accomplishments, says Robin Ryan, career counselor and author of 60 Seconds & You’re Hired!

“When they ask you, ‘Tell me about yourself, why should I hire you?’ you have a memorized explanation of why you’re a good fit for the job,” Ryan says.

02.Use your personal network

Networking doesn’t have to be limited to business contacts, especially if you’re trying to break into a large company that may use automated software to screen applicants.

Ask everyone you know if they have a connection to a particular employer. The goal is to get your resume forwarded to a recruiter through the company’s internal network, rather than having it come from the outside and get lost in the shuffle of other applicants.

“Microsoft receives 100,000 applications every month – how else would they find you through this cyber hole?” says Ryan.

03.Expand your horizons

Julie Jansen, career coach and author of I Don’t Know What I Want, But I Know It’s Not This, recommends attending meetings of professional organizations in a related field as well as those in your own field.

Even if you have experience in marketing, for example, you should add to your regular schedule meetings for executives in finance or other fields where you can apply your skills and experience.

Another networking strategy is to try it the old fashioned way by reaching out to alumni – even those you don’t know.

“Most universities have online alumni directors, so I would go that route if possible,” Jansen says. “If not, contacting the alumni office would be a plan B.”

04.Review your qualifications

While you may not have the time or financial resources to pursue an advanced degree, additional courses in your field that enhance your specific skills can ensure that a hiring manager takes notice. Also, don’t forget to mention important volunteer experience in your community, school or nonprofit organizations.

“Pay attention to your transferable skills, including project management, budgeting, supervising others and organizational planning,” Ryan says.

05.Know your value

Even in a downturn, it’s a mistake to settle for less just to get the job. Before accepting an offer, consult a salary survey or online salary calculator to make sure it’s competitive in your field.

“It’s an outdated notion that you should take anything to get your foot in the door,” Ryan says. “It can take 10 years to get a decent salary.

06.Do it every day

Whether you’re posting your resume in the common area of your apartment building or telling your doctor, dentist or dermatologist about your job search, you should incorporate your job search into every aspect of your daily life.

“Do something related to your job search every day,” Jansen says.

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