The job search process can be extremely complicated and draining, especially if you’re unemployed.  It’s difficult to find the balance between making too much of an effort and too little of an effort, and even harder to know where to apply and what resources you should use.  In 2010, three researches published their work on, “The Job-Search Grind: Perceived Progress, Self-Reactions, and Self-Regulation of Search Effort.”  In it, they determined the greatest mistakes job seekers make, and how to avoid them.  Here are a few:

1.    Not spending enough time on the process.  According to the study, nearly 44% of job seekers spend less than 3 hours on their job search every day.  The more time you put into your search, the greater your chances of landing a job sooner. 
2.    Letting your emotions hinder your job search.  It’s important to establish a support system for the times you get frustrated.  Be sure to make time for activities that relieve stress, such as exercise and social engagements.
3.    Not letting anyone review your resume.  A few extra sets of eyes can be a big help—even if they aren’t professionally trained (though professionals would be ideal).  Your resume should be perfect before you submit it anywhere.
4.    Only using a few resources for your search.  Diversifying is key!  Take advantage of online job search tools, and network as much as possible.   
5.    Jumping into the process without a strategy.  Instead of frantically submitting applications, make sure you have thought through a solid approach.  It may be a good idea to talk to some friends who have gone through the job search process.

To learn how to avoid more mistakes job seekers make, click here!

If you’re looking for a job in these tough economic times, it may be time to start thinking outside the box.  So think about taking a job in another country!  While unemployment may be high in the U.S. and Europe, according to the International Monetary Fund, some of greatest economic growth is taking place in Singapore, India, China, and Brazil.  In these countries, economic growth ranges from 7.5% to 14.4%, while U.S. economic growth is currently at a mere 2.8%.  Plus, Hong Kong claims to have an unemployment rate under 3%!  According to recent studies, the five industries with the greatest international growth potential include: energy, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, finance, and education.  If you are considering a job abroad, you can find plenty of opportunities to give you an edge over the competition.  Take a foreign language course, brush up on your world news, or build an international resume.  The possibilities are endless if you are open to new locations!

Relocation is a major decision that requires a lot of consideration.  However, being open to relocation can increase the number of opportunities available to you, especially given the tough economy these past few years.  In fact, according to a recent survey by Challenger, Gray, & Christmas, job seekers who chose to relocate reached 9.4% in the first half of 2011, compared to 7.6% in 2010.  Here are some important things to consider if you’re thinking about relocating:

1.    To what extent will the company pay for your relocation?  Relocation costs can include more than simply moving fees.  You will likely need temporary housing until you can get settled, among other things.

2.    Does the job in question have opportunities for career advancement?  If there is little room for growth beyond the specific position, you may want to reconsider the move.

3.    What is the cost of living in the new location?  A higher salary may not go as far in a more expensive city.
 
4.    Does the new location offer you opportunities to build a new social network?  Do you know anyone already there?  Have you found activities that might help you integrate?  If you don’t think you’ll enjoy the lifestyle outside of work, it may not be the right fit for you.

Looking for a new job is a major decision, especially if you’ve been there for under two years.  Many recruiters of past generations felt that leaving a job after a short period of time suggested a lack of commitment and reliability—and some still feel this way.  However, recently recruiters have become increasingly tolerant of job hopping, given the person has a valid reason for doing so.  Here are 3 tips to help you decide whether it’s time to move on to a new position.

1.       No job is perfect, but you don’t have to be unhappy.  While the weak economy may make things a little more difficult in this regard, you should have more good days than bad.  Before you go looking for a new job, however, you may want to ask your supervisor for some new projects or a different role.  After that, it may be time to start searching.

2.       Every opportunity will teach you something new.  Even if you didn’t want to leave your previous position, you can still learn something about yourself or about a new skill from a different opportunity.  You learn what you do like and what you don’t like so that you can make a better decision next time.

3.       Company culture is very important.  It’s great if you like your responsibilities, but if you don’t like the company’s values or the employees, you are going to have trouble enjoying your job.  When interviewing, be sure to get a feel for the company’s culture.

Despite slow job creation across the U.S., some industries appear to be growing quite rapidly—not to mention paying pretty well.  It’s important to note, however, that many of these jobs require commitment to a specialized field.  As a result, once you’re on a track, it may become difficult to switch off it.  According to PayScale.com, the following careers are currently the highest paying after only a few years of experience:

1.    Mechanical Engineer: $73,200 after 3 years of experience
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest tracks in engineering.  You can work at a consulting firm, government agency, or university; but an increasing number of people on this track are choosing to manufacture electrical and machinery equipment. 

2.    Software Developer: $82,400 after 4 years of experience
As more and more technology companies establish themselves, software developers find themselves with more job opportunities.  As the industry grows more competitive, companies are forced to hire more software developers to keep up.

3.    Financial Analyst: $62,600 after 3 years of experience
As investments become more diversified and complicated, the need for financial analysts grows.  If you have strong analytical and research skills, this may be a good career choice for you. 

4.    Electrical Engineer: $ 84,700 after 4 years of experience
Electrical engineers must be able to design, develop and maintain electrical systems.  While the industry is growing increasingly more competitive, the career track is characterized by high salaries after only a few years.

5.    Web Developer: $60,900 after 3 years of experience
Web development is projected to grow faster than any other occupation.  Those who choose this track have the option to work for a corporation, school, non-profit, or government agency, or even work freelance.

6.    Financial Advisor: $93,000 after 4 years of experience
Financial advisors can work at both large and boutique firms, and eventually they can open their own practice.  This possibility appeals to a lot of professionals, as it enables them to pick their own hours and location. 

7.    Employment Recruiter: $55,400 after 3 years of experience
The recruiting industry is rapidly changing, and as such, employers are always looking for people who know how to navigate it.  Outgoing personalities do well in this capacity.

Long-term unemployment can be frustrating at times, but it’s important to stay positive and stick with your job search!  If you're persistent and diligent, you will see great results.  Here are 3 job search tips to increase your chances of getting a job:

1.    Volunteer or part-time work can provide you with some excellent new skills to include on your resume, while allowing you the time you need to look for fulltime employment.

2.    Don’t be discouraged by job postings that indicate they will only accept applicants who are currently or recently employed.  Oftentimes, a third party is responsible for the job positing, and you can turn your unemployment story into a great cover letter.

3.    Get involved in communities within your industry—online or offline—so that you can stay abreast on important developments and issues.  Sharing your opinion on relevant industry news can be a great way to impress your interviewer.

Eager to find a job, but don’t have the time to devote to full job search?  There are plenty of things you can do to propel your job hunt that take very little time!  Here are 7 job search tips that take less than one minute to complete:

1.    Google yourself.  You should know what comes up, and be prepared to speak to it if a potential employer brings it up.

2.    Add a detailed “elevator pitch” on your LinkedIn profile.  You never know who may come across it!

3.    Call a friend.  It’s hard to put yourself out there, but friends who have connections can propel your career forwarded.

4.    Pick your top goal for your job search.  Whether it’s location, industry, or company, taking some time to identify your primary goal will help narrow your search.

5.    Join a LinkedIn group.  These specific groups allow you connect with others in your desired field.  You can also see targeted job postings.

6.    Use spell check.  Grammar and spelling mistakes are an easy way to make a bad impression on a recruiter. 

7.    Create job alerts.  Indeed.com is one example of a job site where you can set up email alerts for relevant job opportunities.

While these tips can certainly improve your job search, there is no substitute for devoting a serious amount of time and effort to the process.  The greater the effort, the greater the reward!

There are plenty of practical reasons to apply to a position for which you are overqualified.  The tough job market has forced many skilled workers to accept jobs beneath their level of experience.  Some people need jobs that accommodate a remote location; others are looking for a better work/life balance.  Regardless of your reason for wanting a lower-level job, they can actually be surprisingly hard to land!  If a recruiter feels you are overqualified, he or she could very well choose not to follow up with you.  Here are some tips for applying to a job when you are overqualified:

1.    Be aware of how recruiters view you as a candidate.  Based on both experience and common misperception, many recruiters believe that an overqualified applicant will make demands that recruiters will not be able to accommodate.  In addition, they fear that they will not be able to retain the candidate the second a better offer comes along.  Try to convey that they should not expect this from you.

2.    Craft an unintimidating resume.  If you have a long list of experiences, pick only the most relevant ones to put on your resume.  It would also be wise to pick past positions you were in for an extended period of time, as it may ease the recruiter’s concern that you might pick up and leave. 

3.    Submit a customized cover letter.  If you genuinely want to work at this company, you should do your best to convey it in your cover letter.  The more customized and passionate, the better.  Explain why you want to work for the company and what in particular you can contribute.

4.    Be honest.  If you have a good reason for wanting this position, share it with the recruiter.  It will only help your recruiter trust your intentions.

There is certainly nothing wrong with trying to make your resume stand out from the rest.  After all, hiring managers are receiving more resumes than ever these days.  But some applicants go a little too far to get their resume noticed.  Here are 10 of the most bizarre resume mistakes ever recorded:

1.    Applicant wrote that the more he was paid, the harder he worked
2.    Applicant admitted that he had been fired from former positions, but still included those managers as references
3.    Applicant listed her dog as a reference
4.    A husband and wife hoping to job share submitted a co-written poem
5.    Applicant included “versatile toes” as an asset
6.    Applicant only offered first name
7.    Applicant’s email address included the phrase, “shakinmybootie”
8.    Applicant insisted that he be paid for the time he spent interviewing at the company
9.    Applicant sent the hiring manager her resume and a lemon, as well as a note that stated, “I am not a lemon.”
10.  Applicant indicated on his resume that he had been arrested for assaulting his former supervisor.

So the next time you need to revise your resume, make sure the information you include on your resume does not distract from your relevant work experience or other important factors.  Remember that every effort to get noticed is not always appreciated!

With the national unemployment rate as high as it is, even some of the most experienced members of the labor force could use a few interview tips.  While extensive work experience can certainly work to your advantage as a job seeker, fresh and trainable young candidates are also considered valuable workers.  If you are a job seeker with over 15 years of job experience, it’s important to prove to an interviewer that you have relevant experience, as well as the adaptability and passion so often valued in younger candidates.  Here are a few interview tips for older job seekers:

1.    Show that you are current.  Recruiters as less interested in a laundry list of experience and more interested in a detailed explanation of a particular relevant experience.  Be sure to discuss some of the most recent trends and topics in your industry to prove that you are engaged and up-to-date.

2.    Demonstrate adaptability.  Unfortunately, some recruiters have the (mis)perception that older candidates may be unable to learn and adapt as quickly as younger candidates.  Try to offer a few examples of times when you were required to adapt to a new professional environment, and you succeeded.

3.    Show off your network.  Well, try to be subtle about it, but a major advantage of extensive work experience is your collection of important contacts.  Individuals’ professional networks are an important avenue for gaining new clients and partners, so be sure to emphasize your network in an interview.

4.    Prove that you have an understanding of technology.   This point can often be the one in which younger job seekers win out.  Don’t let that be the case!  You should be able to speak to social media and other web-based tools.

5.    Be honest about your health.  You have no legal obligation to share your health problems with a recruiter, but don’t say that you can do something if you know your health will hold you back.  For example, if your doctor has instructed you not to travel, don’t tell the interviewer that you are able to do a significant amount of traveling.  You won’t be helping yourself or your potential employer.

If you can adhere to these five interview tips, you will significantly narrow the competition and increase your chances of getting the job!