Helpful tips to reduce unemployment woes…

I am increasingly hearing from friends that are struggling with unemployment… there are several ways to reduce the time between jobs before and during your unemployment.

below are some things that have helped me.

• Build a good resume!

• in your resume document your employment and unemployment tactfully, it is OK to leave out that the previous job was horrible, you hated your boss, you were treated unfairly etc. If asked at an interview you can explain tactfully that it did not work out.

• when writing a resume organize your skills and abilities so that they represent a multi-talented person.

• don’t hesitate to add your hobbies! no need to go into detail but they do contribute to filling out your character for the person that will read your resume

• find someone you know to help you write your resume! often a recruiter will have a go at it for free!

• Join professional networks such as linkedin.com and plaxo.com you should do this whether you are employed now or not! these networks keep you connected to people in your field. almost all recruiters are part of these networks and can keep up with your updates. do not underestimate the power of networking with people in your field! regardless of who they are there is always a chance that somone may know about a position that just opened up and you may get the first crack at it!

• Be sure to take the time to develop your personal online brand… YOU! write a blog, write and submit articles, join communities, and become an expert on something in your field. Be sure to share your expertise and before long who knows what opportunities will come.

• Put your resume out on Monster.com and careerbuilder.com and make sure to update it everyday. updating your resume everyday keeps it at the top of the list of resumes and more likely to be looked at on a daily basis!

• always return emails from recuiters and add them to you network… this increases the chance that somone is actively trying to place you.

none of these are “silver bullet solutions” but combining these tips can give you an edge in the current work economy! Good Luck

Jason the bald guy
jasonthebaldguy.com