When you are unemployed and looking for work, it seems like employers, recruiters, bots and scammers are holding all the cards. You’re sitting at a blackjack table in a loud casino, the dealer is smirking, and you’ve had one too many and are having a hard time counting. I get it. I’ve been there….more times than I care to admit. But, here you have an advocate. I’ve been in this creative industry talent business thing for over 25 years. I’ve done it all….staffing recruiter, internal recruiter, digital agency talent acquisition, staffing business owner, staffing industry executive, job seeker, you name it.

You’re not alone and I am hoping this guide will help.

With each passing today, it’s starting to look like a challenging job market for many is either here, or it’s on its way. Update – yes, this was spot-on. We have been in it for years.

If you’re looking, here are some things to keep in mind to help set you up for success:

-LinkedIn is your friend. Take stock of your online presence and what it says, and doesn’t say, about you. There is plenty of content out there about good LinkedIn profile practices. Take advantage of this platform to present yourself positively and to build your network. Think: How do I want to be perceived.

You are your own marketing campaign. Analogy…you’re sitting on a shelf in a grocery store aisle. What is the shopper seeing when they walk past, and why are the picking you off the shelf?

The power of Linkedin is not only in your connections but it is with your network’s network. You have to grow your network to increase the chances you will find leads. This is the real gold…being able to see people and possibly jobs or opportunities because your network has the connection and comments or shares something. Think of LinkedIn like a giant networking event. Most of the time, you have to walk up to someone and introduce yourself.

-Package yourself in a clear and consistent manner. Brand yourself. Know who you are, who you are not, and who you may want to be. Understand your strengths and your weaknesses. Be honest and realistic.

The key is to understand what your sellable assets are and what someone is likely going to hire you for. Highlight this.

-Make sure trusted connections are aware of your search. Don’t expect anything from them but you want to be top of mind if they become aware of any opportunities. They can also be a link to connect you to a hiring manager. Just don’t use up any good will by asking too much and be ready to return any favors.

-If they can’t find you, they can’t hire you. Do not name your resume file “resume”. Use your last name as a file name. Add your phone number to your e-mail signature. List your portfolio address in your LinkedIn summary. Make it easy to find you and your work.

-Send thank e-mails after every interview and every substantial networking meeting. It’s a lost art. It shouldn’t be. Graciousness never goes out of style. It also shows interest and intent and can help keep the conversation going.

Connect on LinkedIn with everyone. Scroll it for leads and things you can act on. (see above).

-Do your homework before every interview and every meeting. If you don’t care enough to find out about the company and role, why should the company care enough to find out about you?

Follow every company you apply to and interview with. Sometimes you are a fit for the company, but the timing is off or the job isn’t right. If you follow them you may see roles in the future that are better fits. Don’t assume they will remember you.

-Hiring is a two-way street. It’s not the hiring company’s job to figure out why they should hire you. It’s your job to present your case in the best way possible. And be prepared to interview the company. You may be showing up to work there every day. There must be something you want to know about it.

-Don’t be too timid and don’t be too obnoxious when pursuing opportunities. It’s a balance. Be confident, not desperate. And use the “3-strikes and you’re out” rule. If you send a resume or inquiry to a company and get no response (or waiting on feedback from an interview) wait 5 business days for a follow up. Assuming no response again, spread it out to another 7 days and finally a third attempt after another 10 days. No response still? Move on.

-Market yourself. Look for opportunities and look for jobs. Jobs exist. Opportunities are created. Put yourself into conversations by being the starter. Reach out to people. Ask for meetings. Ask for help. You have to be the driving conversations, driving action. This is not a market to wait.

-Constantly evolve. Don’t lose your edge. Stay relevant.

-Finding a job is a job. Work at it every day. And if you do, give yourself a break. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You got this.