When you are unemployed and looking for work, it seems like employers and recruiters 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 can 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.

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

-LinkedIn is your friend. I barely even look at resumes anymore. 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.

-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.

-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.  

-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.

-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?

-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.

-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.