Update Your Resume's & Cover Letters.  You will need to build a new resume for each possible employment type that you are seeking, and cover letters also needs to be customized for each job type that you are applying to.  This is one of the biggest mistakes that people make.  They figure the shot gun approach (one resume, and one cover letter) is going to do it for them.  It doesn't.  Every time that you apply for a different kind of job, your resume and cover letter need to reflect that.  You should have several of each to address the various jobs that you might be applying for.

 

  You will need to upgrade your skills for the type of work that you are seeking.
If you are seeking to move into an old, or different trade, then update what you know about it.  Don't walk into a business unprepared.  Update you, so that you fit with the company.  And, get to know things about the company, before you go for an interview.  The person who has recent company info, is more likely to get hired.  If you research them, before the interview and show them that you know about their business, they wi,ll know that you are keen to work there.

 

  Begin networking with companies that you know, friends, family, and old associates. who might be helpful to you.  How many times have you heard the story about someone hired, because they had a friend already in the company, or they knew someone.  Your future employer, is more likely to hire you, if a valued employee recommends you, and knows of your character and your work. 

 

  Every day, state out loud positive beliefs about you, and that you have the job that you want, NOW.  One of the biggest problems that people have in finding work, is their own negative beliefs about themselves.  "Like attracts, like."  If you are bummed out, you are not going to attract the job that you are seeking.  You will end up on the couch, depressed and without motivation.  It is critical, during the job search time, to try to be positive.  You don't have to dwell on negative thoughts.  Write down each day, 3 good things about yourself.  And, 3 positive beliefs about having a new job (present tense).  This little key, will help to keep you on track.

 

  Spend 20 minutes a day in prayer or meditation, to lower your stress.  No one needs to tell you that finding work is high stress.  You know that it does.  But, what are you doing about it.  Do you want to seem confident, and calm in your interview.  Then, learn how to slow down your mind, and to relax.  It is proven that those who are less stressed, are more productive in their jobs, and in their lives.  Let that be you.

 

  Work on wardrobe, and improve on any weak points, same for appearance.  Get in shape.  Fit people get hired more quickly.  Now, is not the time to start looking like a potato sack that just fell off of a truck.  Now is the time, to take extra good care of yourself.  Good food, fitness, supplements if you need them.  And, yes, grooming is also key here.  If you have a ton of old clothes that you never have worn, find a good home for them.  And, get one or two items, you guessed it, for your interviews!

 

  Use the phone book, to find job openings in the fields that you are interested in.  And, after you apply, CALL THEM BACK!  There are loads of jobs out there, the NEVER get advertised!  Over 80% never even make it to the paper, or on-line.  This is where the word of mouth can help.  But, better yet, are the Yellow Pages.  Pick up the Phone!  You can resource your own job, by calling companies that you might want to work for, and talking to their personnel department to see if there are openings.  If there are, ask them for the qualifications, and if you are even remotely close to them, send them an appropriate resume from your stash, and a suitable cover letter.  And, here is the most important key of all: CALL THEM BACK AFTER YOU APPLY, ABOUT 1-2 DAYS LATER.  If they haven't decided yet who that they will interview, call them back again, the next day.   The people that do this one thing, are the ones who will get hired.

 

  Take time to spend with family and friends, recreation is just as important as the job search.  Transitioning from one place to another is always stressful and un-grounding.  It is super important to stay in touch with family, and friends.  These are the folks in your life, who open your heart, and who ground you.  These are the people who remind you what a nice person that you are.  People need people.  Do not burry your head in the TV Guide when you could be out with your buddies.  Remember, those that are true friends will offer emotional support, that is critical to you at this time.

Lastly, I don't know everything.  And, I am sure that there are many more keys for you to find, as you seek a new career or position.  Keep doing your own research to see if there is any place new that you can apply, or even if your local government has free courses and counseling for those who are unemployed.  It can't hurt to just keep on researching.

And, when you find a job that you like and come across someone who is doing a job search of their own, be sure to pass on what you know, to help them along the way.

END.