Economic times have been difficult for job seekers who are wondering where their career plans fit into all of the chaos. For downsized workers, unemployed for an extended period, it is easy to lose interest and motivation in pursuing employment due to multiple factors. Several of these factors include - frustration, age discrimination, lack of interest, despair, and, loss of self-confidence. The pervasive denial of any potential job opportunities renders the frustrated job seeker feeling depressed and hopeless, resulting from a pattern of rejection and disappointment.

If unemployment persists for over one year, it's possible for the active job seeker to transcend into a 'Discouraged Worker', viewing their job pursuit as an exercise in futility. They adapt an irrational posture that their problem is solely related to the prevailing poor economic climate and consequently, will suspend their search until the job market recovers, or, until they are 'discovered'. Influenced by a 'fruitless' job search, they languish in non-productive activities, riveted to a phone or PC, waiting for the interview that never surfaces!

Manage Your Job Search

The fact is, with all variables on a level playing field being equal, the job seeker who ultimately perseveres and succeeds in securing a position, is highly persistent, with a 'positive attitude' and demeanor that exudes 'self-confidence'. The successful job seeker is consistently making strides in marketing themselves - aggressively exploiting every possible resource and networking channel to their advantage.

The successful job seeker is productive because they typically manage their search as a 'project', listing all tasks, schedules, options, contingencies, milestones, and follow-up activities. Tasks must be diligently executed and monitored to ensure progress and sustained momentum is achieved daily.

It's not uncommon for frustrated workers to envelop themselves in a sphere clouded with the perception that job hiring is non-existent, consequently, why waste one's time? They are inclined to place blame for failures elsewhere as opposed to taking an introspective look at the rationale behind their lack of success. Unfortunately, this is self-perceived as normal behavior when one concedes that all avenues have been exhausted and their current course of inactivity is of sound judgment.

"Every Battle is Won Before it is Even Fought" (Sun Tzu)

Invariably, the intervention of an external resource or 'catalyst' (family, friend, career counselor), is helpful influencing and enlightening the frustrated job seeker to face reality and strategically re-examine how they will succeed in securing a new job. It's time to 'embrace change', become motivated, and, apply a methodical approach to their search. This radical change must include a refreshing new positive attitude, a project plan, and the relentless resolve to secure a job. Consequently, one must revisit tactics and, what they are armed with before entering into battle:

o Review Your Resume - Avoid the disastrous mistake that may have derailed your job search from the onset! If responses to your initial campaign were lackluster and unresponsive, perhaps a sobering reality check is necessary to review your resume. You will not receive responses if the recipient is not inspired, and, your highly 'portable' skills are inadvertently omitted. You may opt to seek out a competent resume writer to assist with your resume, cover letter, interview techniques, and overall search methodology.

o Posting Your Resume - There are numerous posting boards (many specializing by industry sector) to post your resume. Be discriminating where you post your resume. Limit postings to two or three job boards and two or three recruiters. Avoid resume 'blasting' services. Overexposing your resume is as dangerous as if not posting at all.

o Revisit Your Social Networks - Approximately 75%-80% of today's jobs are secured through networking channels. Information cascades exponentially via social networking. Linked-In is especially helpful for job seekers. Face Book, Twitter, and MySpace are other popular social networks. Updating your social networks with relevant and current information should be diligently performed at least on a weekly basis.

o Unsolicited Resumes - Be disciplined and send your resume to several targeted companies on a daily basis. The cover letter and resume should be tailored for each company. Visiting the corporate website to identify several vital 'keywords' secured from posted corporate 'Culture' and 'Value' statements should assist with this endeavor. If email addresses are available, imbed your resume and cover letter within the email text - not as an attachment. Alternatively, do not be shy about mailing your resume and cover letter directly to the CEO. Exploit their comments to your benefit in your cover letter!

o Create a Web or Blog Site- A Web resume or Blog site is an excellent way to increase your visibility and ensure your resume is accessible 24/7. Many websites will host your resume or blog site for free! Instead of carrying a stack of resumes with you, a business card containing your web address is far more practical and convenient. Do not forget to also post your web address on your social networking sites!

o Write an Article - You are armed with a wealth of practical experience and kudos which can easily be published for free on a myriad of free article sites. Share your expertise and experiences with others! Article publication is another practical channel one should incorporate in their job search methodology to establish credibility and generate visibility. It's also an additional achievement to bolster your resume.

To Summarize

A job search is a tedious, exasperating, and cumbersome effort. The good news is, the harder you work at it, the greater the rewards! For the frustrated job seeker, it's never too late to place a stake in the ground, benchmark where you are at, and create a project plan or task list to rejuvenate your search and get 'back on track'. Many or all of the suggestions listed should be incorporated in your project plan. Tasks should be executed in a thoughtful and purposeful manner. One cannot take an indiscriminate approach with such an important life event confronting them. It's vital that your search incorporates structure, planning, and a compelling desire to succeed!

In the words of former NCAA and professional football coach Lou Holtz - "The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it".

Lenny Keitel is a former 29 year veteran with Fujitsu as a Director of Professional Services and Information Technology (IT). Mr. Keitel has expertise developing and selling self-service Banking solutions and IT engagements across all financial sectors. He has been extensively involved in major wins and new financial institution penetration both domestically and internationally. Integrity, persistence, and a competitive spirit underscore a tireless passion to meet and exceed corporate objectives. Mr. Keitel's management responsibilities included - employee staffing, strategic resource planning, employee career development and motivation, process re-engineering, web integration services, and, forging new business alliances.

Hudson Valley Resumes is a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling, visually appealing resumes. We are experts composing impressive resumes that land interviews by differentiating and positioning our clients a 'cut-above' other candidates. Our clients directly benefit from our unique insight into complex internal corporate tactics and dynamic factors potentially impacting staffing selections. We have exemplary expertise in interviewing techniques and best practices to ensure our clients make the 'short list'. We are a sensible choice for job seekers looking for a superior level of personalized service to reduce the time, cost, and frustration with their job search.

Lenny Keitel
Hudson Valley Resumes
http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com