Cleanse Your Career Karma in 2012

With continued layoffs and business closings in 2011, job searchers are faced with finding new ways to get hired. So, here are 12 ways to find a new job in 2012.

1 – Get a total resume makeover in 2012. Your resume make be great, but you can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. If you are not getting interest for the type of job you are qualified for, then your resume may not be highlighting your best skills.

2 – Reinvent yourself. Whether it’s with a new haircut or a few additions to your wardrobe, nothing can boost your confidence more than doing something to make yourself feel good from the inside out.

3 – Career Shift.  While jobs such as customer service or sales positions will always be in demand, some jobs are not as popular as they were a decade ago. For example, many retailers are opting for “self” checkout, rather than live checkout leaving a bit of a decline in demand for cashiers. However, the customer service skills acquired as a cashier makes for an easy transition to a customer service position, either face to face or in a call center.

4 – Increase your networking activities. One great way to do this is to have a professional social media  profile created. This let’s your contacts know up front who you are and what you have to offer.

5 – Freelance or Temp work. Sign up with a local temp agency and opt for temp work, this not only keeps your skills fresh, it keeps the gaps in your employment history to  minimum. Long gaps in your employment can prevent you from getting hired. Temp jobs often lead to permanent positions and if they don’t do so immediately, make sure you connect on Facebook or LinkedIn with workers there , as you may find out about permanent positions before they are advertised.

6 – Volunteer/Internship – This is another way to exercise your skills, while adding to your resume.  Many volunteer opportunities lead to permanent paid employment, as you are in a position to prove your worth, which speaks volumes.

7 – Take a class or better yet, go back to school.  Learn a new skill or enhance those that you have. Investing in yourself is the best way to getting the job uou want.  This also puts you in a position to network. Many schools now offer free career services upon graduation.

8 – Subscribe to trade magazines and associations affiliated with your profession. The expense can be deducted from your taxes and you may learn of networking opportunities or even job openings.

9 – Be flexible. Sometimes you have to take a step backwards to go two steps forward. Taking a slight pay cut can be offset in other ways, such as a telecommute opportunity or an added bonus.  More importantly, you get your foot in the door, which opens opportunities for a more suitable position with better pay.

10- Get off the NET. With so many resumes flooding the internet, it may be time to get back to basics. Stop by an office and ask to speak with the Human Resources Manager, then hand deliver your resume. If the corporate headquarters are not local to you, then call the main number and ask for the name of the hiring manager and forward your resume addressed to them personally.

11- Follow the news. Many companies like Sears and Kmart are announcing store closings, however past trends suggest that these companies will  advertise job openings once the dust settles.  Submit your resume as soon as you hear the news. While this may not be a quick turnaround, it puts you ahead of the masses.

12- Hire yourself. That’s right! Starting or buying a business is a surefire way to get yourself hired. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, check first with the department of labor to ensure that you follow the proper guidelines so your payments will not be jeopardized. They also offer a ton of free advice and resources on getting started.

Good Luck!

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