How to Jump Start a Stalled Career Search

Even in this economy, it's possible to get a great new job. Jump-start your stalled career search with renewed focus, a fresh resume and a little legwork.

Target Your Search
Choose two or three appealing positions. Begin your search with online job search services and classified ads. Search postings for at least 30 days into the past and compile keywords from the postings. Note the skills, education and experience required.

Revive Your Resume
Your resume is the first face potential employers will see. Is it crisp, neat and easy to read?

Consider hiring a professional to rewrite your resume. Professional resume writers are trained in style, format, keyword use and articulation. A small, upfront investment can net a huge payoff in interview opportunities, salary and benefits. Clean, well-written resumes targeted to the job you want tell employers that you are the candidate they want.

If you are looking for multiple positions, consider a targeted resume for each position. While retail management and office management have many of the same requirements, using the same resume for both is generally unwise. A skilled resume writer can produce a distinct resume for each type of position.

Don't forget the cover letter. Target the position in your cover letter, too. Get specific. Show the employer how your skills and experience match up with the skills and experience they're looking for.

Spread Your New Resume Around
Start online with professional networking sites and job search services. Sites such as LinkedIn allow you to post relevant pieces of your resume and sites like Monster.com let you post multiple, complete resumes.

Identify and target recruiting and placement agencies. Priority should be given to agencies that specialize in placing candidates in your field. A second wave of general recruiting firms should follow after you have contacted the specialists.

Footwork
Don't expect the Internet to do your work for you. Tell everyone that you're looking to change jobs. Ask if they know of openings and if they'll alert you to any they become aware of. Share your business cards and sell yourself.

When you get the interview, dress impeccably and make an outstanding impression. Follow up with a thank-you note and wait for the offers to roll in.