Job Search Success in 2010

While the state of the economy continues to produce a soft job market, hiring usually increases during the first part of the year. Here are five essential steps to achieving a successful job search as we begin 2010.

1.) Develop and Implement a Strategic Career Plan

The need to plan an effective job search campaign is always important, and in difficult economic times it is vital to develop a strategy for finding the job that's right for you. Here are the steps of a Strategic Career Plan:
• Assess your skills, knowledge and experience and prioritize them in terms of what are most favorable to you; i.e. what talents you want to use going forward
• Research the job marketplace and identify opportunities that are a fit for you
• Target organizations that interest you and identify the decision-makers
• Develop a marketing campaign, including written communications (resume, cover letters, biography) and verbal communications (network introductions, interviewing and negotiating) that will allow you to effectively represent yourself to referral sources and prospective employers
• Identify and utilize all the avenues available to identify job leads including referral sources, internet job postings, job fairs, recruiters, and direct research and contact with companies
• Set realistic goals on a daily and weekly basis and follow-up on all leads

2.) Increase and Improve Your Professional Relationships

Stay connected to your network of contacts by attending seminars, conferences and other events where like-minded individuals congregate. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet new people and share ideas of common interest. Reconnect with those individuals who have been supportive of you, ask them for referrals to others and be sure to bring something of value to each conversation.

3.) Consider Temporary, Part-time and Project Opportunities

As they emerge from the recession, companies hire individuals to fill temporary assignments, part-time positions and project-oriented roles prior to expanding their full-time workforce. While these may not be the best match for your needs and interests, they can provide you with cash-flow while you continue to look for full-time opportunities. Also, these contingency positions can turn into full-time jobs down the road.

4.) Explore New Career Options

Research the fields and job functions that are expanding and explore new career opportunities that interest you. Attend events sponsored by an organization on the periphery of your current area of interest in order to expose yourself to new ideas. Gain introductions to people in those fields to get their insights as well as referrals to decision makers who could hire you. Take a chance at making a change to a career that allows you to follow your interests and your passion.

5.) Keep a Confident Attitude and Strive to Build and Maintain Momentum

By developing a plan and sticking to it, you are setting yourself apart from a lot of people who have lost confidence and are not maintaining a high level of job search activity. The result is less competition for you, so take positive advantage of this and increase your lead development.

Have a healthy and prosperous 2010, and make it the year of strong commitment to your career success!

Brad Taft is the Chief Career Strategist of Taft Resource Group, a career transition and outplacement consulting firm in Scottsdale. He supports individuals in planning and implementing campaigns to land new career opportunities. Learn more about Brad and his services at www.WorkingMyWay.com and www.AgelessInAmerica.com .