Job search got you down? Top 5 reasons why your search may not be productive.

So you've been looking on-line, set up job alerts, and told your friends and family you're looking for a new job......and you're not getting anywhere?  This is a common statement I hear from many job seekers!

Today's job search is more competitive than ever with well-planned strategies that require good follow up skills.  Here are five simple steps towards a productive job search:

1. Get your resume in order - review your resume for appropriate skills, experience and education related to the jobs you are applying to. Are you "tweaking" your resume for each application?  If not, you should be!  With applicant tracking software in use, the hiring company searches for key words in your resume and cover letter....if you're not hitting their key word search, your resume is not getting exposure as a potential candidate.

2. Does your resume provide accomplishments?  Remember, employers want to know what you did previously that made a positive impact for the organization.  Did you reduce costs?  Find a better way to track information? Discover a costly error? Develop a method that made work easier? Think along those lines to identify accomplishments and develop a concise bullet point for your resume.

3. Are you following companies using LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook?  Many companies will "tweet" job postings with a link that directs you to their company website to apply. Some post leads on the company Facebook page with a link to apply.  LinkedIn is well known for job postings as well as connections. If you know the industry and have "target" companies you'd like to work for, search social media sites for information and seek out someone who can make a network connection.  Don't be afraid to ask for network connections when it comes to researching organizations.  Many clients have had a great deal of success in this area that actually led to job offers!

4. Are you working on your search daily? It's very easy during the summer months to minimize focus on the job search thinking employers don't hire during the summer because everyone is on vacation.  That is just plain and simply not true! Be smart and stay ahead of the competition - stay in the job search zone and continue to seek out network connections, job leads and companies that are growing.

5. What's the message you're getting out when others ask what kind of job you're looking for? Are you clear? Concise?  Do you have a broad set of skills where you could do many different jobs?  Be careful not to sell yourself with a broad brush...."oh, I can do a lot of things!"  You need to be specific so others can identify what you're looking for when they hear it and get back to you! Carry "contact cards" with you everywhere!  You never know where you'll meet someone you'd like to stay connected to! 

Donna Galan is a certified career consultant with more than 10 years' experience coaching and counseling job seekers in transition and employed candidates seeking a change.   Contact me at Donna.Galan@gmail.com.