One of the most exciting aspects of a job hunt is the opportunity to pursue any career you want. An endless array of jobs awaits you; hundreds, thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands. Surely you can throw out enough résumés to net the job of your dreams, right?

Alas, it's not that easy. You can't expect to compete with other job seekers if you don't know what you want.  Unfortunately, a lot of job seekers don't know what they want to do when they find themselves looking for a job.

Maybe you're young and unsure of your future -- you might even have a degree. You might have been part of the work force for a decade or more and recently realized you don't like what you're doing, but you don't know what's next for you.  Not knowing what to do first can be overwhelming, if not disheartening.

"Candidates looking for a job have to start somewhere," says Donna Flagg, president of the Krysalis Group, a business and management consulting firm. "I think the most important thing is not to try to decide on what long-term career is best, because it's too daunting. However, it's not hard to think about places, jobs or things that make you happy or that interest you. Start there and back into employers that may offer such an environment."

The problem, of course, comes with singling out a job that you'll enjoy.

Write it down
Your first step should get your brain working, according to Simma Lieberman, a performance improvement consultant and coach.

"Make a list of jobs, careers and topic areas that have interested you. Don't censor yourself or think of reasons why you shouldn't list them," she suggests. Then start researching.

Browse your social and professional networks for people in the industries that interest you and ask them any questions you have. Try to find experts in these fields who would be willing to have a brief informational interview with you. "After your interviews and research, list the pros and cons, skills and experience needed to be successful, and determine what careers or jobs match your interests, needs and wants."

Throughout this process, remember that you shouldn't close off any avenues without good reason. If you're a numbers person who can't even draw a smiley face to save your life, then you may want to cross artistic careers off the list and consider something in finance. But don't assume any field in finance is off limits because of a scant work history.

Of course, experience is key. Not just the experience you have, but also the experience you're willing to gain, says Annemarie Segaric, author of "Step into the Right Career: Change Your Life While Still Paying the Bills."

"Realize that it's often unreasonable to expect to know exactly what you want without the experience of working in different jobs in the first place. This will take the pressure off of you from having to know what you want to take action," she says. "Instead, taking action on different opportunities will help you hone in what you like and don't like."

If you have worked for two years or just have an internship under your belt, you should already have some idea of what you're good at and what you don't like. Even if it's as simple as realizing you don't like working with customers on a regular basis or you can't stand a cubicle job, knowing what you won't do is helpful to find out what you will do.

"Remember this is not the last job you'll ever have, so let your degree, your passions or even your alumni contacts in a certain industry guide you," she reminds. "You will be able to make this job a steppingstone on this long and often winding career journey."

The process
Once you've got the right mind-set to find a job, you still have to apply and interview, just like all other job candidates, many of whom have known what they wanted to do since they first uttered the words "director of human resources" while still wearing diapers. So when you walk in to an interview, you might not be 100 percent certain you want the job, but don't let the hiring manager know.

Tina Hamilton, president and CEO of HR company hireVision Group, offers some tips for job seekers still trying to find their direction.

· Look for jobs that align with your education.
While you don't want to limit yourself too much during the job hunt, don't apply for a job as an investment banker if you're about to complete a bachelor's in studio art.

· Use your cover letter to illustrate your qualifications.
As with any job hunt, help the hiring manager see why you're a good fit for the position. Don't make him work too hard.

· Don't indicate your lack of direction.
If you admit to the hiring manager you're just trying this job on for size, you're telling him or her that you might not stick around for too long and you raise doubts about your qualifications.

· Don't ask the hiring manager, "What position do you think I should be applying for?"
"These are not career counselors," Hamilton cautions. "If you are turned away for a job you may ask if there is another area in the organization that the interviewer feels might be a better fit for you."

Many clients are hesitant to invest in a Career Coach, why is that? Is it because they believe they do not need any assistance, or that they can do it them self's, or they simply cannot afford it?  Well how long can you afford to be out of work? or, you-find a job but it turns out to be the wrong one, now you have no leave saved up, what then?

From my professional opinion; it;s all the above. It's also my experience is that most of my clients need some type of assistance. I have had clients that have no job objective, they do not know or understand the labor market, they have no direction and there resume is weak an in-effective. They spend years on obtaining a degree that cost them thousands of dollars, some do not even know what the availability of open positions within the career field they selected. So they search and search and have a difficult time in finding a career or job that they really enjoy.

Now here is the solution and why; a Career Coach can save a client valuable time by providing direction. They know where to look to find information about potential employers and the labor market. A Career Coach can assist the client with a resume that will bring in more interviews. Provide assistance and training to help there client's prepare for for the interview and with salary negotiations. Prepare and assist with a strategic job search marketing plan.

In conclusion, it only make since to invest some time, money and energy into your job search, which will save the client, time and money. It will be less stressful and more rewarding when you land the right job, so make an investment. Research the right Career Coach that fits you and your circumstances.

Successfully looking for a job is an acquired skill, a lot like learning to ride a bike. Most of us eventually get the hang of both once we understand the mechanics. Therefore, think of the following tips as "training wheels" in helping you become a better job seeker.

Getting the Interview

·  Get Motivated. While some people may look at the prospect of finding a new job as similar to getting a root canal -- without anesthesia -- job change is a fact of life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers between the ages of 18 and 38 will change jobs approximately 10 times. So get over it and get moving.

·  Determine What You Really Want... Besides a Bigger Paycheck. You need to sit down and identify what it is you do particularly well and what you truly enjoy. This will help lead you to a targeted market of potential employers.

·  Revamp That Résumé. Companies are looking for tangible skills and talents from their job candidates. As John Putzier, author and president of human resources consulting firm FirStep Inc. explains, "Just because you had the title of 'manager' at your last job doesn't mean you were good at it." Your résumé must show measurable successes, such as increased profitability or departmental savings.

·  Shift the Focus. Potential employers are interested in more than merely a litany of past companies and titles on your résumé. Putzier advises taking the focus off your past jobs and shifting it to highlight your skills -- both professional and personal. The fact that you are organized, persuasive and an excellent manager may best be exhibited by that successful community fundraiser you volunteered to head up.

·  Network. Looking for a job without contacting former colleagues and current business contacts is like setting up Internet access strictly for e-mail services -- you're excluding an entire body of useful information that could help you in your search.

At the Interview

·  Listen. "Really listen," advises John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. "You have such a small amount of time with the interviewer, so you really have to listen when they say what they want."

·  Make a connection with the interviewer. "Candidates all tend to look similar on paper," Challenger notes. But how you conduct yourself in the interview, he warns, is what either sets you apart (for better or worse) or lumps you in with all the other faceless candidates. So smile, make eye contact, try to relate on a human level.

·  Enjoy the silence. Don't feel compelled to cover lulls in the interview with idle chatter, says Challenger. Putzier agrees, "Most of the time this talking says nothing and sometimes the rambling can even get you into trouble by saying things you really didn't intend to."

·  Be prepared. Be ready for any questions the interviewer may hurl at you. In fact, Putzier suggests taking it a step further by giving interviewers what they want before they ask for it. "It's a great way to make a lasting impression," he says.

·  Be a superstar. Use what Putzier terms the "STAR" Technique. Describe the "Situation" in which you worked, the "Task" you solved, the "Action" you took to solve it and the "Results."

·  Ask questions. Be sure to ask questions, such as: "Why is the position vacant?" "Has there been frequent turnover in the position?" or "What are the priorities of the position?" You can glean much information about the company, the corporate culture and the position from how the interviewer answers these questions.

·  Say "Thanks." Thank the interviewer for the time spent talking to you and be sure to ask what the next step is, Challenger advises. Then follow up the interview with a prompt thank-you note or e-mail.

A strong hiring environment may cause you to think that your job search will be a piece of cake. But the truth is that finding the right job can be hit or miss. It’s important to have realistic expectations to keep your spirits high and limit frustration.

So that you enter the process with your eyes open, here are some job-search perceptions you may have and the reality behind them:

Expectation: My job search will take no time at all.
Reality: There’s no guarantee how long it will take to find a new position.

Finding the right opportunity is not always easy. The open positions you come across may not seem challenging enough, or certain details about a job, such as the salary or commute, may not be appealing. Along with searching classified ads and online job boards, you’ll increase your chances of finding a job quickly by tapping your network of friends, former co-workers and industry contacts for leads.

In addition, hiring managers may take several weeks to respond to your application. After all, they have full-time jobs with demands of their own, and hundreds, if not thousands, of résumés to review. That said, don’t be afraid to follow up with a prospective employer to help move the process along. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said it’s a good idea to do so within two weeks of submitting a résumé.

Expectation: I need to send out only a few résumés.
Reality: Finding a job is a numbers game.

As mentioned above, a hiring manager may receive countless résumés for an open position. That’s why it pays to spread a wide net. And while you want to keep in mind your goals, it may be unwise to hold out for the “perfect” job, which you might not find — or which might not even exist.

Also keep in mind that some of the résumés you distribute may not reach their destinations. If you e-mail your résumé, it could end up in the hiring manager’s spam folder, depending on the words it contains. For instance, if you “won an award” for being a team player, your message could be seen by an e-mail filter as a sweepstakes or moneymaking promotion. “Received formal recognition” would work better.

Networking with members of your professional network is one way to save yourself some time and effort. Hiring managers give preference to personal recommendations and may move your résumé to the top of the pile if someone you know puts in a good word for you.

Expectation: My résumé and cover letter are terrific!
Reality: You could probably improve your application materials.

Take a close look at your résumé and cover letter. Do they sell your skills and qualifications? Make sure that, instead of simply listing your previous duties, you detail your accomplishments and contributions in previous roles. So rather than saying, “Wrote one high-tech column for company intranet each week,” try, “Wrote weekly high-tech column for company intranet that increased readership by more than 200 percent and helped employees better utilize company systems.” This will show a prospective employer exactly how your work improved the bottom line and why he should hire you.

Also make sure your materials are targeted. Research the company before responding to an ad to determine how your qualifications can meet its business needs. In addition, read through the job description and include specific terms from it in your résumé and cover letter. Doing so will demonstrate to a hiring manager that your skills are a good fit for the position as well as increase the likelihood that your documents will be flagged as promising by résumé-scanning software.

Expectation: My skills are top notch — any company would want to hire me.
Reality: You may not be as marketable as you think.

A common mistake job seekers make is overestimating their marketability. Although you may think your skill set is solid, take an honest look at your qualifications to determine how in demand you really are. Keep in mind that your marketability depends on many things, including factors that may be out of your hands. For instance, you may live in a part of the country where many other individuals with similar experience are also looking for employment.

Of course, there are some factors you can control. For example, many firms seek employees with well-developed soft skills, such as communication and leadership abilities. Enrolling in a class or seminar can help you build these competencies. Industry publications, members of your professional network and recruiters can help you determine your weaknesses and identify ways of strengthening those areas to improve your marketability.

Finding a new position is difficult, and it’s easy to fall prey to your frustrations. But by maintaining a realistic outlook, you’ll be better able to overcome any hurdles and land a job quickly.

Seven Job Search Traps

By Robert Half International

Reports on the uncertainty of the current economy are dominating the headlines, and it's easy to allow those stories to weigh on you, especially if you are in the middle of drawn-out a job search. Instead of feeling helpless, remember that in any economy, companies need good people. And by fine-tuning your job-search strategy, you may be able to land a position that seems out of reach.

 

Consider these job-search traps and ways to avoid them:

 

You put all your eggs in one basket.
If you're like most job seekers, you probably heavily rely on the Internet to help you in your job search. While the Web can come in handy – as a way to research potential employers, determine which companies are hiring and locate positions specific to your area, for example – it should be just one of the many tools you employ. Also consider scanning trade and business publications, networking with professional contacts and registering with a staffing firm to broaden your search. 

 

You don't make finding a job a full-time job.
Sending out a handful of résumés a week is a lot like tossing a single bottle into the ocean and hoping someone responds to the message you left inside. To find a job, you must cast a wide net. It's a numbers game, and the more inquiries you make, résumés you submit and employment interviews you go on, the better your chances of success. Of course, these activities all require a significant input of time and effort, so set aside at least a few hours each day to focus solely on your job search. 

 

You're less than perfect.
Believe it or not, even one typo or grammatical goof in any of your application materials could be keeping you from finding a new position. With dozens or even hundreds of candidates to evaluate, a hiring manager won't think twice about passing on the applicant who has five years of "word professing" experience. In fact, according to a survey by our company, 47 percent of executives polled said a single typo on a résumé could eliminate a candidate from consideration for a job opening. 
Ask another person to review your application materials before you submit them. Taking 10 extra minutes to make sure everything is error-free can save you from spinning your wheels by sending out a flawed résumé.

 

You don't follow up.
One easy way to stand out from the crowd of applicants: Follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your résumé. According to a survey by our company, 86 percent of executives said job seekers should contact a hiring manager within two weeks of sending a résumé and cover letter. Yet few candidates do. Often a brief phone call or e-mail reasserting your interest in the position and strong qualifications is enough to cause a potential employer to revisit your résumé.

 

You fix too many 'problems.'
The average job seeker who has been on the hunt for a while usually responds to periods of little success by taking a cold, hard look at his or her résumé, cover letter, sources of leads and interview techniques. That's the wrong approach. Evaluating all aspects of your job search and revamping each one is like taking 10 medications for a minor head cold: It's a lot of extra effort and could cause more harm than good.

 

A better approach is to diagnose your specific job-search ill and focus on strengthening just that one part. Say you've gone on several interviews, but you still haven't received any offers. The problem likely exists solely with your interview skills – after all, your résumé and cover letter are drawing heavy interest from employers. Making significant changes to your application materials could cause other companies to overlook you. Instead, reviewing questions you've been asked by hiring managers thus far and practicing your responses with a friend could be all you need to land the next job.
You don't network.
The simple truth is that networking is the most effective way to find a new job. A referral from someone you know is likely to land you an interview with a prospective employer or, at the very least, move your résumé to the top of the consideration pile. Even if your contacts are unaware of any immediate openings, they may be able to introduce you to others who do have job leads.

 

The best part about networking: It's easier to do than you think. Talk to friends, family members, former co-workers and supervisors, professionals you meet at industry events – even your doctor and dentist – about your job search. And, as more professionals are finding out, online networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook can open up even more potential avenues for referrals.

 

You haven't registered with a staffing firm.
Registering with a staffing firm can dramatically increase the size of your network. The professionals
who work for these companies have contacts throughout their industries and often know of job openings that are not being actively promoted. In addition, the staffing professional you partner with can handle much of the job-hunting legwork for you by distributing your resume, setting up employment interviews and keeping an eye out for promising opportunities.

 

Even during periods of economic uncertainty, there are jobs to be had, especially for candidates who have the right skills and qualifications. After all, companies are always looking for talented employees. By avoiding the above job-hunting traps, you'll be better able to demonstrate your value to potential employers and strengthen your chances of finding the job you want.

Five Ways to Get Your Civilian Career Going

Wally Adamchik | April 11, 2008

Have you heard these statements about transitioning?

• “This retirement thing isn’t going anywhere near as well as I thought it would.”
• “I’m recently retired but I’m struggling to get back to the salary level I held on active duty…with a plethora of skills to offer any company, I have had a hard time trying to find a job that is challenging and worthwhile.”
• “My transition has been a blessing. If I had known how great this was going to be, I would have done it sooner.”
• “My new company is as good as any unit I served with in the service.”

If you’re a fan of statistics, you can see that your chances of a smooth, successful transition to the civilian sector are 50-50. That’s not good enough for me. Let’s look at how to improve the odds:

1.) Find a job you’re qualified for. You have a better chance of getting a job if you apply for a position you’re directly qualified for. For example, if you were a heavy equipment operator on active duty, then you should have no problems finding a job as a heavy equipment operator in the civilian world. If you were a nurse on active duty, you should be able to find a nursing job elsewhere. You get the idea. On the other hand, if you were an armor officer, you may have a hard time finding a job in that field. Also, if you want to start a new career, the road will be much steeper and more challenging.

2.) Geography is a factor. Job opportunities are simply more plentiful in some areas than others. Demographics and economics dictate what’s available in different regions. Certain cities have a stronger economy, and therefore more to offer job-seekers, than other locations.

3.) Don’t forget the importance of a positive attitude. Recruiters can smell negativity. If you show up at the interview with a chip on your shoulder, you won’t get the job. But if you go in ready to make a contribution and expect things to go well, you may just come out with an offer.

4.) Narrow your focus. It’s harder to get the job you want if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Yes, you have skills. Yes, you can do many things. It may get you a job, but not the job. Your lack of focus will also tell the recruiter that you haven’t given serious thought to what you want to do next.

5.) You’ll still have to pay your dues. No matter how much you think you have already proven yourself (combat, deployments, etc.), you have not done so to a new employer in your new career. Some employers are more enlightened about what vets have been through than others, and they may have a better understanding of what you bring to the table. But no matter who you work for, there will be some element of dues paying.

Nearly every day, I talk with employers who want quality people. Veterans can be the quality people they are looking for. Help the employer appreciate the value you bring, and know what you want. The transition will be challenging, with plenty of hurdles. But I promise you it can be incredibly rewarding, too. Stay Inspired.

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

As if the résumé writing and panel interviews weren't grueling enough, now you've got to negotiate a salary before you can successfully end your job hunt. "If you want something, you had better negotiate for it." That's the bottom line according to authors Robin L. Pinkley and Gregory B. Northcraft in their book "Get Paid What You're Worth." They note, "Employers routinely will offer you less than they ultimately expect to compensate you with the expectation that you will negotiate."

To help you nail the big bucks, heed these dos and don'ts.

Do arm yourself with as much information as possible by checking out industry Web sites for your occupational and geographic areas and others that specialize in salary information or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Don't overlook information from consulting firms. Mike Nichols, vice president of compensation, benefits and HRIS for Cendant Corporation, places the most confidence in surveys conducted by major consulting firms. "I frequently seek out surveys from Mercer, Hewitt, Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt," Nichols says. While most of the survey data from these firms is cost-prohibitive for an individual, there are a lot of good articles and information available from their web sites to help you understand how companies view and determine compensation levels.

Do withhold salary information for as long as possible. "Salary information is often used by employers as a screening tool. You want to keep all salary information away from a potential employer for as long as possible so that you're not "screened out" before you even get your foot in the door," suggests Denise Cooper, vice president of

Rare is the job seeker who doesn't have at least one gap in his or her work history. From being laid off because of a merger to taking time off for travel to caring for a newborn child, there are many reasons professionals may spend time out of the workforce. Still, job candidates often fear that prospective employers will view a gap as a scarlet letter. You can allay the concerns a hiring manager may have if you address the issue appropriately in your résumé and cover letter. Following are tips for minding a gap:

 

Avoid the nitty-gritty details.
Be truthful about why you've been out of work, but don't go on ad nauseam about your trials and tribulations. For example, if you vacated a position to tend to personal matters, consider offering a brief sentence or two in your cover letter explaining the circumstances. This job seeker efficiently and succinctly addressed a résumé gap: "I have served as an in-home caretaker for my ailing mother for the last year. Fortunately, she has recovered and is once again self-sufficient, and I now am ready, willing and able to re-enter the workforce." 

 

On the other side of the coin, this person's explanation invites questions instead of answers: "My long period of unemployment had to do with a variety of time-consuming events, in particular, an IRS audit of my financial dealings."

 

If you were fired or left a job on bad terms, explain the details during the employment interview, if asked.

 

Explain how you remained connected.
It's wise to describe how you stayed sharp and kept up with developments in your field during your time away. For example, did you attend any industry-specific conferences or seminars, join a professional association or take an online or classroom-based continuing-education course. Did you work with a staffing firm as a consultant or temporary professional?  If so, include that information in your job-application materials. Demonstrating that you remained professionally engaged will show that you have both initiative and up-to-date skills.

 

Don't overlook transferable skills.
Even if you didn't spend your time away from the office focusing on your career, you may still have gained experience that gives you an edge in the employment market. For example, after a decade-long absence from the traditional work world, the following candidate took a lighthearted yet savvy approach to describing her time as a stay-at-home mom. "As Domestic Engineer, I'm responsible for managing the lives of my husband and six children," she wrote. "My position requires organization, diplomacy, honesty, communication, patience and self-motivation."  While written with tongue in cheek, the applicant highlighted skills that employers find valuable.

 

Consider noting in your résumé or cover letter any activity you took part in that allowed you to hone your professional abilities. If, for example, you served as president of your homeowners association, you likely enhanced your organizational, budgeting and conflict-management skills. Citing these types of "unofficial" positions shows that you haven't been stagnant or let your skills become rusty.

 

Life can take you in unexpected directions, and prospective employers understand that most workers will have periods in their careers when they're out of work. To address an employment gap, be proactive. That way you'll ease any concerns a hiring manager might have right away. By demonstrating that you've remained connected to your field and committed to building your skills while out of work, you'll reduce the chance your résumé falls through the gap

In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance against the competition. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before you go on that all-important interview.

1. Look Sharp.

Before the interview, select your outfit. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best duds and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don't want to look like you slept in your clothes. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.

2. Be on Time.

Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

3. Do Your Research.

Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company's needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself. You also should find out about the company's culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job.

4. Be Prepared.

Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. For extra assurance, print a copy of Monster's handy Interview Planner.

5. Show Enthusiasm.

A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.

6. Listen.

One of the most neglected interviewing skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.

7. Answer the Question Asked.

Candidates often don't think about whether or not they actually are answering the questions asked by their interviewers. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.

8. Give Specific Examples.

One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance.

9. Ask Questions.

Many interviewees don't ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. Your questions indicate your interest in the company or job.

10. Follow Up.

Whether it's through email or regular mail, the follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. You don't want to miss this last chance to market yourself.

It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One way to do that is to be prepared to the best of your ability. There is no way to predict what an interview holds, but by following these important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to positively present yourself.