Advice from the frontlines

One of my favorite online reads is Fortune’s "Ask Annie" column. I know what you’re thinking. Fortune Magazine. Boring!

Well, I’m not going to argue that, but the "Ask Annie" column has plenty of good advice for the career hopeful. One of the latest columns, "7 tips for job hunting in a tougher market," was extremely insightful.

Most of her information is geared toward business professionals, but that is the best place to learn. Reading advice from those who are already in the trenches can better prepare you for what is out there and, what to expect.

The job hunting tips are useful for anyone hunting for a job in or out of the mitten. Here’s a quick rundown of the seven tips:

1. Request more face-to-face meetings. People need to have more in-person meetings, in order to gather more information and make a better impression.
2. Set up your job-search activity. During a slower economy it is important to better your odds by making more contacts. Increase your resume circulation and make more follow-up phone calls to prospective employers, recruiters and others.
3. Try to be as flexible as you can. Accept part-time or contract work. In relation to recent college grads, try looking for another internship if you can’t find anything permanent.
4. Consider relocating. Being open to the idea of moving improves your chances for success. You have a bigger playing field with more opportunities.
5. Scour the hidden job market. Apparently, only 20% of available positions are posted. Dig deeper and contact potential employers and scour their websites.
6. Avoid internet job boards and help-wanted ads. Fewer job openings mean more people are chasing the same advertised positions. In my experience, internet job boards have very little value and are often postings useless unskilled soliciting positions.
7. Take advantage of social networking sites. Get on Facebook, LinkedIn or any of the other networking sites. Use them to see where your friends are or who they know.
   

Aside from all the advice given in Annie’s columns, the comments section always hosts a couple smart opinions from career-minded people.