MyJobSearcher.com

In the dark? Billions of dollars were doled out under the economic stimulus umbrella. Yet the question remains. When do dollars translate to jobs?

Unemployment rates continue to rise with over 500,000 jobs lost in the month of May. Of those unemployed 21% have been out of work for at least 15 weeks. People need work, and a paycheck.

Approaching or continuing your job search leaves some questions to be answered. Where to look next? Do I start asking for less money? How can I standout as more and more people are looking for work?

Simply looking to whether the economic storm? Diversify. Working in industries that are new to you might offer more success in a bad economy. Find out what industries are doing best and look for work there.

Leisure and hospitality, education, and health services faired the best employment rates as unemployment climbed from 8.9% in April to 9.4% in May.

If you plan to fish it’s worth being sure there is something in the pond. Being an experienced professional and having a desire to continue along your established career path can make a layoff more difficult. It’s worth knowing what you’re up against. The most jobs lost in May: Manufacturing 156,000, construction 59,000, and professional and business services 51,000.

If your industry is fairing worse than others as you look for work preparation and informed tactics are a must have. With over 500,000 jobs lost in April one question job seekers are asking is, do I ask for less money? As an established professional you are already attune to salary levels and compensation structure in your industry. And if you are approaching a field of work new to you, be sure to do your research. Asking for less money can make a statement about your value as an employee that you would want to avoid I am less valuable.

Continue to treat inquiries for salary requirements as usual. This may not be the time to look for a raise but give an honest salary history and agreeable compensation can be settled after the position has been offered.

Increasing joblessness brings employers one blessing, an ever-increasing pool of candidates. Job seekers need strategy to rise to the top.

Resumes should constantly be reevaluated. We all reach a point where we feel our resume is complete. This is the ideal time to share your resume with friends, family and trusted colleagues. Ask this group to look for specific things, a critique on content for example. Verbiage choice, tone and voice can all be examined and constantly refined.

Your resumes aesthetics are just as important. Using Microsoft Word has limits. Template programs, no matter how expensive they are deliver one thing, a template resume.

Consider Adobe Illustrator as an alternative solution to creating a resume that stands out. The program consists of a series of tools allowing you to create a visual presence free from template. Use unique but subtle color. Find fonts that are not only different but extend your personality. Choose a layout that best features your credentials, rather than force fitting them into a template.

Your end goal should be to create a resume that is well written, visually pleasing, and stands out as an extension of your personality. Once taken care of a few other tactics can aid the job search.

Let people know that you are unemployed. Sounds strange? Letting friends, family and colleagues know that you have lost your job can work to your advantage.

Often, job openings are spread through social and professional circles well before they are ever publicized. Simply informing others of your employment situation may lead you to positions that have yet to be advertised, allowing you to enter the candidate pool early.

Consider further publicizing your unemployment. Blogs are becoming increasingly popular and using them to document your job search can be advantageous. A blog presents you with the opportunity to write relevant articles offering your knowledge of an industry, demonstrates to employers that you are constructively using the time your unemployment has afforded, while also presenting an opportunity to publicize your credentials. Visit Brittany Ward’s blog for an example of constructively blogging your unemployment.

Professional events are another venue you should plug yourself into when looking for work. Meetup.com and LinkedIn.com offer an endless number of groups and professional events in nearby areas. Professional events allow you to meet more people working in your field, increasing your professional network and potentially clue you into career opportunities.

With economic stimulus uncertainties, increasing unemployment and a growing need to find work it’s necessary to make every effort to win over employers. Tact and attitude can be your most valuable tools when approaching these difficult times. Periodically reevaluate your resume, confront unemployment with proactive networking and lend attention to what industries are fairing best.

The first few days of unemployment are tolerable and even relaxing—you’re hopeful of finding a position in the next few weeks, and now you can catch up on all those things you didn’t get to do while you were working, such as sleep. But after a week of excessive amounts of free time and idleness, worry and restlessness kick in. Time is ticking; you owe, and balances are rising.

During my bouts of unemployment, I’ve tried to stay productive and positive (and make profits!). Because I am affected by the disorderly state of my house when I’m working, it’s cathartic to keep things clean and organized when I’m not working. Having an uncluttered environment keeps my mind tidy and peaceful for writing cover letters, sending out resumes, and weighing options. If the place is a mess, I am more likely to shred my papers and shout: I quit! Another benefit of organization is determining which possessions you really need. Often, there are objects sitting around collecting dust, and what you deem trash may be someone’s gold mine. Try selling your unwanted junk in a garage sale, or posting ads on Craigslist and other websites. Post on your housing or apartment community bulletin boards as allowed.

If the house payments continue to keep you up at night and even a little money would help, consider the temporary solution of participating in paid research studies and focus groups. As a qualified participant, you can make an average of $25-$200 in a couple of hours, and you don’t have to worry about prepping, because these studies cater to your specific knowledge or life experience. Countless topics range from cell phone or household appliance use, to marital or relationship experiences, to mood disorders. Often universities are looking for participants who will answer questions in an interview, fill out questionnaires, and/or perform a series of tasks. In my experience, the hosts and primary investigators have always been very kind, awarding me generously in gratitude, knowledge, and cash. These types of events can be found in newspapers, on community and web bulletin boards, and occasionally on billboards. Be on the lookout.

While it seems urgent to save as much as possible when you aren’t working, I’ve always been lax about how much I spend on food. A refrigerator stocked with only condiments and bread reinforces poverty and weakens your stamina. Try supplying yourself with your favorite greens, meats, and cheeses (depending on what you eat). You can buy food at slashed prices and still eat relatively gourmet meals by looking through cookbooks and treating yourself to a few delicacies from the bakery. Be nice to yourself—job hunting is sometimes tougher than working.