10 Shortcuts to Keep You on Target

Shave off time from your job search with any of several smart shortcuts. As you develop this strategy over time, finding a job becomes less of a tedious hassle and more of an action plan.

1. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

As you hunt down the elusive networking connection that gets you the inside track to a new position, perfect your 30-second elevator pitch you give to someone. Show precision by letting a potential referral know exactly what type of position you seek and why in one clear, concise sentence. Other people do not have time to decode any vague verbiage.

2. Pay Attention

Pay attention to every detail of your job search, including the latest trends in the labor market, such as social media use, perceptions of job hoppers and more competition in the civilian labor pool. Read your resume and cover letter thoroughly to expunge any typos. Follow directions for the application process precisely, as some companies want see if applicants pay attention.

3. Think About the Future

Talk about your potential job as if you already have it. On your LinkedIn profile, list your current position as the one for which you apply. Tailor your vital documents to the job-at-hand — not the ones you had — and speak about the current position in the interview rather than expound on what you did in the past.

4. Expand Your Job Search

One-stop shopping places such as Monster and CareerBuilder represent great choices to start looking for job. However, trade publications may also turn up gems not found anywhere else.

5. Stay Organized

Create a file for each job listing on your computer. Keep job search notes on word-processing documents in each folder, and save copies of the tailored resume and cover letter. Note who you called, when you called, and what you learned from that call within each file.

6. Make a Schedule

Stick to a regular schedule throughout the week. Make a goal of sending out a certain number of applications, and by Friday you can ascertain your job application goals to see how you did.

7. Peruse Social Media

Edit your social media profiles to present a unified front to employers. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to a specific position. Delete any untoward posts or set Facebook privacy settings appropriately to hide any personal photos or updates. Perform regular Google searches for your name to see what comes up.

8. Prepare Ahead of Time

Save a resume template for new positions you encounter so you can add relevant, specific details quickly without rewriting the entire document. Also keep a list of references to produce on-demand throughout your job search.

9. Stand Out From the Crowd

Be memorable to your interviewers without making the wrong impression. Show your personal touch with a bright necktie or sparkly earrings. Send a handwritten thank-you note after the interview to catch someone's attention.

10. Bring Solutions to the Interview

Make a plan of attack for your first week on the job. This means having a relevant proposal you pull out of a briefcase that helps solve a dilemma for your potential employer to show you can create solutions.

Smart shortcuts for your job search sharpen your focus. This leads to better interactions and bigger bites with employers impressed with your panache.

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