Marketing Me! The Ladders Tips for the Unemployed Job Seeker

The Ladders delivered a great list for job seekers. A quick synopsis..

No matter your timeline, get your name out - Let's say you have been given a 90-day notice your position will be going away. Get busy NOW putting the word out your availability. (Too many job seekers are in shock the first 30 days or procrastinate).

Stay up to date in your field - this truly matters for technical workers, insurance, workers comp, HR and other certification heavy fields. Don't get caught with a resume full of ten year old acronyms!

Keep tabs on the Job Market - You might be surprised how much your field has changed now that you are looking again.

Get expert assistance - the author recommends a professional resume service, coaching and recruiters. I have had mixed results... no dismal results with professional resume services. I know myself better than they do. But a good coach is mandatory.

Use your network - in a top ten list for job hunters, this would be numbers one, two, three and ten on my list. The best jobs are found in your network.

Set goals - No doubt. Have them for your career and make sure your job searches match your career plans!

Be aggressive - assert yourself with hiring managers. That is who they remember.

Don't act on fear - the author advises against taking the first job that pays money and requires a warm body. You most likely will be unhappy in short time.

Know when to compromise - Which is kind of funny because it refutes "Don't act on fear" above. However, put it in the perspective of a laid off auto worker in Detroit. Compromise means sell the house in Michigan and get outta Dodge to a part of the country with jobs.

Do what you love - Always. Remember, a hobby is something you do for a living but don't get paid for it. Find a way to get paid for your hobby!.