10 Steps to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Job in 2007

Many companies and organizations do a significant amount of hiring during the first few months of the year. But most people make the mistake of firing off their resumes without putting any real thought into the important, and sometimes daunting task of finding a new job.

In the competitive job market of today it's essential to stay up to date by finding new ways of marketing yourself and your valuable skills. Current statistics show that the average job search can be anywhere from two to an astounding ten months long. Here are ten steps to help quickly improve your chances of landing that perfect job in 2007.

1. Plan for Success

For any venture to be successful, including the search for a new job, proper planning is the first essential step. If you already know what your goals are both short and long-term, then planning your job search should be relatively simple. You should then know where you see yourself in a year as well as where you'd like to be in five years.

2. Be Realistic

If you're considering changing careers completely, then you may need to sit down and review your qualifications. Perhaps you'll need to take a few courses to brush up on your current skills or enroll in a class to learn a few new ones.

3. Make a List and Check it Twice

Make a list of all of your recent achievements and figure out how to incorporate them into your resume or CV. Think of any special projects you may have been a part of or any other job-related success stories that you might have which can be summarized effectively in your resume and cover letters.

4. Toot Your Own Horn

Remember that employers want to know what you can do for them and how you'll help to better their company. By providing what you've already done and not just what you intend on doing will help better your chances of beating out the competition.

5. Revamp that Resume/C.V

Now that you have a complete list of all of your achievements the next step is to add them to your resume in a way that will get you noticed. Keep in mind that the average recruiter or employer will spend under one minute glancing at your resume or CV, so it's imperative that you make an impression quickly in order to land that interview. And it should go without saying that you must triple, even quadruple check spelling and grammar before sending anything to a prospective employer.

6. Scope out Your Prospects

Considering that we spend a large majority of our lives at work, it makes sense to find a job that you enjoy doing at a place you can be comfortable. By doing a little research to find the best companies that are suited to your needs, you'll better your chances of finding the best work environment for you and your style.

7. Spread the Word

Social networking can be an excellent way of improving your chances of finding a job. Let everyone know you're looking to make a career move and attend career fairs and trade shows as well.

8. Explore the Web

The internet is an extremely valuable resource when it comes to job hunting. Post your resume on the various job boards and stay in the know about what's happening in your particular industry. Sign up to be notified via e-mail when jobs that interest you are posted.

9. Make Yourself Over, Not Just Your Resume

Dress to impress when you're on interviews, and remember that this is one of those instances where less is more. By keeping make-up, jewelry and perfume or cologne to a minimum you'll project a more professional image.

10. Take a Breather

Job hunting can be mentally exhausting so it's easy to get burned out before you even get the new position. To make sure that doesn't happen, allow your mind a break once in a while. Find ways to relax and participate in activities you enjoy. When you resume your search you'll have a fresh outlook and a better perspective on things.