Many people are feeling fear, anxiety and immobility in the volatile economy we are facing today. As a career coach, I am seeing this fear translate into negative expectations and powerlessness as the unemployment statistics soar.

This week I attended a teleclass by Dr. Lynn Joseph on using a visualization technique that can help job seekers release fear and harness their own power and value to obtain what they are seeking. In studies conducted by Dr. Joseph, the majority of job seekers who used this technique became reemployed more quickly than those who did not. 

For anyone who is feeling stuck or hopeless in their job search — or is just getting started and wants to keep negativity at bay — Dr. Joseph's book, The Job-Loss Recovery Guide: A Proven Program for Getting Back to Work – Fast! and it's companion guided visualization recording, The Job-Loss Recovery Program, can help.

Posted by Louise Garver

It’s easy to get so excited about the new job you just landed that you don’t think very much about how you are closing the door to your present one.

However, how you depart leaves a lasting impression on your manager and colleagues, which can have an equally lasting impact on your career. My advice: end it on a positive note and make it easier for everyone by following the four tips below:

Tell your manager and colleagues first. Tell your boss that this is an opportunity for moving ahead in your career and that you have enjoyed your tenure with your company.

Prepare a formal resignation letter that includes the effective date, a brief explanation (such as pursuing career advancement) and a positive statement about your career with the organization.

Choose your departure date based on the number of weeks that will be appropriate for your level. For example, a month or more can be appropriate if it’s a senior-level position or one with critical projects in progress.

Take care of everything you need to do to provide proper closure regarding your responsibilities and any paperwork with the human resources department. Leave your contact information so that anything can be forwarded to you.

Keep in mind that negative comments can haunt you in the future. You never know where your former boss may end up working next.

Posted by Louise Garver

The Internet has dramatically changed how job searches are conducted. With the click of a mouse, you can distribute your resume to thousands of employers and search firms.

As a result, recruiters are inundated with resumes from unqualified job seekers. I recently spoke with one of my recruiter contacts who lamented about this problem—being deluged with resumes from unqualified candidates.

Recruiters, she said, are quick to spot mass mailings of untailored resumes and generic cover letters conducted without any research to identify appropriate firms that specialize in the job seekers’ field. If you send your resume indiscriminately, you lose credibility with those recruiters and employers.

The best way to gain credibility with recruiters and employers is to conduct highly targeted searches and apply only to positions for which you are qualified. If you are reviewing ads, scrutinize the list of stated qualifications that are required. A good technique to determine if you are a match is to print out the ad and underline or yellow highlight all statements that match your qualifications, skills, education and experience. If you don’t meet all of the stated requirements, which are considered minimum requirements, you’re not likely to get an interview.

Also, when conducting a targeted campaign to search firms make sure to include your job target, industry target, willingness to relocate and locations, percentage of time you are willing to travel, a broad compensation range, and your availability.

Ads for positions that are not a match or vaguely appeal to you won’t get you closer to your ultimate goal of winning the offer you deserve and want. Save your time—and respect the recruiters’ time—by concentrating on the ads for which you do meet the listed requirements and other search strategies that are more productive.

Posted by Louise Garver