CAREERS NOW 06-12-11

Social Networking To the Rescue

DEAR JOYCE: At 47, I am finding that all the methods I've always used to find a job aren't working so well right now. I've attached a list of everything I've tried without success. Am I missing something? - L.C.

Your list shows that you're no slacker - you've made most of the right moves that have worked like a charm in the past. But for the last five years or so, a new way of looking at job search has emerged for professionals in many career fields - social networking.

You've been relying on the What Was. Now it's time to check out theWhat Is.

Unleashing social networking. Career expert Miriam Salpeter has authored a simple but comprehensive career guide that aims to help you scoot across all the new and strange turf: "Social Networking for Career Success: Using Online Tools to Create a Personal Brand" (socialnetworkingforcareersuccess.com).

The owner of Keppie Careers (keppiecareers.com) and a contributor to U.S. News & World Report's "On Careers" column, Salpeter's 350-page paperback makes it easy to understand what's changed on today's job search and entrepreneurial landscapes. As a brief example, she defines push and pull job search strategies.

- Push job search strategy is the old-fashioned approach, which involves job seekers sending resumes to apply for advertised jobs.

- Pull job search strategy is the new approach, which involves engaging online and via appropriate social networks, to drive jobs to job seekers without their need to apply. This ideal version of job hunting is possible when people make a point to share information and advice, and demonstrate their subject matter expertise.

Jumping ahead. Salpeter's guidebook includes advice for beginners as well as tips and tricks that even some of the most experienced social networkers don't know.

Having read enough career books to stretch around the globe, I assure you there's never been one quite like this excellent landmark work. As Job-Hunt.org publisher Susan P. Joyce says: "The velocity of change is picking up and to ignore the technological revolution in job search is to be left behind - way behind."

If you're ready to tackle something new, this book is for you.

DEAR JOYCE: My husband is a 53-year-old financial services worker who has been looking for a job for six months. He is so down it hurts me to watch him hunt for projects around the house that will keep him from facing his job needs. His sister and I desperately want to help him but we don't have the know-how. - C.J.

The avoidance activities you describe are common when a person is tail-spinning in unemployment. One day he's getting pats on the back for a job well done and the next his position is history and it hurts - a lot.

Here's classic advice for your husband:

- Make a list of your accomplishments; the number may surprise you.

- Hang out with happy people who like you.

- Develop a routine each day to regain control of your life

- When you're having a dark day, get out of the house and do something cheerful.

- Get busy becoming an expert on finding a job. Progress is a choice.

DEAR JOYCE: I am last year's college graduate and have been trying to find a job ever since. My father says I should look into signing up with a career-services firm. But they want thousands of dollars up front. Your opinion? - C.J.

Pay as you go. Don't pay upfront. Ask your school's career center counselors for a list of experienced career coaches who can help you remake your marketing package and improve your social networking and interview skills. Always check the references of independent career professionals; desperate people have lost thousands of dollars signing consulting contracts.

Email Joyce
Sorry, the volume of mail makes personal replies impossible.