I understand the tailor the resume and the cover letter to the organization and all that advice. But the follow-up - say I have to send it to a PO Box? or fill out an app online and there is no information on how to contact HR?  What would you do about that type of situation? 

Networking is okay unless everyone around you is going through the same thing - we have 1000+ people being laid off from one of the biggest companies around and getting anyone to listen to you is pretty much - "yep my husband, sister, brother, father, mother, cousin, great uncle on my mother's side is haivng the same problems.

 What's the best way if you are trying to look outside of your normal (like another state) geographical area?

I have been hearing a lot of stories about what is going on in the states.  I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, a city and state with very high employment - and I am in the banking industry.  I left the US August of 2008 for the MIddle East and have been here since.  Although this region has seen some ups and downs, for the most part it is doing quite well because of all of the oil money.  It was a huge move for me because I have lived my entire life in Cincy.  But opportunties are trmendous out here,especially if you are American - tax free income too.  Anyone interested in find out more please feel free to contact me.

Faris Ghani

How do you get the interview? Several ways. Oh, let me introduce myself, for starters. I'm an employment counsellor, so I work with jobseekers all the time. I'm in Canada, as you can see on my profile, but there's not a lot of difference between job-searching here and in the US.

Let's start with the traditional method: your resume. You say you have a great resume, and that'sterrific. But just having ONE great resume isn't enough. Your resume should be tailored to every job you apply for - that's the only way to make it stand out. So read the job posting carefully. Look at the company website. Use their language. State accomplishments that match what they're looking for. If their top need is for a particular skill, make sure that skill is at the top of your highlights list. And then make sure your cover-letter hits them between the eyes as well - show that you know the company, you've taken an interest in them (eg use Google Alerts to look for news updates, and comment in your letter about some achievement they've just had that you like). Show how your skills and experience match their need. And close by asking for an interview.

Then, once you've sent your resume, follow up. Call and ask to speak to the hiring manager; politely and professionally express your interest in the job and ask for an interview. You can use the old 'I'm just checking that my resume has been received' trick as an excuse. Then, if you haven't heard from the company within a week or so of sending your resume, call to ask if a decision has been made on interviewing, and reiterate your interest in the position. Persistence can pay off :)

That's the traditional, but most people actually get jobs through networking. Friends, neighbours, friends of friends etc. Join any organisations you can that might be helpful to you, if you can afford it. If anyone lets you know about a job at a place they know, get them or the person they know to hand in your resume, or arrange a meeting for you with the hiring manager. Employers love personal recommendations, because they tend to trust people they know more than complete strangers. It's often the case that if a resume is handed to them by someone they know that candidate goes to the top of the possibles pile.

Keep trying. It WILL be harder right now, but persistence will get you that interview, and your chance to shine. Good luck! 

Hello,

Ok, well there are so many things online on how to interview, but how do you actually interview? I'm great once I actually sit in the chair in front of the person conducting the interview, the problem is actually getting in the door. I send out ALOT of resumes, and my resume is designed well. I send it to jobs I'm overqualified for, jobs that I'm a little under qualified for and yes jobs that I'm right on the money. I have a good cover letter, its direct and to the point and doesn't read like a wall of text.

So, whats the secret?