job hunting

is not fun. No one likes it. We have all helped others.

Since my last job had me dealing with recruiting often, I have learned alot about the hunt the past few years. Here are few tips and tricks.

1. Always spell check. This includes mentioning correct position and company in your cover letter.

2. Make sure you do at the very least a quick google search of the company you are applying for. For example, I used to work for the Alexander Group. We were management consultants. I recieved applications for recruiters, which was another firm down the street.

3. A great recruiter once told me, think of your resume as marketing collateral - it should be something used as a marketing piece and not just say what you did, but mention what you can do and want to do.

4. Never stop networking. Join groups, help others and tell people what you are looking for.

5. Don't leave jobs on bad terms.

6. Don't trash talk. Anyone. Except to your closest confidantes (never never at work).

7. Keep your resume and linkedin current and your facebook profile private (don't use drunken photos as your profile picture - people look at them).

8. Have a chronological, easy to read resume.

9. Take classes if needed.

10. Know what you want and go after it.

11. Send polite, hand written thank you notes to recruiters within 24 hours of an interview.

12. Work around the person's schedule is going to interview you.

13. Keep in touch with your references, and not just when you need a job. Send them thank you notes as well. They have spent valuable time making you look good.

14. Help others as often as you can.

15. Never stop networking! Even if you are happy with your position, keep yourself out there.

16. Create your own opportunities.