I know that job advice is everywhere, but I feel like a lot of the articles say the same exact things. However, there are a few I’ve come across that actually have some really decent advice. I went ahead and compiled some of the articles for people who are currently looking for jobs and for people who already have jobs – I feel like the people who have jobs are often overlooked in these articles, which is unfortunate because in an unstable economy, it’s important to have an edge so you don’t lose your job.

Looking for a Job:

The following article is a great starting point – it highlights some things you should consider before launching your massive job search. Instead of sending our your resume to every position you find, perform a specialized job search and apply to jobs that fit your skills well. You’ll probably have better luck, and you won’t burn out after a couple hours and end up sending rushed, jumbled resumes and cover letters to the important positions (because that’s when you’ll miss out on the perfect opportunity). Also, learn how to network. Knowing someone doesn’t give you an “in;” fostering a relationship does.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1901-Job-Search-Job-Search-Advice-Worth-Ignoring/?sc_extcmp=JS_1901_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41901

The following link has a TON of articles that will help you write the perfect cover letter and resume. The most important thing to remember is be yourself – you will only find your dream job if you’re honest. Look at it this way – if you’re a real type-A, go-getter, innovative workaholic, a job that calls for a laid back worker with no opinions will not make you happy (and truth be told, you will probably not perform to their expectations). Allow your work personality to shine and you will catch the eye of the person hiring for a position that matches it. Oh yeah, and best resume advice I’ve heard in awhile – focus on job accomplishments that highlight your penchant for pulling in more revenue for the company. In a bad economy, a worker that helps the company make money is as good as gold.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/MSN/Category.aspx?categoryid=CL

Check out the MSN career page – take everything you read with a grain of salt. Unless you are reading articles from a job search expert/life coach/Bill Gates etc., you have to keep a level head. Use your best judgment to determine which tidbits are the best advice and which are not. I’m also a big fan of instructional books – try those out too.

An additional tip I received from a university job search expert back in college – when you’re looking for a job (networking, attending trade shows and job fairs, visiting conferences, etc.), have a stack of business cards that market your skills. The front should say your name and contact information, and the back should contain the most important points from your resume – hand this out to everyone you meet (only if you DON’T have a job already…if you do, this could be career suicide). It’s something different that might be eye-catching.

One last thing – maybe you’re struggling with the whole “being different” advice (like it’s easy to be different when you’re sitting in a stack containing hundreds of resumes, all with people trying to be “different”). Instead of trying to be “different,” try to be creative. The resume business card is certainly one way to stand out. Your cover letter is another. Some people currently applying to jobs are sending in videos or USBs with flashy cover letter information, but honestly, if the hiring manager is sifting through hundreds of resumes, I can almost promise you he or she is not going to feel excited about the extra effort. Instead, find a creative way to write your cover letter, or include samples from your work portfolio. For example, my sister is the PR Manager for a major energy corporation, and she recently had to hire for a few open spots. One resume caught her eye because the cover letter was written like a press release, using the same tone and format as other press releases written for the company by my sister. The girl got an interview and was hired almost immediately because her cover letter was unique and eye-catching.

Currently Have a Job:

I guess the most important thing to remember if you’re lucky enough to have a job right now is to be nice. When strangers are shoved together in an office, there is no guarantee that everyone will be compatible. However, part of working is dealing with people you don’t particularly enjoy, and knowing how to be nice anyway is a wonderful skill that will take you far. Treat people as you want to be treated – show kindness and respect, even if you do not receive it in return. Granted, you don’t want to be a doormat, but politeness will take you far (in many cases, knowing how to say “no” politely will take you far, as well).

Another thing to remember is that people are losing their jobs daily. You may feel that your company cannot survive without you, but you are wrong. There are millions of qualified professionals looking for jobs right now – someone could very easily take your spot. Do not allow overconfidence to plague you. Confidence in your work and abilities is wonderful, but overconfidence often leads to a lack of motivation and poor output because you think you’re untouchable. On the flip side, don’t let fear inhibit you from reaching your potential. The following link has some great tips for advancing your career:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1892-Career-Growth-and-Change-11-Little-Known-Ways-to-Advance-Your-Career/?sc_extcmp=JS_1892_home1&SiteId=cbmsnhp41892&ArticleID=1892&GT1=35000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=647a8db55bc74e358881971d70563dd9-294745353-J7-5

Another really cool tip – join local organizations in your field. By being involved, you’ll make important contacts that may help you when the time comes. Moreover, you’ll have a blast! You will make wonderful friends and have fun experiences – it’s a social activity that will boost your career. If you don’t find yourself having a blast and making friends, find another organization. Keep looking until you join one that you love, because that passion will influence your level of involvement.

Should the unthinkable happen and your company starts to lay off workers, here are some things to be cautious about:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1882-Workplace-Issues-Seven-Signs-That-Your-Job-Could-Be-in-Jeopardy/?SiteId=cbmsnhp41882&sc_extcmp=JS_1882_home1&GT1=23000