5. Continue to get 'out there'
Study after study published continues to indicate that 'networking' is still the number one way to land a job. Take advantage of every opportunity to be with groups of people. This encompasses everything from your child's soccer game to a Chamber of Commerce event. Informal networking can happen at any moment and when you least expect it. An example is of a man waiting for a bus. He struck up a conversation with another man also waiting for the bus and ended up getting a job lead and an eventual offer. No one can predict when an opportunity might come your way.
6. Prepare yourself
Preparing ahead of the interview will give you a definite advantage. What this means is getting focused about what you want the interviewer to know about you. You are presenting a picture of you with words. It is important to identify what makes you unique and what added value you can bring to the position. Reading through the job posting you are applying for and getting a sense of what it will take to do this job will help you look at the process from interviewer's point of view. You want to let the interviewer know that you are the 'solution to the problem,' and the best person for the job.
7. Keep in mind - you are not alone
Remember, it is an extremely tight job market and that for every job opening there are four or five equally qualified candidates standing in line behind you. It is essential that you are prepared, focused, and able to tell the interviewer what makes you unique and why you are the best person for the job.
Keeping upbeat is a part of your job right now. When you begin to give into the dark side you will project that to others. You want to stay as upbeat as possible, particularly while interviewing. Bringing confidence and energy to the interview are the two most important ingredients to connecting with the interviewer.
About The Author
Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, *Interview Fitness Training Workbook* and *Boost Your Interview IQ* (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of copies world-wide. http://www.InterviewCoach.com
