This is a guest post by Jorg Stegemann, who has been a headhunter for more than 10 years–half that time focusing on Europe. His blog is My Job Thoughts: Career Advice From a Headhunter. His recent articles for FORBES include “Six Signs You May Be In A Dead-End Job.”
Whether you recently lost your job or are ready to jump ship from your current one, the chances of your getting a new position through the want ads is next to nil. The good news is that there are many other avenues to pursue.
Start by updating your resume and your LinkedIn profile. (See “Five Top Resume Turnoffs”). Then come up with a brief pitch, highlighting what makes you special, that you can tailor as you approach potential contacts. Here are the best ways to harness it in your job hunt.