Job searching can be an overwhelming task especially at the current time. Unemployment rates are up, businesses are closing and it is not a good time. Have confidence in yourself is very important. With the job market looking like it does, if you find yourself unemployed you may not be able to find the exact position you were in previously. Some people will prefer to be unemployed until they can get into a similar position to their former employment. Some will be wanting to take a job that they find security in regardless of the position.

Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Know your career goals: Before you go out to search you need to think about what position you are looking for or where you would like to be employed. Setting specific goals will help you in your search. Planning ahead will give you confidence in your search.

• Get resume and cover letter updated: Make sure your resume is up to date and have cover letter if needed. If you need help with these search online or reach out to friends or family. Customize your resume to the position you are apply for or searching. Identify examples of your skills that would benefit an employer.

• Job Search Resources: There are a lot of job search sites online. States even have them to help those who are unemployed find employment. Another source is the unemployment bureau they would have jobs that are available. Your local classifieds and good ole word of mouth. Use multiple sources for your search. If you are looking at a specific company go to their website. Most companies have a careers page with positions available or where you can submit your resume or an application. Also on the job search websites make sure you upload your resume so employers can find you. Network in your field regularly.

• Research companies/Prepare for interviews: If you are wanting into a specific company you want to know ass much as you can when you apply. Know how they operate and understand different positions within the company you may want to submit your resume to or apply. Researching an employer before an interview is also a good idea. During the interview we often go in hoping we get a job, but you need to step back and see if its a position you want. Research them. If you have your goals and you did your research on the company you can also prepare you own questions you may have. Questions may be about the hiring process, position requirements or duties, benefits they offer, and more. Be prepared and you will impress.

• Apply with confidence: If you have set your goals, done your research, critiqued your resume, then go for it. Be confident. Sometimes job hunting you will do many interviews before you find the right one. Do not give up and be confident. Jut realize those are not rejections those are just not right for you. You deserve to reach your goal and you will. Do not give up and be confident.

• Follow up with applications, resumes, as well as interviews: Follow up with employers where you have applied or submitted a resume. This may help you get an interview or it may let you know they already filled the position. It is also a courtesy to follow up with a thank you after an interview. Will this help you get the job? I am not sure, but it will show your integrity and your appreciation they took the time to interview you and consider you.

• Expand your skills: In the meantime expand your skills. Take a class, learn a new skill, or improve on a skill you already have. Learning should always be continuous in life.

• Succeed in your current job: If you are looking for a greater, better position and are currently employed don’t let your job performance suffer because of your goals. How you succeed now reflects on how you will succeed later. Always do your best even if you are not happy with the position. It shows good work ethics, teamwork, and many skills employer love to see in their employees. If you go into work daily with a Debbie Downer attitude and bring others down you will never succeed. Work on optimistic skills, self care, and please be happy. Kill them with kindness.

I hope this will be give you confidence and support you need in your search. Job searching can be exhausting, scary and so many things. Set goals, know what you want and own it. You got this!