A new job - and lessons learned

My wife has landed a new job - YAY! Her unemployment had just recently expired, so this was great timing.

While it's fresh in our minds, here are a few lessons learned from her job search.

Be positive
A positive mental attitude will make all the difference. Don't reflect too much on the past, on the last job. What counts is the present. This could be an opportunity in disguise. Focus on the future - your next job - and make this a change for the better.

It's a marathon, not a sprint
You may be lucky and find something new quickly. But most likely, your job search will take a while. Most likely it will be months - not weeks - of effort to land your next job. Don't worry: it takes most people this long, not just you.

A job search requires new skills
You need to know where to look for job postings, the ins and outs of unemployment, how to write a resume, how to write a cover letter, interviewing techniques, etc. There are many resources online to help you. You also may have nonprofit job search organizations in your local area that give free classes on these topics. It's time well spent.

If feasible, upgrade you
This might be the time to take a few classes and upgrade your job skills. This need not be a long, costly endeavor. Selected computer classes at your local adult education facility can help qualify you for a better job.

Know thyself
What type of job do you want? Why? And what makes you qualified to get that job? Start your job search looking inward - not outward.

Online job postings are a great resource
Newspaper job listings guarantee lots of competition and focus on jobs where demand exceeds supply (think: nurses, tech hotshots). Small businesses are increasingly using resources like Craig's List, Monster and other job sites - they find them often cheaper, faster and easier than newspapers. For the job hunter, using searches to target specific jobs and locations is a godsend.

Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job
The employer often mentions specific job skills needed. If you have these skills, make sure they can't be missed by the person screening your resume. A little extra time can mean the difference between the interview pile and the reject pile.

Interviews are an acquired skill
Your early interviews may not go as well as you hoped. Don't worry: you'll get better as you go along. Better yet - have a few practice interviews with a friend before the real thing. After a few times you'll be a veteran, and possibly better at it that the person doing the interview!

Be yourself during the interview
Disregard advice that you must "perform" during the interview - this will only make you tense and unnatural. Of course be positive and professional. But be yourself. If they don't like the real you, why would you want to work there?

Put yourself in the employer's shoes
Have someone you trust look at your resume as a prospective employer would. Are there questions, or red flags you should be ready for? Gaps in employment, frequent job changes, etc. may be for good reasons. Make sure these questions aren't a surprise.