JOB TIPS FOR RETURNING TO WORK

Just got back to the office following my morning interview on WDAF-TV, Kansas City's Fox station. The three-minute interview afforded so little time for information sharing, so here is the expanded version of what I discussed today for those who are unemployed and trying to return to work.

Tip 1: Get out of the house: networking trumps Internet job boards.

Most jobs are gotten through networking - up to 60-80%. Meet people who know people that can introduce you to new people. Attend professional and community events. (Sidebar: One of my career coaching clients got his new job by getting to know his son's Little League coach.)

Only 10-15% of all jobs are gotten through Internet job boards. Spending hours in front of a computer hoping to find the right job will only make you feel more like a deer in the headlights. You may think you're doing something; it looks like you're doing something; you may fool your spouse or partner into believing you're doing something - but really, you're not doing enough.

Tip 2: Only you can make it happen: recruiters work for employers.

Recruiters aren't there to find you a job. They're job is to find the right candidate for their client companies who can't find the ideal client. Someone who's unemployed is not that person as a company gets tons of applications from unemployed people. Why should they pay a recruiter to find unemployed applicants?

You have to find your way to your new job on your own. It takes long, hard work to succeed. Take advantage of a support team of family and friends to help you, as well as professionals like a career coach - people who really care about your success.

Tip 3: Get a temporary job while continuing your job search.

Temporary employment can help out with a cash flow problem while you're looking for a job. Apply at employment agencies that specialize in temp jobs. Look into seasonal employment such as tax time work and retail holiday work.

Tip 4: Embrace change: new job field, maybe self-employment.

Don't be afraid to change, grow, and take on new challenges - try new things. "Green" jobs, or environment-related work, are a growing area. There are still jobs available in technology, health care, customer service, sales and accounting for those who qualify.

Don't qualify? Assess your current skills and interests, then get more education, if necessary, to change to jobs in careers that are available.

Starting a small business, whether from scratch or through franchising, is an option to consider for some people. For others, self-employment can become a bigger disaster than being unemployed. You have to test your entrepreneurial skills before starting any business. Know your threshold for handling risk. If risk stresses you out, you are not a good candidate for becoming a small business owner.

Bottom line? Don't give up. Looking for a job is a full time job in itself. Put in your 40 hours per week and you'll be surprised at what you will find.