Your time has come to get the benefits you deserve
By Georgette Sandifer Gallman Personnel Services

As reported in a recent Careerbuilder article, South Carolina is one of the 15 worst states to find a job. In fact, S.C. rates #3 just after Michigan and Mississippi. Daily news reports a softening economy and the chance of another recession.There are things a person can do to increase his or her chances of finding employment.

1. Prepare a good basic résumé.

Each résumé should be slightly customized each time it is submitted for a job opening. It should be in a word format that can be attached and emailed to prospective employers and job boards.

2. Talk to a good recruiter.

Recruiters have access to openings not found on the job boards or through the newspapers. Also, many recruiters belong to networks that allow them to share nformation with other recruiters.

3. References

Prepare a separate sheet with references. References should be people who are business related rather than personal friends. It is good to have a person who has been your supervisor, someone at the same level in the company, and someone who reported to you. These individuals can offer a prospective employer a different perspective about your ability to lead. Provide the person's name, title, where and when you worked with that person, and a phone number where they can be reached. Talk with these individuals ahead of time to make sure they are going to be your ally.

4. Letters of recommendation are powerful tools.

Each time you leave a job, ask for a letter of recommendation on company letterhead. These can be included in your packets that are provided to prospective employers.

5. Salary

Depending on your circumstances, you may have to make a lateral move or even drop below your previous salary. If you are working with a recruiter, he/she is usually working off a percentage and trying to secure the highest salary possible. Take into account the entire package: salary, bonus, perks, and drive time. Question if the new position offers more upward mobility than your previous or current position. Also, if you are relocating, how does the cost of living compare to where you live?

6. Job boards.

Careerbuilder and Monster are the best known job boards. You should check these regularly. Most job boards have some ways to send your résumé automatically for job postings that match your skills, geographic preferences, etc. It is usually better to send a customized résumé (as mentioned above) that links your skills to specifics in the posting.

7. Organizations and niche job boards.

If you belong to an organization related to your skills or position of employment, check its website for openings in your field, and more importantly, a place for you to post your information. Some of these will be free; others may be fee based.

8. Relocating

If you are willing to relocate you will have more possibilities. Even if you cannot relocate, consider the possibility of a longer drive to work.

9. Networking

Network with everyone you can. If your search is confidential, you will need to be more discreet. If not, make sure people know you are looking.

10. Stay positive

Stay focused, and do something daily to move your job search forward.

Georgette Sandifer is the placement services manager for Gallman Consulting, a division of Gallman Personnel Services that specializes in direct placement. Visit www.gallman consulting.com for positions throughout the United States or email gsandifer@gallmanpersonnel.com.