Tip: There is nothing quite as strong and powerful as a third-party referral. A third-party referral knows you, knows how you work, knows how you look, and is willing to recommend you to a mutual acquaintence who could be your next employer. A third-party referral can virtually eliminate your job searching competition and uncover the "Hidden Job Market" What do you do to get this powerful action started?

. Create a 60-second commercial about you and what you are prepared to do for your next employer, but make it simple -- something that anyone in any career field will understand the first time.

. Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet, spread your commercial, and make it your business to meet new people everyday, socially and professionally.

. Get visible in your community. It's good to circulate resumes, but it's better to circulate yourself. Join clubs, professional organizations, hobby groups -- whatever it takes to get out there and get visible.

. Be involved. Don't just join groups, volunteer for offices and committees. Put yourself in the position to demonstrate your workplace abilities. That sells your sizzle and gets your third-party referrals.

Do what others fail to do!

getting hired

Tip: Do what others fail to do. Just because a company isn't actively recruiting for new hires through advertisements or on-line posts doesn't mean that they wouldn't hire you if they knew about you! Separate yourself from the masses...Eliminate virtually all competition...Discover the hidden job market. Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet, and you choose your next employer by researching companies you'd like to be associated with. Then, target those companies and let them know you're available. If you're good at what you do and you've researched companies that need people with your talents, you're doing your next employer a favor by identifying yourself!

Do what others fail to do....Sell yourself a new employer!