text: Prepare an elevator pitch. “In 60 seconds, you should be able to explain what you want as your next step and how you can create value (by highlighting accomplishments),” Carniol explains. This pitch will come in handy for cover letters, networking, and even chatting with family and friends about your job search. If you are clear on what you want and come across as motivated and valuable, people will want to help you.
  Get on top of the trends in your industry. What new trends, technologies, or jargon do you need to be aware of? What companies are up-and-coming (and may be hiring)? Are there any specific skills that you need to improve to be competitive in today’s job market?
  Inventory your network. That 80% of jobs that aren’t posted will be discovered through your network, Carniol says. “And if you invest the time to map it out, your network will be far bigger than you expect.” Create a list of former co-workers, classmates, recreational sports teammates, fellow members of your religious congregation, family members, and neighbors--essentially anyone that you know. “Strengthen these connections by reaching out on LinkedIn.”
  Focus your job search. Trying to get “any job” is much less effective than focusing on a specific job title at a specific type of organization that aligns with your skills and experience, Carniol says. “If you don’t meet the requirements for a position, think hard before applying. You may only be wasting your time, as well as the time of the employer.”
  Use three different approaches to job seeking. Only a small percentage of people get their jobs through sending a resume and cover letter in reply to a job posting. “The rest find positions by reaching out to colleagues in their field and asking for informal advice; through working on a contract or temporary basis with a target firm; through knocking on doors; by networking at live events and virtual career fairs; and even finding opportunities through social media,” Carniol says. “Use more than one and you’ll see success faster. But if you use more than three, it can get too overwhelming.”
  Put in the time. “The job search really needs to be a job where you invest enough hours each week into the search,” he says. “The majority of the time, you will unfortunately not hear anything back. Though frustrating, that’s normal. You still need to keep at it and put in enough time the next week.”
  Come to the interview prepared. Do your homework on the interviewer and the company so you’re adequately prepared. In addition, come to the interview with your own personal interview story and with questions for the interviewer. This will help you to stand out from other candidates, Carniol says.
  Follow-up. “You may reach out for a networking conversation and not hear back. You may not hear back after an interview when you expect. In any case, it’s on you to follow-up on a timely basis so that you stay in consideration,” he says. “A week is a good amount of time between outreaches if you haven’t heard back.”