Dave Thomas, who covers among other items starting a business, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.

In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle. But, today, average is officially over. Being average just won’t earn you what it used to. It can’t when so many more employers have so much more access to so much more above average cheap foreign labor, cheap robotics, cheap software, cheap automation and cheap genius. Therefore, everyone needs to find their extra — their unique value contribution that makes them stand out in whatever is their field of employment. Average is over.

So how will you define yourself in a job market where average is over? You need to really think about this and define your USV: unique selling proposition. What makes you different? How will you rise above?

Give it some thought and come up with a tagline for your brand. 

But above all, don't be average.

Today, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to pre-screen candidates (or MS Office features that mimic basic ATS functions).

These systems, basically resume databases with Google-like search tools, help companies only focus on candidates that meet minimum requirements, from the average 1,000 applicants that advertised jobs draw.

In addition, ATSs help companies demonstrate compliance with federal hiring laws and help them pass surprise Department Of Labor audits.

Ten years ago, Applicant Tracking Systems used to cost companies a few hundred thousand to a few million dollars. Today, companies can use them without cost - A large job board offers basic ATS access to employers. Even entrepreneurs can use features in MS Office to set up and search a database of resumes without special training.

Learn the 7 reasons why individual resume customization rewards your job search, by reading:

https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4923671/fd9c8e237f6204d7

Myth – Networking only works for outgoing brown-nosers.

Fact – People who are more inclined to strike up a conversation may feel more comfortable using networking than their more introverted counterparts, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are any better. Introverted people typically have very valuable gifts at their disposal – such as the capacity to listen well, ask thorough questions and succeed at follow-ups. Plus, networking becomes much easier the more you work at it. Like many emotional or mental challenges, it takes some time before you’re completely comfortable. Most of the energy is spent at the beginning – making the first couple of phone calls and setting up your initial meetings. But, as you gather momentum, it becomes much easier. Your networking may start off as a snowball, but once it gets rolling, it turns into an avalanche. Before contacting anyone, remind yourself that networking is an essential part of finding a job in today’s America.

Myth – Only desperate and under-qualified people have to network. People who are good at their jobs can get them the traditional way, through only job boards or job listing ads.

Fact – Everyone has to look for employment throughout their careers. When you start off you did not immediately have a job, you had to look around and ask friends if they knew of anything. Many people go through this process several times. Smart and savvy jobseekers know that many of the best positions are not actively advertised and that highly qualified applicants put a lot more of their energy into networking than browsing the want ads. Networking is a smart way to find a job.

Myth – It’s embarrassing to go around asking people for a job.

Fact – Everyone has done it. It may be embarrassing at the moment, but it won’t be when you get that first pay check. The purpose of networking is not to beg. It’s not even to ask for a job. You don’t start networking expecting a job just to fall in your lap. You go in to learn about the position, the people and the company in your area.

Myth – Networkers are imposing on the people they ask.

Fact – If everyone was imposed on when they were asked for a job, no one would ever volunteer a position to their friends and colleagues. Many people that you will ask got their job through networking. They may have felt like they were imposing but they did what they had to do to find a job, just like you should.

Don’t count networking out as a viable job search technique. It may put you in the right spot at the right time.

Recruiters face this issue just about every day - so they have to become experts at finding hiring manager email addresses.

The obvious away to find the hiring manager's email address is to call the company. You might get lucky and the hiring manager's admin or the person who answers the phone might give it to you.

Or you might not get quite so lucky ...

All is not lost, because there are a number of ways to play detective to get a hiring manager's email.

Learn how recruiters find hiring manager emails, by reading:
https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4895373/752aba71ba33ef1d

For those individuals searching to rejoin the workforce or believe now is the time to change jobs, it is important to hone your interviewing skills in order to place yourself in the best position available to attain the job you want.

When going on your interview, your appearance and means of communication with your interviewer are just as important if not more so as what resides on your resume.

It is important for those interviewing for a job to focus in on their non-verbal means of communication so they don’t mess up. Keep in mind, your non-verbal communications can actually kill or deliver the results you want.

When you first meet and greet your interviewer, do you make good one-on-one eye contact and offer a firm handshake? If not, you could lose points right off the bat, leaving you to have to play catch up over the course of the interview.

Some other missteps that can doom an interview include not smiling, appearing unusually nervous, demonstrating bad posture, bad wardrobe or grooming and being animated when asked simple questions. Oh, this seems like a no-brainer, but don’t be late to your interview; you’d be amazed what message a little tardiness (non-emergency) can mean to an employer before you even sit down for a one-on-one chat.

A good way to avoid many if not all of these mistakes is by doing a practice interview the evening prior in front of family, friends and/or a mirror. While you don’t want to appear too rehearsed, a little practice never hurts. This also holds true with getting to your interview on time. It never hurts to do a practice run so you know the exact location of the interview and about how long it will take to get there.

When it comes to actually starting the meeting, be sure to maintain good eye contact with the person interviewing you. By being focused in on your interviewer, you’re engaged in the discussion and interested in what the company may be able to offer you; staring past the interviewer is surely not sending a good signal.

While not talking over or continuously interrupting your interviewer, it is to be expected that you will have some questions regarding the company, so prepare them ahead of time. This allows you to come ready to learn about the position you’re applying for, how your role will impact the employer and what the company can do for you.

One question that should not be at the forefront of your list is how much money the job will pay, as nothing looks worse than if you’re only interested in the salary. While it is only natural to want to know what your income will be with your new employer, don’t be overly aggressive in getting to that issue.

Lastly, the reason you're going to an interview in the first place is that you either lost your last job or want to switch positions. Either way, do not badmouth your former or current employer.

The last thing a person should do is burn bridges with a former or current boss. If you do that, it can have a negative impact going forward on your career, not to mention be seen by a potential employer as negative and one reason not to hire you.

When you head off for a job interview - the bottom line is easy - Sell, sell and sell yourself.

Dave Thomas writes extensively for B2B lead generation online resource Resource Nation that provides expert advice on purchasing and outsourcing decisions for small business owners and entrepreneurs. He is an expert writer on items like credit card processing companies and is based in San Diego, California.

A survey last year from the National Association for Business Economics points out that business conditions have been on the uptick, with a rise seen in demand for goods and services, which translates to a need for more employees to fulfill those openings. Among the areas seeing a boost in employment are fields like real estate, health care, recreation and finance, while technology continues to remain strong.

It is important to note, however, that the national job market is far from out of the woods.

Unemployment continues to hover between 8.5 to 9 percent, as businesses such as those in the communications, transportation and utilities industries continue to remain behind in terms of job opportunities. Additionally, the private sector remains slow at forming new jobs.

A NACE 2011 Job Outlook Survey points out that along with technical skills, employers are seeking what is known as soft skills. Those individuals with such soft skills, a good education and a strong work history are much more apt to score the job than candidates lacking one or more of those qualities.

Employers are most focused on:

• Verbal communication skills;
• One’s work ethic;
• Initiative;
• Teamwork and analytical skills.

Along with strong skills, employers also want employees who demonstrate a positive attitude, both for their businesses and the assignments they are tasked with. Employers also desire to bring on board workers who while experienced, prove a willingness to learn.

Another trait employers will seek is employees who possess formidable characters.

Given that employees will have to deal with a number of challenges over time in their careers, they will be asked to show commitment, compassion and trustworthiness. On-the-job training can only do so much to bring out these traits; it is important that new employees come aboard with as many of these qualities as possible.

Employers also want someone who will work well with co-workers and not be a distraction on the job.

Employers seek employees who can co-exist with their colleagues and will act both in a mature and responsible manner when dealing with trying times on the job. If you’re an employee that proves to be challenged even under the simplest circumstances, odds are you will not last long in your present position.

Finally, it may seem like the most obvious of things, but being on time for work and not stretching the rules is very important.

While it may come as a surprise to some, being at work 9 to 5 means just that. Employees are expected to put in a full day’s work for a full day of pay. That includes not pushing the limits on time for both lunch and breaks. In instances where an employee is going to be late, out of work for the day, etc. it is very important to communicate that to a supervisor in a timely manner.

Using common sense on the job is something that employers want from those they hire; it just makes sense.

Dave Thomas, who covers among other items home-based jobs, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.

https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4787839/c4c76dc38e7019fa

Your career obviously has options if you’re working on a contract basis, so start searching for the options that fit with your skill set. How many working professionals actually have a clear-cut set path that they would like to follow? How many options do your coworkers have after their job ends?

If you do not have any options once your contract ends, then you need to start developing some career options quick.

Why do you need career options? The job market is tough, but there are still other things that you can do to broaden your horizons. When you have a long-term contract it seems like you don’t need a long list of options, but if you’re working on short-term jobs, then you always have to keep an eye open for something new.

Your career is like a long winding road trip. You may not know the destination but you know where you started from, you know where you want to go, sure there may be detours along the way, but eventually you will want to have a clear destination. If you don’t have all of your options mapped out, then that should be your top goal. So, what are some of your options after your short-term job ends?

1. You could get another short-term contract

If you’ve always had short stays at companies for contract work, then you might be more comfortable working in this manner. This can be a great way to make money and still have your freedom…if you have the stomach for it. And sometimes it can be hard to find another job if your contract ends quickly.

2. Go for a long-term company

If you’re tired of looking for work every 6 months, then why not find a traditional 9 to 5 job? Depending on your chosen field, you could have many different options in a lot of different companies. If you have an accounting degree you’re basically set to work at any company, as long as they need someone to do their taxes, then you’re their person.

3. Try a different profession

What if you feel stagnant during your current work? It doesn’t mean you have to swear off that type of work forever, but you might want to consider a change of scenery. Moving to a different position within your short-term contract employer may provide other options.

4. Extending your contract

If you and your contract employer have a solid working relationship and you like where you’re at, then why not stay there? They obviously could use your talents, so talk to the HR manager about what can be done.

Read the article...

Here are the latest who's hiring headlines brought to you by the Hidden Jobs App.

Download Podcast (mp3)

January is almost always the busiest hiring month of the year thanks to new budgets being unleashed into the recruiting wild. Many of you will be looking for a new gig this year so here's what you really NEED to know about today's job market.

1. Hiring will be better than last year. Economists expect an average of 175,000 new jobs to be created each month. Things are slowly getting better.

2. The resume black hole still exists. Even if you submit your resume into an ATS (applicant tracking system) its always a good idea to find another way into the company and get your resume in front of an actual person.

3. It's still a "buyers market", at least in most industries. Many employers are still looking for an 'exact DNA match" to their open positions.

4. Age discrimination is still rampant. You need to fight it. Here are some links to help.

5. It's always better to have your resume written by a professional resume writer. Make an investment, get it done.

6. Hiring cycles are still long and drawn out. Be patient after your first interview. There are lots of variables that go into making a hiring decision.

7. When search for jobs online, ignore the job date. If its 2-3 weeks old there is still a very good chance the job is still open and the company is still interviewing.

8. When using job search engines realize they aren't as inclusive as you think. They now only index those companies/job boards that pay them. You still need to seek out the niche and local job boards in your field. You must maximize your search.

9. Tap the hidden job market. Look for companies that are growing and take any job to get your foot in the door. You'll have more job security in the long run. Here's a tool to help.

10. Realize technology is changing the way we work. You need to keep up with it. Don't be left behind.

11. Understand that ALL jobs are now temporary. There is no more lifetime job security. You need to plan ahead, keep your skills sharp, and always, always be learning.

Thanks for reading and happy hunting everyone. Go get'em!

1. From a legal perspective here's some advice.

2. Keppie careers says manage your digital footprint.

3. Ways for baby boomers to hold onto their jobs.

4. Job hunting tactics for older workers (via about.com)

During the end of the year rush, a lot of employees will save their vacation time to use during the holiday season, and while people are out of the office on vacation, it becomes very important to try and stay motivated in an empty office building.

Here are some ways that you can stay motivated during the holiday season:

Clean your office

Take some time and go through your office area, closet, filing cabinet, desk tops, email inbox, whatever and make sure what items you need or which can be discarded. Cleaning is a great distraction from everyday boredom, so find some time for your office.

Schedule business meetings during slow times

You can invite potential or current clients to your office during the holiday season. The business meeting can be as formal or informal as you like, but make sure you stack the place with plenty of refreshments. You can serve finger foods or have a local restaurant cater the lunch. Whatever you do, do not spike the eggnog.

Planning for next year

A lot of businesses are given a yearly budget to spend before the year is up, and leftover funds cannot be rolled over into next year, so they are lost. If you act quickly you can build relationships with these companies and then hit them up for business as the end of the year comes, they will have excess cash that will not be around for the New Year, so why not spend it now?

Review your marketing or business expansion plan

Take a look at your goals and see which ones have been accomplished and find dates of completion for your other plans. If you have any unfinished goals, you can add them to the list for next year. The end of the year gets many people worried about next year, but this is your chance to be one step ahead.

Go to every networking or holiday event

When the holidays are in season, you can bet there will be holiday parties. But while others are busy socializing, you can be busy building relationships with people you meet at these events. Keep your eyes open because you never know when you’ll pick up a new client.

Offer close out deals

If you are a small business, discount prices and packages for existing clients, or even new clients, as a great way to form alliances with a strategic business. Deals allow you to reach that one tough client you’ve been trying to get and at this time of the year, a lot of bosses want to look good on the bottom line.

Switch it up and do something different every day

Have coffee from somewhere new or just add two sugars instead of one. No matter what it is, just try something new. Break up the monotony.

With millions of Americans out of work it's imperative that they follow every lead and uncover those hidden gems that might lead to their next opportunity. That means targeting companies in their state that are growing and hiring. Most of the companies that HiddenJobsApp.com finds have yet to post these jobs online.

HiddenJobsApp.com has been tracking these companies since the spring of 2011 and here is a list of the top states with the most hidden jobs as of today's date.

Kenexa RPO is hiring over 50 Virtual Recruiters in January! They are hosting a Career Webinar to share the hiring details! The webinar will discuss the virtual recruiting team and how you can get into immediate contact and an interview with a recruiter.

It's simple. Join the webinar, get the details AND a unique apply link and get priority.

Webinar Details:

Date: January 5th, 2012
Time: 1:00 - 1:30 PM EST (Just 30 minutes)
You can REGISTER HERE

** If you are not looking for a new position please forward this on to those that are!

ZAARLY - an app that lets you earn cash for doing odd jobs like picking up someones dry cleaning or taking pictures for a realtor. Some people make hundreds per month with it. http://www.zaarly.com/

TASK RABBIT - similar to zaarly. People outsource their tasks. http://www.taskrabbit.com/

SKILLSHARE - Can you teach a skill? If so you can get paid. http://www.skillshare.com/careers

CHACHA - be a guide & get paid for every answer you submit to their ad-supported Q&A service. http://becomeaguide.chacha.com/

• Make sure you are qualified.
• Tailor your résumé to the position.
• Closely follow instructions on how to apply.

As I mentioned before, recruiters hate receiving résumés from unqualified applicants. One recruiter I know told me that unqualified responses were the "bane of my existence."  Once you do qualify yourself, you will be asked to use one of the four conventional apply methods: mail, fax, e-mail, or online application forms. Carefully follow the instructions on how to apply, or your résumé may be ignored if you fail to include things like the job code or proper subject line.

There are a growing number of recruiters who specifically tell you not to apply via the job board but instead follow the instructions they have at the end of the job posting. They do this to filter out people who don't read instructions. Be forewarned, if you don't do as they request, your résumé will get trashed.

You may also be curious to know who initially receives your résumé. This can vary depending on the type of company. The table below shows typical recipients according to company size.

Each apply method has its own set of guidelines that you should follow. But that does not mean you can't get creative by adding your own personal touch. After all, the goal of applying is to get noticed. In general, the job candidates who stand out are those who make the extra effort to establish a relationship with the recruiter or hiring manager. How you do that is up to you.

Consider this example. A company places a newspaper job listing. They include the following copy at the end:

For more information on this exciting opportunity, please visit our Web site at companyname.com

Applicants were then urged to submit their résumé to the "Managing Partner." Out of 140 résumés received, 138 were addressed to "Whom it May Concern "or "Dear Sir/Madam." Only two applications were addressed to "Brian Clayton, Managing Partner."

Those two applicants were the first to be called in for interviews because they showed the initiative to find out the actual name of the managing partner by going to the Web site and uncovering the name.

Employers truly value internships and often use internships as a way to distinguish between potential recruits.

Many college students and recent graduates don't realize that the fall semester and very early in the year are the best times to be searching for summer internships. These 50 internships have deadlines that are quickly approaching.

So what are the advantages of focusing on a specific type of position?

1. Serious job searches are time consuming. If you are unemployed, you should spend at least 30 to 40 hours a week looking for a position. Some people who are not focused put a lot of time and energy into their job search and end up feeling as though they are doing everything in their power. But, their energy is actually focused in other areas, so they are not putting forth the full effort. Focusing on a specific career will give you a leg up on the competition who are looking into different job options.

2. The more contacts you make in your search, the more likely you are to find a desirable position. The more you concentrate on these contacts, the better it will be for your job search. Putting a concerted effort will give you a better chance of something positive happening. The likelihood will be decreased if you focus on several different career paths.

3. Jobs often appear to those who use most of their energy in a specific direction. It will be difficult for people who are all over the map in their job search. HR managers look at the different careers job prospects have had and weigh that carefully when comparing candidates. Job seekers who are not focused rarely make any significant impact or impression on HR managers in order to attract the right position.

4. A productive job search requires that you present yourself convincingly to your prospective employer. Employers are not impressed by statements like, “I do not care what type of job I do” or “I’ll do anything as long as there’s a paycheck in it.” If you present yourself as professional and are focused in both written and verbal communications, you will give them more of a reason to believe in your skills. It’s important to find the right fit for both you and the company, and if you’re just doing a job for a job, you may be shortchanging yourself and the company.

5. Look at it this way–it may be hard to be enthusiastic and extremely well qualified for a 20 different jobs. So stick with what works for you and find the position that makes you happy and pays you well.

Now a new survey sheds further proof on their effectiveness.

"Four years (give or take) into recruiting’s embrace of social media, it turns out that job boards are the most productive source of new hires. Where social media sources register a barely discernible 1 percent of all hires, job boards produced 19 percent. That was matched only by internal transfers; even referrals came in lower — 16 percent."

So if you are a job seeker you need to make sure you are hitting ALL the job boards in your locale and/or industry.

That's where the jobs are and where you are most likely to succeed.

Hat tip to TLNT

So much has changed in the past year.  Job search is so competitive and each job seeker needs to gain any advantages they can to compete.

3 Key Points

• “Social” is so important! Take the time to learn how to maximize and utilize these tools.
• Be proactive, persistent and a stellar “sales person”. These are critical to job search success during competitive times.
• I have said it before and I will say it again.  A job search DOES NOT BEGIN or end with your resume.  It is about relationships! Build them now!

LinkedIn is A Hot Topic

LinkedIn Tips: How To Find Great People to Connect With

12 Ways to Build a Better LinkedIn Profile

Adding Social Bling to Your LinkedIn Profile

Building Your Reputation:  Part 1- LinkedIn

How NOT to Ask to Connect on LinkedIn

Top 10 LinkedIn Pet Peeves

Social Media/Social Networking Thoughts

HOW TO: Find Smart People on Twitter

Social Media, Job Search, and You

Common Job Search Mistakes

25 habits to break if you want a job

HOW TO: Ask for An Informational Meeting

What? You Aren’t Using an Email Signature?

Following Up Is NOT Optional

Be Crystal Clear: Show How You Solve A Problem

Job Seekers: Change How You Look for Work

7 Reasons You Are Never Going to Get A Job

Educating the “New to Job Search” Seeker

The Best Job Search Tool Ever

4 Lessons Learned from Job Search

The Process of Job Search

HR, Recruiters, and Hiring Managers: They All Have Different Missions

Thanks for reading!  Enjoy this holiday season.