Well its here, the New Year and with it comes the beginning or continuation of your job search. 2008 will bring many challenges and opportunities for the job seeker, the most recent unemployment rate in the Tampa area is 4.6%. Unemployment appears to be creeping up from 3.6% in January 2007 to November’s 4.6% rate.

Understanding the unemployment rates and the salary information will help you make informed decisions on how to approach your job search. These statistics can be found at www.mycareerstartshere.com through links from the home page and direct links from the Local Forecast Page.

The housing sector and related industries have been hit hard, mortgage reps, real estate brokers and agents, title companies, construction companies, building supply companies, the trades, just to name a few. These professionals will need to do an extreme career makeover and look to transition into other career positions or “ride it out”.

If you are beginning a job search or continuing a job search from last year, please take a few minutes to reflect on the following:

Time is of the essence,

Determine if a career transition is necessary,

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail,

No one can get/find you a job, it is your responsibility,

Friends and family are supportive but not always objective,

Résumés and Cover Letters need to be perfect in format, grammar and presentation,

The Internet job search is only one of many methods to find a job, do not rely solely on the Internet,

Learn how and where to network,

Learn how to work a job fair,

Work everyday from 8-5 towards your career objectives,

Set realistic goals and time frames,

If you haven’t had or do not get any interviews within 30 days seek professional assistance,

Do not undervalue yourself and look for a significantly lower paying position with the goal of moving on up in the company.

As you reflect on the previous list keep in mind it only takes 20-30 minutes to be hired (the first interview), the majority of time spent looking for a job is in finding the opportunity. Finding the opportunity quickly comes from planning and executing an effective career search strategy. Keep this list in mind as you plan your strategy; seek professional assistance if you are not moving forward and Good Luck in 2008!

Tags career transition, insurance, sales, mortgage, real estate, business development, building, title, constuction

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