Write a one-page cover letter that makes a compelling case for why you should be hired. Highlight the critical three elements of the job description, explaining why you’re a good fit for the job. Conduct a targeted job search. Make a list of the companies where you’d most like to work, and use your personal network and sites like LinkedIn to find connections at each one.
Make sure that your online reputation is clean. Choose to post information that presents you in a positive, professional light. Post your resume on LinkedIn. Start a Twitter account and follow human resources people at companies that interest you. After a few weeks of following them, send them a message directly, saying, “I’d love to talk to you about your company. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to work, and I’d love to hear about your experience there.”
Learn as much as you can about the company. Be prepared for common interview questions. Use the time between jobs to keep existing skills fresh and develop new ones. If you have the resources, take a class in a topic that’s relevant to your field. Volunteer or find freelance work through your network. Develop your network, and don’t be shy about broadcasting your resume to cover all your bases and let everyone you know you are looking for a new job.
