Shortage of jobs, but no shortage of help

A. Searching for a job is a huge challenge right now for everyone. The US Department of Labor says there are six job seekers for each job available, which means you need to be skilled at finding the job opportunities and at competing for them.

You will be best prepared if you have multiple targets and a broad view of the kinds of positions you are capable of filling. This is true whether you are an executive or an hourly worker. Also, do not take for granted any interaction you have to represent yourself as a job seeker, whether it is in your cover letter or in an actual interview.

There are many places to get support, and they range in cost from free to thousands of dollars, with many price points in between. Consider all state services through the unemployment offices (in your state) and one-stop career centers. Start with www.mass.gov, under jobs and employment. You’ll see the Division of Career Services section, where there is information about seminars to support your job search in addition to a job bank where you can search for openings. Maximize your use of these resources. Employers are encouraged to list jobs here.

If you have a college degree, return to your college or university alumni and career services office - in person, by phone, or online. Many have job newsletters with lists of current openings and will meet with you individually to help you improve your search efforts. Also, fellow alumni in a position to hire will often go to the career services and alumni relations offices to post the position before doing so on large job boards.

If you have been given outplacement support from the organization you are leaving or have left, take advantage of these services. They are provided at no cost to you and can be used for all aspects of the job search, from writing resumes, to interview training, to finding real opportunities. All are designed to make you more competitive in the job market.

You might also look for an independent career counselor. Referrals are often the most successful way to identify such professionals. Some work with outplacement firms part time and keep a private practice as well. There are many sites, including www.ncda.org for the National Career Development Association.

The most recent entry to support job seekers involves online support. Here, too, there are many types of organizations offering help at a variety of prices. You can start with the larger job board sites, but there are others. Outplacement firms have used technology to support the job seekers they work with, but the most valuable part of this support is the strategic work with the consultant. Technology can streamline the process, but it is not intended to replace the individual work that proves to be so valuable to participants. Some sites that provide technology and access to live consultants include www.careerplanner.com, www.powermycareer.com, www.quintcareers.com, and www.careercounseling.com.

You will need to evaluate each service type to know clearly what will be provided, and in what time frame.

Finding a new opportunity is challenging in the best of times and involves a huge commitment on your part - no matter what someone may try to sell you.

Elaine Varelas is managing partner at Keystone Partners, a career management firm in Boston.