Job hunting can be depressing, but optimism is key
It has been a long haul for the long-term unemployed like Ellen Clarke, 53, of Chelmsford. Even as the economy improves, Clarke faces an unspoken bias. She has been out of work for more than two years, and companies prefer to hire those who are already employed elsewhere.
“It feels like the longer you’re out of the labor force, the harder it is to get a job,’’ said Clarke.
Clarke worked as an executive assistant for an Oregon state agency when a reorganization eliminated her position. She moved to Boston to live with a friend and finish her associate’s degree, thinking the job market would be better here. Despite applying for at least 10 jobs a week, she almost never gets a response.
When she met with Dave Denaro, a consultant at career management firm Keystone Associates, Clarke was discouraged. “My lack of success in the job hunt is causing me to lose confidence and focus,’’ she said.
“One of the best tools in your tool box is the ability to manufacture a good attitude,’’ Denaro responded. “Everyone wants to hire an enthusiastic person.’’ Looking for work, Denaro added, is an inherently depressing process full of no’s: “No, we are not interested.’’ “No, we hired someone else.’’
Clarke can’t control the outcome, Denaro said, but she could set goals, get organized, and manage her emotions. When she sat down with Denaro in his Boston office, he answered her questions.
Q. How can I revamp my resume?
A. More and more companies are using text scanning or optical scanners to screen candidates. These systems are programmed to search for key words. “Make your resume scanner friendly by putting a three-to-four-sentence key-word summary of your skills at the top of your resume,’’ Denaro said. For example, “Effective executive assistant and office manager with experience in budget management, report preparation, and database and records management.’’
Use standard typefaces such as Helvetica, Futura, Optima, or Times with a point size of 10 to 14. E-mail a copy of your resume to yourself to make sure it’s formatted properly. “It’s OK to mimic the words a company uses in its help-wanted ads, because that is terminology that they are looking for,’’ said Denaro.
Q. How can I use networking to its fullest advantage?
A. “Most successful job searches are the result of being in front of human beings, not sitting in front of the computer,’’ said Denaro. The purpose of networking is not to ask for a job, but to get advice and information. The best way to get people to help is ask open-ended questions: “What are the firms I should reach out to? Who would be the best person to talk to? What’s the best way to contact them?”
Q. How can I separate myself from hundreds of applicants?
A. Many companies are looking for specialists, not generalists. Develop a personal “brand’’ that distinguishes your strengths and skills, and focus your job search around specific industries and functions. “Your resume should also be specific,’’ said Denaro, quantifying performance quotas, sales numbers, retention rates, or other hard data.
Finally, Clarke should not “fly solo.’’ Denaro advised. “Find a support group, hook up with recruiting agencies, or work your social network,’’ said Denaro. “Take some of the burden off your shoulders. Job hunting is tough work.’’
To be considered for a Career Makeover, send an e-mail to careermakeover@globe.com. 
