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Getting a job in downed economy is a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. If you are out of work, looking for work should be treated like a full time job. But with employers receiving hundreds or thousands of resumes for one position, job hunters should be prepared to go the extra mile. Here are a few tips for job-hunting in a touch economy.

It Starts with the Resume

I’m sure you’ve heard it over and over – check your resume for spelling errors. It’s increasingly becoming a problem, however. With social media and texting so popular, it’s easier for job hunters to forget to use correct terms and avoid phrases we don’t use in real life. And sometimes your computer just accepts the word “maturity leave” when you meant “maternity leave” as your reason for leaving your last job.

Overcoming “Overqualified”

I hear it a lot. “Your resume is very impressive. I’m worried you might be overqualified for this position. I’m not sure it would be stimulating enough for you.”

“I have to feed my kids so I’ll take just about any job,” is not the answer they are looking for. But let me tell you, it’s more impressive than, “I shouldn’t have to work” or “I’m too good to work at XYZ.”

You may be tempted to alter your resume so that you don’t fall in this pit of “overqualified.” But don’t. If you can make it to the interview, which is one of the most difficult parts these days, you can solve this problem right then and there.

Explain to the employer that you are qualified for the position, as are dozens of the applicants waiting for their turn to interview, but you have the desire to do more, to learn everything about their company and fill in wherever you can. They can spend less time training you on the job you’re applying for, and utilize you in other areas when needed.

Too Many Resumes, Not Enough Time for Interviews

So you sent off that resume, or six resumes to different companies, and no one has called you. Don’t take it personally. Well, it could be your resume so have someone check it over and see what’s wrong with it.

Here’s what it comes down to: The majority of people getting interviews right now had a personal referral. Start asking people who trust you, believe in you and would give you a great referral. Attend local networking meetings and bring your resume. You can tell people you are looking for a job without looking desperate. And you have a much higher chance of getting an interview if you were referred by a trusting source.

Be Confident, Be Humble

Have you ever walked out of an interview and knew you just nailed it, and then didn’t get the job? You may have thought you were the perfect candidate or maybe even the job was beneath you (nothing is beneath you if you are unemployed and looking for work), but you still didn’t get the position. There are a lot of factors here.

When employers are looking to hire someone, they want someone they can work with, someone easy to train, and trainable (won’t argue or assume they already know all aspects of the job). They want someone who will have a friendly attitude, will be on time, and won’t bring drama into the office place,
When you go into the interview, you need to know the job you are applying for. Check out the qualifications ahead of time and research the company. Tell them you have a good handle on the job, you are qualified (and be prepared with examples), that you are willing to learn anything needed, and that you catch on quickly.

What Not to Do

I was in one of my favorite hangouts this week when I overheard an interview taking place. The applicant was complaining about her prior boss and all the things this boss had done to the employees. They sounded valid, but I couldn’t help thinking she came off as bitter and dramatic. This is not what a new employer wants to hear. They want to solve problems if you have one, but they don’t want there to be a new problem every time they turn around. Besides, you left that job, so why complain to someone who can’t fix it?

If your future seems bleak right now, realize that are a lot of community resources available to you. Go to your look unemployment office and pick up a list of job openings. They often have job counselors who can assist you with your resume and interview skills, as well.