Using fresh strategies and some old tricks can mean the difference between a perfect job position or a struggle to find work.

Things to keep in mind
DO: Network, network, network. It remains the best way to meet professional contacts that can lead to job opportunities. Job fairs, professional groups and even networking happy hours can put a job seeker in front of a hiring company.

“Job fairs are still a good place to network,” says Thaddeus Chance, lead staffing coordinator with Oasis Staffing in Oklahoma City. “But a lot of big companies are using staffing agencies now just because they don’t want to go through the cost and hassle of advertising all those jobs.”

DON’T: Rely only on old-fashioned networking. Use sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch with professional contacts.

“Social media is critical to job seekers,” says Nikki Reid, senior consultant with Professionally Written, an Oklahoma City company specializing in résumé services. “Someone knows someone who knows of a job opportunity. You can get a heads-up on job opportunities even before the company announces it. Networking into jobs is absolutely key.”

DO: Most good job openings are never advertised.

“HR appreciates not having to go through the hiring process. The best jobs are never announced, and there’s nothing wrong with cold calling,” Reid says. “When you cold call, you can catch them at a time when they are thinking about hiring.”

DON’T: Limit the search to full-time employment opportunities. Job seekers in this economy should consider temporary work and interim assignments to provide not only income, but a chance to network and build new skills.

“In this environment, I tell our clients to get their foot in the door,” Reid says. “That may mean temporary positions, part-time positions or even seasonal. If you are already in, you have a greater chance to move into a full-time position when it opens.”

DO: Clean up the résumé.

“For sure, don’t put those jobs that were only short-term,” Chance says. “If you worked for a staffing agency, then put the total time you were with the agency. Put down everything, as far as your skills. Any one of those skills could get you that job.”

DON’T: Create a one-size-fits-all résumé. Despite the time it takes, creating a tailored résumé for each job application will catch more attention and show initiative.

“I absolutely demand it. You cannot use one-size-fits-all with résumés and expect it to get picked up,” Reid says. “Each position demands a specific skill set, but having a résumé tailored to the position shows that you took the time to do that. It shows attention to detail and going the extra mile.”

DO: Dress and speak appropriately in job interviews. Dressing tastefully, shaking hands and maintaining eye contact still means a lot to today’s employers.

“Clean-cut is still wanted in corporate America,” Reid says. “Nice clothes, groomed appearance and nice hair go far. Shake hands firmly; don’t bring them to the ground, but no noodle hands. Make eye contact with everyone in the room, and be sure to speak to everyone in the room.”

DON’T: Go to an interview unprepared. Reid advises that every job interview should be practiced ahead of time with prepared answers for every potential question. In addition, tattoos should be concealed and extreme jewelry should not be worn.

“When in an interview, listen to what the employer is saying, and when you talk, less is best,” she says. “When they ask if you have any questions, always ask one. Remember back to the interview. At some point, they identified a problem in their company. Bring that problem up and ask questions about it. That will leave them impressed, and you will be memorable.”