Job hunting can be a daunting task and a lot of people faced with looking for and landing a new job simply don't know where to start. You're all motivated when you are at work and your current boss is driving you nuts, and when you finally get home at night, updating your resume doesn't seem that important anymore.

Whether you are starting the job search or just "keeping your options open," here are 8 ways to get job-hunt ready. Tackle one a day and you will be a wise job hunter by April Fool's Day:

1). Change your outgoing voicemail message: You would go to a job interview in sweats, so why would you have hiring managers leaving messages after: "Yo, yo, yo this is Janeen. BEEP." If you want to be a professional, start sounding like one.

2). Invest in a good suit: I promise it will be worth it. Even if you only wear it to job interviews and funerals, I nice black suit is key to making that first impression last.

3). Make your facebook page professional: I'm telling you... people WILL google you before they hire you. Take the time to tweak your Facebook image.

4). Get LinkedIn: It's like Facebook for professionals. (And just as addictive).

5). Update your resume: And don't forget to keep it short and sweet.

6). Connect with your mentor: And if you don't have one seek one out.

7). Rework your cover letter: Learn how to focus on them and not you.

8). Get in touch with your references: And make sure that they give you a glowing recommendation.

Photo Attribution: Time Inc.

If you are thinking about changing sectors, and looking for your first nonprofit career, find one that's friendly to people looking for a career change.  A friendly, accepting organization will make your transition easier and more likely, a successful start to your nonprofit career.

If you think you're ready, here are some places that are more likely to accept someone from the private/corporate sector, find a nonprofit that have adopted business practices into their daily work.  You can tell this by the language used they use to describe themselves, and whether they have adopted business models to impact their mission.  For example, you might find words like entrepreneurial or cutting-edge in their reports or marketing materials. 

Sector switchers can also have success with organizations that are facing change.  Many nonprofits are facing new changes, funding streams and other issues related to funding shifts.  This is a time of change and uncertainty for many nonprofit organizations, and an opportunity to embrace new ideas.  With this, they may be more likely to engage with a nontraditional candidate. 

You should come to the search fully aware of what a switch in the nonprofit sector will mean personally, professionally and financially.  Remember that just like your job in the private sector, your nonprofit career will have pluses and minuses. The real difference will be the personal reward and impact you'll have in a mission-driven environment.   

(Photo Credit: http://yuppieaddict.files.wordpress.com/2009/07)

Are you still searching for your dream job? If you wonder why you're never invited back for a second interview or even a first interview, then you don't want to miss this webinar.  I hope you'll join me and my trusted colleague, Allison Kupfer for an exciting webinar,  "The Real Reason You Haven't Landed Your Dream Job" on Thursday, April 8, 2010. The presentation begins at noon (EST) and will highlight common (and not-so-common) mistakes made by job-seekers. 

Allison is a Managing Associate with the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group where she manages a portfolio of searches from the nonprofit sector.  As an executive search specialist and recruiter, she's reviewed thousands of resumes and interviewed hundreds of candidates.  You do not want to miss her list of do's and don'ts especially if you're preparing to launch a job search.

Feel free to send me questions in advance via Change or in the comment section. 

(Photo Credit: http://www.fastweb.com )

There is no such thing as being too prepared for a job interview. However, there are such things as: 1). Finding out about an interview only a day or two before or 2). Procrastinating prepping for it.

Whichever situation you are in, here are a few tips on how to prep for an interview in just a few mintues:

Confirm the date & time: A simple email or phone call will ensure that you are clear about when and where the interview is and who it is with. Think that this is minor? Just a few months ago my hubby showed up for an interview an entire day early. It doesn't just happen to Michael Scott.

Check out the organization's website: You're not just looking for mission, vision, and programs here. Try to get to know funders and other partners of the organization. Also, look outside the organization for news about its activities for a different perspective.

Review the position description: You probably read it when you first applied, but it is time to take a look at it again. This is going to have the biggest cues as to what sort of candidate they are looking for and what they will ask you in the interview. Focus in on attributes (organized) and experience (worked in lobbying before) and think of how all of those relate to your skills, experience, and talent. When you are sitting in traffic or in the shower, ask yourself some sample interview questions.

Print two sets of directions: I know that this sounds like over-kill (especially if you are trying to be green), but the last thing that you want is to be last (or not make it!) to your interview. I recommend printing two different sets of directions (one from google maps, and one from the organization's website) so that you definitely, definitely make it on time.

Overdress: I'm serious. You should be the best dressed person in the room at your interview. Even if you know that everyone is going to be in business casual (or even jeans), you need to dress as seriously as you plan to take the job. I have been in group interviews where the first thing out of someone's mouth after the candidate left was, "okay, it started downhill as soon as I saw that she wasn't in a suit." True story.

Say thank you: Having a good interview isn't all about prep. Make sure to send an email or note to thank the people who interviewed you. It will take you about 5 minutes, but it will help you move to the top of the pile.

Photo Attribution: PaperNStitchBlog

Are you a college senior or junior? If so, happy spring break!  Maybe you are headed for vacation or home to the question, "Have you EVEN visited the Career Planning office?"  If this sounds familiar, you are not alone as thousands of college students prepare to hit the streets looking for a summer job or a permanent, full-time job (preferably a career) in the next few weeks.  Here are some ideas to get you started without having to give up your spring break plans:

1. Write a resume: Invest the time in a first or second draft, especially if you are hoping to land a summer internship, job or full-time position. Trust me, a first draft is better than no draft. Once it is complete, share it with an advisor in your career planning office or professional. When you return from break, you will need to spend time editing and perfecting.
2. Look online: If you have an online presence, make sure it is squeaky clean. Take a conservative approach, and get rid of any seemingly compromising information such as Facebook photos. Also, establish a LinkedIn account if you have not already done so. The goal is to have a potential employer find you and be happy with the results. 
3. Establish a network: Make a list of your contacts and a plan for connecting with them after spring break to discuss your career plans. If you are not traveling, use this time to schedule appointments, phone calls or send emails. 
4. Use your resources: Visit the career planning office and take full advantage of the services. Many colleges and universities stay open during spring break, and it's easier to schedule an appointment when the campus clears out. If you haven't already done so, ask for help with your resume, take a career assessment test and look at on-campus interviewing opportunities. In addition, ask for names of alums willing to talk with students, especially those in the nonprofit sector. This is a great opportunity to connect with people in the field that you already have something in common with.
5.  Stay focused: Graduation will arrive quickly, but do not despair. If you absolutely have to start working, land your summer job first, and then focus on your career. If possible, give yourself time to take a breath, or even better, volunteer with a nonprofit while you job search.

Take the time to enjoy your break (especially if it is your last college break), knowing you've started items 1-5 before embarking on a week-long of fun.

(Photo Credit: http://oullibrary.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/spring-break.jpg)

If you didn't have a chance to register and tune in to the live teleseminar hosted by the Encore community, you're in luck - it was recorded and is available for listening now.   The hour was jam-packed with information from former NY Times columnist, Marci Alboher (now a fabulous Encore careerist!), me and Mark Noonan of Elders In Action in Portland, Oregon. 

If you are looking for an encore career, sector switching or hoping for a new job in the nonprofit sector, this podcast will keep you moving forward. Mark's story is inspiring and proof that a career change is possible! If you've got a story to tell, let me know as I'd like to share it with our readers and the Change.org community.

(Photo Credit: http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/dear-miriam/css/42-miriamhearing29jan09.jpg)

For many AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsoring organizations, recruitment season is approaching rapidly. (For me at PACC, it starts tomorrow!) With the economy in the dumps and AmeriCorps in the spotlight, there are sure to be record numbers of applicants.

How do you make yourself stand out in the crowd?

You need to learn about the AmeriCorps*VISTA program and market yourself specifically towards its unique characteristics. Here a few of the defining attributes of AmeriCorps*VISTA:

Indirect service: At the core if its mission, AmeriCorps*VISTA is a capacity building organization. All VISTA members participate in indirect service like volunteer coordination, fundraising, and program development. VISTA members don't send much of their time (if any!) in direct service to people (like painting houses and delivering meals). Why is this important? As a candidate, you want to highlight your interest in working in a "behind the scenes" capacity and your experience working in community empowerment, capacity building, and program sustainability.

Living among community members: Another aspect of VISTA that distinguishes it from other AmeriCorps programs is that it requires members to live at the economic level of the community that they are serving. As a result, the VISTA program provides a stipend at 105% of the poverty line and prohibits VISTAs from having other jobs or forms of income. In your application and interview, be sure to talk about why you want to serve and your own thoughts on the theory that members should live at the economic level of the people they are serving.

Professional skills: Most AmeriCorps*VISTA members are placed in non-profit and community organizations and have the same level of responsibility and workload as the professionals around them. Organizations are looking for VISTA members with the professional skills to fit with the needs of their project and organization. In your application and interview, focus on your office skills like taking initiative, working independently and with teams, and communicating effectively.

Photo attribution: Odesk.com