Struggling to find a new job? Do you have a strategic plan? How is it working for you? Are you ready to shift your job search into high gear? Maybe incorporate some new techniques? If you're already employed, how much time are you spending in your search? If you're unemployed, how much time are you devoting to landing a job? This article focuses on using several different job search techniques to speed up the process.

Gaining Momentum

To get momentum going in your job search, it’s important to put in the time doing the activities that will allow you to jump start your search. If you’re unemployed, devote at least 35 hours a week toward your job search. If you're employed, spend at least 15. Any less than that, you’re likely to see slow results and therefore get discouraged. And keep in mind, it's not just about sitting at the computer posting your résumé on different job search websites.

The old "tried and true" job search strategies aren't enough in today's marketplace.  Besides perusing the classifieds and posting your résumé on job search sites, many job seekers are incorporating networking into their tool kit. Below are tips on networking effectively and job search techniques you can immediately incorporate into your search:

1. Networking

We’ve all heard about the importance of networking. Networking should be a key part of your overall career management strategy, not something you do only when you’re looking for a job.

It’s been said that we have about 250 people in our network. Create a list of your network, which can include: friends, friends of friends, family, parents of your children’s friends, professionals such as your dentist, doctor, lawyer, community members, church members, association and other professional organization members, current and/or former co-workers, etc. If you're in an active search, let those in your network know your job target(s), which include the following: the position or function you are seeking, industry or company size, and geographic area. Also provide them information on your background and skills.

Continue to keep in touch with them periodically throughout your search and every quarter after you’ve landed your next job. Make it a win-win situation. When you come across an article on something they’re interested in, pass it along. Get together for coffee or lunch periodically.

Build and maintain your network throughout your career and you may possibly never have to search for a job using traditional means again.  A little later I'll talk about creating your online network.

2. Direct contact

If you’re interested in working for a particular company, why wait until a position is advertised? Go ahead and contact them, either through a referral by someone else or research to find the appropriate person. This is a great way to get at the "hidden job market", i.e., unadvertised jobs.

3. Search firms/Recruiters/Headhunters

Contact search firms that handle folks in your job target area. Keep in mind that search firms are typically paid by the employer who is looking to fill a position, therefore recruiters get paid if they find the right candidate. In other words, they're working for the employer, not you. Keep in mind that search firms typically don’t work with career changers. Search firms can be another tool, but shouldn't be your sole means of finding your next job.

4. Create an online presence.

Create a profile on sites such as Linkedin. Recruiters search these sites for job candidates. Linkedin is also a great place to make connections. Invite people to be part of your network. Remember the term, "Six Degrees of Separation?" Linkedin is a good place to test that out. If you're interested in working for ABC Company, there's a good chance that someone on Linkedin either works there or knows someone who does.

Consider posting to industry-related blogs or creating your own. This allows you to demonstrate your knowledge in a certain area.

I encourage you to use all of these methods, along with the classifieds and job search boards. Including several different methods, rather than focusing on one or two, can expedite your search.

Be Planful

Creating a plan will keep you on track. Scheduling certain days or specific hours of the day for activities such as researching, networking, direct contact, sending/posting résumés, interviewing, attending job search support groups, follow-up, etc. can help keep moving you forward.