CHICAGO (CBS)-with so many people looking for work, it may seem impossible to set yourself apart from the rest.
But according to the Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Chicago there are ways to do it. The company is offering job search advice free of charge for those who need it, reports CBS 2′e s Mai Martinez.
Once the phone lines opened the morning of Monday, people seeking a leg in the labour market began to call. Perry Ditore was just one of the coaches job search, trying to get them on the right track.
He says that many are surprised by how much the labour market has changed and how old-fashioned face-to-face networking becoming the best way to discover what's really out there.
"If they spend 90 per cent of their networks, i.e. where is the labour market ' hidden '," said Ditore. "That is where 80% of jobs are".
Also, the Internet not used to be the source of work.
"Unless it's a perfect fit for a position online job, something that is out there on the Internet, you'll only in how the pool of a million people. Other job search coach, Maralyn Meshenberg is crazy, "she said.
The coaches working say in this tough market to know itself and what you have to offer is the key to get hired.
"You have to be able to tell them that you bring to the table," said Meshenberg.
The coaches say the easiest way to do that is to identify your strengths and skills and then discover that are transferable to the job you're looking for and — most importantly — how they can help your employer. Practice saying it out loud in 30 seconds or less.
"You're in the market on its own, absolutely," said Ditore. "So your brand look like?"
This is the twenty-fifth year Challenger, Gray and Christmas has offered advice free job search.? The phone lines will be open again Tuesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The number is (312) 422-5010.
The novelty this year is are leased lines for military personnel for veterans, reservists and service men and women approaching the end of their period of service.
