Four Ways to Simplify Your Job Search

Four Ways to Simplify Your Job Search. It seems like everyone is obsessed with doing things faster and more efficiently these days. Consider, for example the 30-minute meal or 15-minute workout programs that have taken the country by storm. Why the craze? Because these routines cut out the fluff, are easy to follow and promise positive results. While preparing a delicious meal in under an hour or toning your abs in five easy steps may save you time in your personal life, how about a program that benefits your professional prospects? Job searching can be an overwhelming and time-consuming task, so take heed of the following fundamentals, which can help make the process more efficient and productive:

1. Avoid verbosity when writing your résumé.

Job seekers can spend hours crafting their résumés, but according to a survey by Robert Half International, 56 percent of executives spend no more than five minutes reading the document, making it that much more important to present one that's succinct, relevant and free of copy errors. While the one-page rule is no longer strictly enforced, you don't want to inundate the reader with too much information. Use short bullet points when listing your skills and achievements, and avoid lofty and redundant language, puns, and clever wordplays. Remember, this isn't an exercise in creative writing. Also omit irrelevant facts about your personal life, such as your interests and hobbies, unless they relate specifically to the position.

2. Compose a clean, concise cover letter.

Similar to the résumé, brevity is key when it comes to crafting a cover letter. Skip cute introductions -- "Teamwork is my middle name" or "I am smart as a whip," for example -- and instead get to the point. Expand on one or two accomplishments from your résumé that align with the skills and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Painting a vivid picture of these select successes should compel hiring managers to learn about the rest of the achievements outlined on your résumé.

3. Network in a 'not-so-obvious' way.

Increasing your circle of professional contacts doesn't have to be a formal affair, but it should be an ongoing priority. In addition to getting involved in professional associations and other networking groups, focus on meeting people while doing everyday activities. Try striking up a conversation with those around you, from the coffee shop barista to the person sitting next to you at the doctor's office. These discussions can lead to job leads or other valuable contacts.

4. Don't be afraid to go overboard for the interview.

If there's one stage in the job search where you can pull out all the stops, it's the interview. You may have impressed the hiring manager on paper, but you'll have to shine in person, too, if you expect to land the job. Here are the essentials:

Research the company and role-play with a partner beforehand.

Arrive to the meeting on time, looking your professional best and armed with a copy of your résumé and references.

Mention at least two key accomplishments that demonstrate hard-to-measure qualities -- like teamwork or leadership -- that aren't apparent on your résumé.

Send a thank-you note to reinforce your interest and ability to excel in the role within a few days of the meeting. With everything from cell phones to computers becoming more complex, the last thing busy professionals need is for the job search to be overly complicated. While you don't want to rush through the process, paring each step down to the most important elements can help you focus your efforts and increase the likelihood of success. ( msn.com )