Job Search 2.0

A lot of people I know are looking for jobs right now, which probably won't surprise you given the unemployment rate. Those that aren't looking for jobs recognize the need to be "resume-ready," or basically ready with updated resumes the minute they get laid off. I doubt the whole printing-your-resume-on-your-shirt method is going to work for everyone.

The problem is that preparing your resume and portfolio has gotten increasingly complicated in the digital age. Now young careerists are expected to have Web sites showcasing their work and be connected all over the Web. It's hard to keep up! On the other hand, job searching has become more accessible than ever. Whatever the case, my parents and I sure don't relate.

Here are a few things I've found helpful, whether you are just being prepared or knee-deep in job-searching:

1. Portfolio Web site: As a journalist, my work has always been very "portfolio-based," similar to my friends who are artists. For people like us, having a Web site is a no-brainer, and in fact I was told recently by a New York Times editor that it's absolutely crucial. (When someone from old-school media even suggested I start a Web site, I figured I better get in gear.) Starting my Web site was much easier than I suspected, although it's still in the works and fairly boring compared to some of my colleagues' sites. I bought my domain from GoDaddy.com for a few bucks a year and set it up on Google sites, which is free and easy. It lets you upload 100 mb of storage, which isn't much, but for someone like me who only has small files and links to showcase, it's perfect.

2. More than just the usual job search sites: Everyone knows about Monster and CareerBuilder.com. These sites are great, and I remember last year when I was searching for my first job that they did find quite a few matches for me. However, a gazillion people apply for these jobs, so it's important to find more niche and industry-specific job sites. For instance, JournalismJobs.com and mediabistro.com are the go-to sites for media professionals. Of course, a gazillion people apply for those jobs too. A cool site called LinkUp goes beyond searching job boards and actually searches company Web sites for jobs. My boyfriend has been using it lately and says there are jobs he hasn't seen on any of the other boards he peruses. It takes a little more sifting, but it's worth it to find the jobs that no one else knows about.

3. Getting random advice from people who've "made it": This next tip is one of those less-practical things to do, for instance when you have a job but are still pondering your future careerpath. We hear a lot about the need to go to industry events and market ourselves online (we get it!). But I've also found that simple e-mails can be helpful. There's nothing wrong with reaching out to successful people in your industry, but I believe there's a way to be pesky about it and a way to be poised about it. Now some would disagree with me, but I am really irked by the whole in-your-face networking that involves inviting strangers to get coffee with you or asking point-blank if they have a job for you (especially when jobs are so scarce anyway). I prefer just asking for someone to tell his or her story, or specific questions about how they ended up where they are. It helps me grow as a journalist and hopefully compliments them as well.

I recently sent an e-mail to someone who shares a connection with me and has a job I admire. She obviously worked very hard to snag the position of writing interesting columns for a top-tier media organization, as it's not the kind of job you walk into without years of experience. I just asked her how she ended up where she did. A lot of people are happy to share their story, and her short advice was something I had never even thought of and found very beneficial. I was glad I asked.