As both a career coach and one who helps to facilitate a “Professionals in Transition” group at my local library, I am around a large number of individuals in job search. Being in job search is indeed one of the most stressful times for an individual, particularly if they are currently unemployed and their family is dependent on them for income. Often there is that doubt of whether one is the right candidate for the particular job that they are seeking or ultimately for which they are interviewing. Concern creeps in over how one is being perceived and wonder is present as to what it is the hiring company is truly seeking in terms of the applicant.

One of the ways to help alleviate some of that stress and concern is to remember that the job search process is a two way street. The hiring managers and human resource recruiters are not the only ones who should be asking questions. As a job seeker, you have just as much right to be asking questions and learning what it is you need to know to make your search as productive as possible.

Often I hear from individuals in search that they are reluctant to ask questions of those they meet during the hiring process. They don’t want to be perceived as a bother. They’re concerned if they ask too many questions that their resume’ will be cast aside. And, yes if they’re questions do not have much meaning behind them, or if they’re only centered on their status in the hiring process, questions such as that can be bothersome to someone making a decision for a next hire if that is all you want to know.

So, what are some good questions to ask, particularly of the hiring manager? Certainly questions centered on the hiring manager’s greatest challenges are always excellent. They show a concern for the hiring manager’s needs and in particular if you can demonstrate how you have the skill sets to help address such issues it will indeed make you a stronger candidate in their eyes. Questions centered on who the particular function that you are interviewing for supports in the organization, the needs of those departments, and what they would look for of someone in the role for which you are interviewing are also excellent. It is also wise to consider asking the traits and qualifications that they are looking for in the person to come in and fill the role, (even beyond those listed on the job description). Additionally, questions as to how you compare against other candidates and where they are in the hiring process are also of benefit to ask.

The point in all this is you have the responsibility for clarifying as best you can where you stand with a particular company in the interviewing process. Will you necessarily have all the information you need to know? Likely you will not in most cases. However, it is better than sitting back and waiting and wondering just where you stand in terms of the hiring process. Also, questions centered on the hiring manager’s issues and problems, begin to get you thinking how you might be able to address those issues. It puts you in a position to ultimately follow-up with that company if you are sincerely interested in working for them and provide them input on how you might consider addressing their problems and shows your true interest and concern for their needs. A proactive follow-up approach such as this may often be the deciding point between one candidate or another when a tough hiring decision needs to be made.

Yes being in job search takes a lot of energy on your part. However, there is always another party on the other side of the table. And, while that person may have something you want or need, they’re looking to make the best possible decision for they’re division, they’re company and the other departments they support. The more you can learn of those needs and in turn share how you may be able to address those needs, will make your search process a true two way street as opposed to one where you sit back and hope and wonder.

Tony Calabrese of Absolute Transitions provides suggestions, approaches and information on how you can find a new job, move up to a new position, or change your career. To get his free report, “Overcoming Obstacles to Change Your Life” visit http://absolutetransitions.com

Would you start buying flooring before you designed the house? Of course you wouldn’t. Yet many job hunters take this approach in their job search. They start responding to newspaper ads and internet job postings before they created their job search strategies and overall job hunting plan.

Their resume isn’t polished and they are using a copy of a cover letter they found on the internet. They start searching for work without thinking through the basics of what position they would clearly qualify for and where they might want to work.

This whole disjointed job hunting approach is doomed to failure. Or at best work is discovered which is not close to the “right job.”

Job hunters spend time in attempting to write a good resume, they might do some work preparing for a job interview and based on their work experience have a general idea about the right career. These are all individual skills that are useful but missing from this exercise is the design of an effective job search plan.

A job search campaign is essentially a marketing campaign. Each section works together to support the other. Just as a company would not ignore designing the packaging before they rolled out an advertising campaign the job hunter will be handicapped by not carefully planning the entire job search.

In any successful job search campaign there are four unbeatable principles that are the cornerstones for finding the right job.

1. Know what job hunting ideas work. By knowing what job search approaches consistently work in finding a job can be the start of a successful job hunt.

The right approach is one that helps the job hunter find the best people who can help them connect with possible job openings. Just answering ads and posting hundreds of resumes on the internet are basically a waste of time and resources.

Building relationships by networking, gathering referrals, going on informational interviews and contacting recruiters will uncover jobs where there is less competition and closer to an ideal position.

In the course of networking, helping others solve their problems should be the goal of every job hunter. This develops a strong group that is motivated to return the favor by guiding the job hunter to unadvertised positions.

By being pro-active in the job search, the marketing effort will uncover people who can make the hiring decision.

2. The most effective job search plans are detailed with a step-by-step process. All active job searches generate an immense amount of information. Typically, many job hunters quickly become overwhelmed.

Each resume is tailor-made based on the needs of the employer, there is research, interview preparation, people to call, others to meet, follow-ups and if you don’t have a well-developed system to track everything important items will slip through the cracks.

In designing a job search plan you must include setting specific and attainable goals, daily and weekly. Action steps to take every day and a method to track your progress. If the planned results are not forthcoming, the plan is adjusted and emphasis is placed on areas that appear to be more productive.

Job hunting is work, plain and simple. The payoff is huge when the job hunter finds the right job so effort put into the planning stage will always pay big dividends.

3. Plan on staying motivated. Job hunting is replete with rejections; phone calls not returned, dead ends, job offers pulled back, and promises not kept all will leave you frustrated. You can either see this as an opportunity and a learning experience or you can give up. Too many job hunters take the later route.

Rejection is normal in any job search. By sticking to the overall job hunting plan, remaining flexible and learning, there is no time to give up. Goals are being met every day and week, and this level of achievements will keep moving the job hunter closer to the right job.

4. Don’t let barriers stop your job search. When you’re stuck look for help. Search for others who can help you get out of your rut or help you overcome an obstacle. Job hunting is a lonely exercise. With a new perspective, perhaps new ideas, you can get your job hunting back on track.

With a solid hard-working action plan, attainable goals, looking for help when needed, will put you in charge of your future. A pro-active well planned job hunt is the answer to attaining your career hunting goals.

Learn more about changing careers, building unbeatable job hunting plans, resume and cover letter writing and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective job hunting and career planning after 50.

Our job tip this week is about the changing landscape today’s job search. Not too long ago an hour or two spent looking at one of the big online job search sites would probably yield several matching openings. Unfortunately, for most of us, those days are past. With a struggling economy and an uncertain economic future, employers are wary about hiring. Today’s job seekers need to put more time and effort to find their next job.

So job searches are tougher – but not impossible. Thousands of people get interviews and get hired every day. Additional work, organization, and drive can put you in the same place. Let’s face it – a quality job search should take some effort!

One of the first things you can do is to broaden your searching. Don’t just check Monster or Careerbuilder every morning – look farther. There are many (many) online websites that exist to help you find a job. Most of them are available for free – you just need to find and use them. Include any major and regional newspapers in your search. Newspapers today often have online search capabilities like many of the big job boards. and may have local information like job fairs and career counseling.

Social Networking sites can be a huge advantage in a job search. Letting folks you know (or used to know) that you’re looking is a great step in getting the word out. There are also sites like LinkedIn that can help you reconnect with past co-workers or bosses who know exactly the type or work you like and that you’re good at. These are often the connections that can help land that next job.

Many times just having a routine to go through can help organize and broaden your search. Build up your search websites and contacts and keep revisiting them over and over again. A daily routine can also help keep you spirits up because there’s work that you have planned to do each day and every day to find a job, rather than having no plan and a random search. Don’t get discouraged if many times the answer is ‘No’, it only needs to be;Yes’ once.

The main positive impact of a quality, comprehensive search is that you’ll learn what types of jobs are available and likely see a greater variety of opening and employers. By investigating these you’ll probably learn more about what type or work you want to do and where are good places to do it.

So remember, putting more effort into your job search isn’t just a good idea, it’s almost become a necessity. The upside is that by doing quality research you’ll likely find many alternatives and be able to find the best matching job for you. Good Luck!

Kurt Allan publishes the Minnesota Job Bank HQ, the one source MN Job Bank for your Minnesota job search.

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It is no secret that we tend to think of computers when talking about online job searches. A standard internet search on your computer will turn up a number of jobsearch websites. Did you also know that you can use your smart phone as well? You can! Whether you have an iPhone, Windows phone, or Android phone, you can use this device to job search. On your phone?s marketplace, you?ll find a number of job search app designed to get the job done.

Since a search on your phone?s marketplace will return a number of job search apps, which one should you install? Here are a few features to look for:

Job Search Apps: Free

As you know, you?ll find thousands of applications available for download on your marketplace. If you have an Android phone, you?ll use the Android Market and so forth. These apps vary in price. Let?s take games for example. Many are free to install, some are 99 cents, and others cost as much as $5. You will find the same price variances with job finders.

Why spend money if you do not have to? That is why you are encouraged to checkout free job apps first. Since you spend no money, give the app a try. If it doesn?t meet your wants and needs, simply uninstall it from your phone!

Job Search Apps: Multiple Sites Searched

Another variance you?ll commonly find with job programs is the websites searched. Some apps will search one job site and one job site only. Other apps will search multiple career sites at once. You want to be able to search multiple websites at once. You want one search to produce jobs from Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, Simply Hired, Dice, Craigslist, and so forth.

The ability to search multiple job sites at once is important. Companies use a wide range of job posting services and websites. If you limit your search to only one or two, you miss out on valuable job opportunities and this can hinder your chances of landing a job.

Job Search Apps: Search Filters

Being able to search multiple job sites at once is advised because it will give you the upper-hand, but a good application will have additional features for you to take advantage of. For example, you should have options when it comes to searching for jobs. You should be able to key in your zip code or city and state. It is best to choose a search radius, as this enables you to determine how far you want to drive to work each day. If a search radius is not offered, you should at least be able to arrange jobs in order of distance from your zip code.

Additional features you should look for include the ability to forward jobs onto yourself via email; ideal for applying for jobs with a computer generated resume, the ability to sort jobs based on preferences, the ability to remove jobs from your list, and so forth.

Job Search Apps: Resumes

It is rare to find a job search app for smart phones that enables you to apply via an uploaded resume. That is why being able to email a job listing to yourself is advised. Most apps will direct you to the job ad and you may be able to apply for the job using the online job application, but you will have to type this document on your phone.

A number of apps have separate resume databases that attach to another app available for download on the marketplace. For example, EXAMPLE A may have a Job Search App #1 and in that app you have the ability to upload or type up a short resume. The app you are loading this resume into is a job search app, but EXAMPLE A also has a Resume Finder on the marketplace. Your resume will likely be added to this Resume Finder?s database.