Career Advice

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Landing a Job in 2010

In the Midst of a Questionable Economy, a New York Human Resource Executive

Gives Helpful Tips on How to Land a Good Job in 2010

(January 4, 2010 – New York , NY ) At the close of 2009 the unemployment rate hovered at 10%. But as we enter the first part of 2010 many are hoping that the New Year will bring a better economy and with it more jobs. It’s too early to forecast what the job picture will look like in the first quarter of 2010, but New York Human Resource executive Amy Friedman is giving important tips for those aggressively in the job market on how to land the a job this New Year.

“With the job market being what it is, it’s even more important for those seeking employment to ‘nail’ the specifics of being hired” states Amy Friedman, Founder and CEO of the New York City based Partners in Human Resources International, a full-service Human Capitol Consulting Firm that specializes in Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, and Career Transition Services. “Whether it’s your resume (which gets your foot in the door), or your interview skills (which often determines the hiring outcome), you need to be impeccable in today’s market.”

Friedman lays out 8 specific ways in which you can land a good job in 2010:

- Project a positive attitude regarding your previous employer. During interviews, some people act wounded, angry, or become defensive about being laid off. It is important to deal with your job-loss, develop a clear statement for why you left your former employer, and accept the realities and project a positive attitude.

- Personally connect with the interviewer. Chemistry is at the root of nearly every hire. There are two main reasons to hire someone – your skill is needed to solve a problem or you project a level of professional likability and competence. Employers choose people who seem most likely to get along with others, and are the types co-workers want to be around.

- Show humor, warmth, and personality during interviewing process. Active listening is critical during the interview. Many job applicants are one-dimensional and are too focused on getting their talking points across. Don’t forget to show qualities that can be a plus in the decision-making process, including humor in good taste, warmth, and understanding.

- Set yourself apart from others.

six months. Use quantifiable achievements from past positions to back up your performance proposition.

- Focus on what the interviewer is saying. Listen carefully and analyze what an interviewer is saying, translating this into what you can do to help them fulfill their needs. When answering questions, be sure to listen closely and then match the communication and personality style of your interviewers. It is important to tie your responses back to the job description or industry issues that you uncover, prior to your interview.

- Follow up frequently and aggressively. Given the state of the economy, many employers are waiting for the absolute, ideal candidate to walk through the door. The decision-making process is significantly more drawn-out today. Your follow-up efforts need to be expertly tailored to the job specifications and your accomplishments, without becoming irritating.

- Transfer past experience to the opportunity. There are more opportunities in some job functions and industries than others. Be prepared to identify your transferable skills and translate this past experience to fit the new opportunity using quantifiable achievements, results, and terms that are relevant to the new position.

- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. Many job-seekers are not prepared to answer difficult questions. Prepare and practice a 90-second ‘infomercial’ and your answers to possible difficult questions so that you come across as succinct, declarative and non-defensive.

“You could summarize what we coach our clients in career transition to do in three things,” Friedman concludes, “(1) Be the breath of fresh air in the interviewers long, long series of interviews. (2) Get the interviewer into his or her comfort zone as quickly as possible by delivering what he or she is looking for in energy and expertise. (3) Give the interviewer a reason to get excited about you. That means being excited about the position and the opportunity to work for his or her firm. No matter how good the job might seem, if you don’t get it, the world won’t come to an end. So, as Jack Welch advises: By all means, have fun.”

To schedule an interview or have as a guest, please call Melinda Kay Ronn at 917/743-7836, or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it For more information go to www.partners-international.com

Job-seekers must make the strongest case possible why they are the right person to hire. Clearly identify your value proposition and specifically address what impact you can have on sales, profits, costs, productivity, risk-reduction, or other areas within the next three to