Are there any jobs out there?
As the Placement Specialist at C2, clients and talent ask me this question daily. The answer is YES, of course! However, looking for a new position may take longer than it used to, and you may have to re-qualify yourself and look in different places. Employers have the advantage in this competitive market and Talent must stand out among their peers and shine above the rest! Increase demand for YOUR brand and make yourself more attractive by following these 6.5 steps:

1. Update Your Resume—Today!
Get your resume updated NOW! Ask several people to proof it. If you can’t do it yourself, find someone to assist you, or pay an expert copywriter or proofreader. Your resume reflects directly back to you. This includes getting your skills updated if you aren’t current for the market. Take some courses in the classroom or online to make it happen. Just as importantly, make sure your portfolio is current and doesn’t have dated, irrelevant material in it.

2. Keep in Touch!
Make sure that you are collecting contact information for friends and colleagues in case your company is “restructured.” Review your business cards and reconnect with anyone you haven’t communicated with in the past six months to say hello. You never know who can help you find your next opportunity.

3. Link In!!
Using LinkedIn is a great way to expand your network. Search for current and former colleagues or friends and link in. Use your completed resume (see #1 above) to start your profile on LinkedIn, and ask former associates for recommendations.

4. Why You?
Make sure you can succinctly tell someone who you are and what makes you stand out! Prepare a 30-second elevator speech and write it as if you were riding the elevator with a famous person you admire. Summarize what makes you unique, interesting and the best fit for a potential new position.

5. Network, Network, Network!
Attend events in your industry. Volunteer to help with these events or for nonprofit organizations in your neighborhood or religious organization. Donating your time helps the community and exposes you to new opportunities. Actively participate in organizations and associations that can benefit your career and your professional development. Use these events as opportunities to meet people who can give you advice (not a job!) and be a reference. Don’t bring your resume, asking, “Do you know anyone who’s hiring?” Being a good networker means being a resource – sharing your expertise and advice and asking people for the same.

6. “I’m Gumby, Dammit!”
The real Gumby was optimistic, flexible and friendly. He was resourceful and a great problem solver who never allowed obstacles to get in his way. Silly analogy maybe, but sometimes we allow salary, location, job title or some ego-threatening idea become an impediment to working for a great organization. Be open, be flexible and be friendly. You never know who will be impressed. Use resources like C2, the premier boutique staffing agency for contract and direct hire talent in the creative industry. Utilize our friends at Jobing.com and Big Shoes Network, and other niche job boards and resources out there for creatives.

6.5 Keep the faith!
If you follow these steps, what’s the worst that can happen? You’ll have a current resume, have expanded your skills and your professional development, updated your portfolio and met some wonderful new people and organizations along the way, enriching your life and helping you grow. Best-case scenario? You’ll be offered a new job!