Career Experts Offer Advice to 6 People Out of Work

Reader's Digest asked this panel of job pros to share their best advice in the tip boxes that follow.

Also in this article:

• 9 Recession-Proof Careers
• What to Do When You Lose Your Job
• How to Find a New Job
• Read what may be the world's worst cover letter and resume.

The Experts

• Mark Anderson, ExecuNet, a business and career network
• Anita Attridge, the Five O'Clock Club, an outplacement and career counseling network
• Jo Bennett, executive search firm Battalia Winston International
• Gary Burnison, search firm Korn/ Ferry International
• John Challenger, Challenger, Gray& Christmas, an outplacement firm
• Debra Feldman, the JobWhiz, an executive talent agency
• Dennis Garritan, human resources master's programs, New York University
• Katharine Hansen, Quintessential Careers, a job search resource
• Randall Hansen, QuintessentialCareers
• Paul Mathews, Hire Aspirations, a career coaching and outplacement firm
• Caroline Nahas, Korn/Ferry
• Stephen Rosen, Celia Paul Associates, a career management firm
• Nancy Salzman, business, management, and legal programs, University of California, Irvine Extension
• Bettina Seidman, Seidbet Associates, a career coaching firm
• Laurence Shatkin, coauthor, 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs
• Cheryl Lynch Simpson, CoachingSolutionsForWomen.com
• Bob Skladany, RetirementJobs.com, a job site for people over 50
• Trudy Steinfeld, NYU's Wasserman Center for Career Development
• Laurence Stybel, Stybel Peabody Lincolnshire, an executive career consulting firm
• Elaine Varelas, Keystone Partners, a career management firm
• Peter Weddle, Weddle's, a research, publishing, consulting, and training firm
• Emily Westerman, Office of Career Management at NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies
• Michael Worthington, ResumeDoctor.com

FYI: The Experts on Job Loss
"If you sense your time is up at your current job, don't be afraid to present options: Could I take a pay cut? How about unpaid leave? Is relocating an option? Could I work for the company as a consultant?" --Gary Burnison

"If you can get over the fear of telling people you're out of work, you'll be more successful at finding your next job." --John Challenger

"Get a temp job. It can lead to a full-time opportunity." --Michael Worthington

"Maintain your relationship with your employer and your colleagues. Ask them for help but not with a hat-in-hand attitude. Remind them that they have worked alongside you and know your strengths." --Paul Mathews

"Volunteering helps to structure your time and relieve the sense of isolation. And it offers networking possibilities. But it should not be in place of the job search.” --Emily Westerman

The Reader's Digest Version: "Don't stay in a bunker. Be prepared, proactive, and positive." --Mark Anderson FYI: The Experts on Resumes
"A job posting is all about tomorrow, and a résumé is all about yesterday. Make your résumé future-focused. Ask how you can honestly, ethically, and professionally marry yourself up with what the employer is looking for." --Paul Mathews

"Use at least 11-point type but no underlining, graphics, boldface, or bullets. Send it as part of an e-mail and not as an attachment." --Peter Weddle

"Read the job description and use the same words. If the ad specifies 'instructor,' don't write 'trainer.'"--Anita Attridge

"Don't use a bunch of buzzwords like good team member, problem solver, self-motivated. You're not telling me anything. Be specific. Describe your accomplishments, not your duties. Quantify your experience." --Michael Worthington

The Reader's Digest Version: "Don't use lower-level verbs for higher-level activity—'I administered' instead of 'I directed.' Power verbs are critical.” --Cheryl Lynch Simpson

FYI: The Experts on Interviewing
"Practice answering the question 'Tell me about yourself.' Include your experience, accomplishments, skills and abilities, and education." --Bettina Seidman

"Seventy percent of job descriptions fail to specify the industry. Go to the corporate website and check. You'd better know before you go to the interview whether it's a job in real estate or transportation." --Michael Worthington

"Dress like it's 2009. Have a list of questions you want to ask but not about things you can learn from the website. An example: 'I see that you have contributed to such and such charity. What other projects give you such a strong reputation?'" --Elaine Varelas

"Practice alone in front of a mirror or with a friend. Many very intelligent, highly successful people think they can go unprepared. Those who shoot from the hip usually shoot themselves in the foot." --Stephen Rosen

The Reader's Digest Version: "Show enthusiasm in the interview, thank-you letter, and follow-ups." --Paul Mathews

• • Budgeting
• • Work & Career

• What To Do When You Lose Your Job
• How to make a layoff pay off, recharge your resume, and use the hardest-working websites.
• 
• 9 Recession-Proof Careers
• Despite the economic downturn, these careers are still growing.
• 
• How to Find a New Job
• The latest tips for job fairs and sites to help you land your next job.
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