If you find yourself feeling this way too, then I feel your pain. But we both have to get over ourselves and get back out there. The best way to find a job is through other people. Networking. The law of averages says you should only spend about 10% of your time looking online or at job ads. If you want to improve your odds, you have got to do more than search the ads. An easy way to get started is by getting on to some of the social networking sites. Facebook and Linkedin are very easy to set up and good general starting points. Then move on to more industry/interest specific sites. Quick rule of thumb for social networking; share. You’ve got to be part of the community, not just take from it. If you are trying to get a job share the stuff that makes you a great hire and an interesting person, not the beer bong photos from the bachelor party. Think of it like this; don’t share anything you wouldn’t want in the headlines of the newspaper. Talking about your interests and asking/answering questions about personal and professional development is a great way to build a community. As wonderful as the Internet is for community building, there is nothing better than real human contact. Get involved with something you enjoy. It will get you out of the house and in touch with lots of people.

Two more tips. Create an elevator pitch about yourself. That is a quick 20 or 30-second description of what you have to offer the world (particularly the working world). Practice it many times before you use it on a stranger. A great book for honing this skill is Peggy Klaus’ BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It.

Getting that pitch together will help you with this last tip. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Not everyone can or will help you, but you’d be surprised how many people are happy to lend a hand. You never know where that connection will lead. So share your story and your goals with anyone who will listen, they may be able to help. Be positive, be concise and be helpful to them too. – Mary Caraccioli