A successful job search begins with a strategic advertising plan.
Marketing a Shiny New You

To employers, you are a product--just like Nike running shoes or a Kate Spade handbag. And, just like any good retailer, you should market yourself by shouting your best attributes from the rooftops. 

The way to do that is to network pro-actively, follow-up with a vengeance and never give up until you find the marketing and advertising campaign that works.

How will you know you've hit pay-dirt? Just as in a company, your revenue line will begin to grow.

Alan Glou, a Boston-based retained search executive who has staffed companies all over the world, says that the first step to selling yourself in a given industry is to learn as much as you can about the field. "I tell people to learn the right buzz words," he says.

But he adds that jargon alone won't allow you to bag your dream job. You need to understand what the words mean and how to use them. That can be especially important in specialized, fast-moving industries like telecommunications, new media and biomedicine.

"When networking, familiarity with a given industry will allow you to begin dialogues with the people who can actually hire you," says Glou.

Networking requires not only contacting influential people through family, friends and business connections, but attending industry events as well. 

A pro-active approach to attending seminars, trade shows and other functions is to introduce yourself to the speaker or panelists presenting. 

"Take that business card and write something on the back of it that is pertinent to the speakers' presentation," says Glou.

"Then follow up immediately with a note or e-mail." (Think of the little note on your business card as your advertising slogan.)

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