Do you consider your job search to be a finely tuned marketing campaign? One which is designed to identify, qualify and contact prospects? Is it designed to get you in the door and meet the decision makers and to sell yourself? If you answered no to any of these question you may need to rethink the job search in order to make it more efficient and to make it more likely that you will gain employment.

First and foremost take a look at your cover letter, take a good long hard look, does it look like something which would stand out in a pile? This should be your aim as you are trying to sell the employer the notion that you are the right fit for the job. One way you can better be able to do so is to consider this letter a letter of sale, where you are trying to sell yourself to the company. Try as much as possible to use a personalized opening, and avoid the “Dear Sir/Madam”.

Now you should consider who you know. Your network of high quality contacts should be constantly growing, as this is one of the best ways in through the door during this recession we’re experiencing.  In fact, a very small increase in the size of your network can double results and greatly increase the chance that you will eventually reach the right person.

Many of us when we go on the job hunt, we are so focused on attracting new employers, while forgetting that we do have past employers who know and trust us, and would also hire us again, if they were asked that is. If you fall into this category then just simply make a list of every manager you’ve had, and erase those who you would never work for again. Then go down the list and get in touch with all those who are left on it. If a manager has moved on then try to contact them at their new place of employ and also introduce yourself to the person who is in their old office.

As stated before you should treat the job search as a marketing campaign in which your aim is to sell yourself to the potential employer. Utilize these tips and make this search even more efficient and more focused, don’t just send out resumes and hope. A little planning goes a long way.