How to Job Hunt the "SMART" Way

The web has lead to an explosion in career advice -- not all of it good -- which can be baffling to the inexperienced job hunter. With competing resume styles, a bevy of interview tips and conflicting opinions on every aspect of the process, it's no wonder that many people end up baffled rather than reassured when they go looking for advice online.

Blog Here We Are. Now What? by Terrence Seamon hears your job-hunting confusion and comes to the rescue with a handy acronym -- SMART. The mnemonic device boils down a world of job-seeking advice into five simple points to keep in mind. It's not the last word in searching for a job, but it is a handy framework to make sure you have the basics covered. So what does SMART stand for?

• Story: Why would an employer hire you? Because you told the best story. The story of Who You Are. And what you can bring to the employer's organization. Your story is your brand. Telling your story is the way you sell the prospect.
• Market: How do you find potential employers? Like a big game hunter tracks and snares his prey. With clear intent and unrelenting pursuit. You know what you want. You know your market. Because you know your product. And the product is You. Remember: when you are in transition, you are in sales and marketing.
• Acquisition: How do you rise above the rest of the job hunters out there? They want a job. But you are looking to acquire a company. Sure, you want a job too. But think about it for a few minutes from the point of view of the recruiter who is beating the bushes to find and attract some good candidates. You are doing the same thing from the other side of the equation. So get into acquisition mode.
• Research: How do you wow the employer? By demonstrating how much you know about him or her. You did your research, using your network, LinkedIn, and other resources on the internet. You prepared a list of questions to ask. You know so much about the employer that you may actually stun the interviewer.
• Tools: The well-equipped job hunter always carries his most trusty tools, especially business cards, a pen, a fully charged cell phone, and a box of "Thank You" note cards. But the Swiss Army Knife of all job search tools is one's network, the people you know, the people you can count on, the people who are looking out for you.