Guide To Getting Job In Lean Market...

(CBS)  It seems as though bad news about the economy just won't go away.

The unemployment rate in the United States is now at 6.1 percent, a five-year high.

And you don't have to tell that to Anna Stansell.

The 52-year-old was a property/asset manager in Birmingham, Ala. until she was downsized in December 2006.

She's been searching for a full-time job ever since, freelancing as a copywriter and producer along the way.

Stansell wrote to The Early Show's "Saturday Savior" for a hand, and our personal finance contributor, Vera Gibbons, tried to help steer Stansell back into the job market.

Stansell says she's had very few responses to her resume, and fewer interviews.

She realizes she needs to find a way to better market her experience and skills, telling CBS News, "While I am very creative, I am also highly organized. I am completely open to working with a non-profit, marketing in a stand-alone, or in an agency, working with different clients.

"So far, my interview experience has demonstrated a preference given to younger applicants.

"Also, I have tried a variety of resume formats and approaches to the job search, with about the same results. I've used the Internet, networking with friends, cold-calling, and recruiters.

"I do think that putting my personal life, as a wife and motherm ahead of career for 18 years has hurt, (even though) during that time, I created and ran an assembly service company, continued my education, and volunteered in my community.

"I offer stability and commitment, along with flexibility to learn and grow with a company. I'm willing to work as a team member; lead, follow, or get out of the way, as needed.

"While working at a real estate company recently, my open, positive attitude has been an asset, and seems to be contagious, encouraging and de-stressing co-workers."

Enter Gibbons.

She says Stansell's resume need work. Its biggest problem: It just lists positions she's held and dates. She needs focus less on where she's been and for how long, and more on her accomplishments. For instance, but what's buried is that Stansell managed an investment portfolio of $20 million! Points to mention include the number of tenants she managed, and how her marketing efforts impacted the company's bottom line. She needs to use statistics, data, and catchy, boldfaced buzz-words that highlight her accomplishments.

Gibbons also urged Stansell to network more. Networking is, Gibbons says, the most effective job-seeking tool. Only about 15- to 20 percent of job openings are publicly advertised in any medium; only about five percent of job seekers end up finding work through ads. Friends, "Linked-In" contacts (get a Linked-In account), support groups, and any relevant trade organizations and their social events, can all increase someone's odds.

Another suggestion: Stansell should broaden her search - geographically, and by not locking herself into a specific type of position. And, while Stansell prefers to work at large corporation, most jobs are filled by small business, and large corporations aren't what they used to be, anyway! That's the new reality

What can Stansell do to overcome the age issue? Gibbons advocates putting her age in a positive light. She should talk up her experience - it's her prized asset! - and how it fits into what a potential employer is looking for. Say things like you know how to do it better, faster, more efficiently, within budget, etc. Appearance also matters: Invest in nice suit. Energy also counts! Be enthusiastic; show them can help them succeed.

Specifically, Gibbons told CBS News, "We're going to send her to The Five O'clock Club, an outplacement firm that has a long record of success in helping people land jobs. It has chapters all around the country. Gibbons says it appears Stansell needs some one-on-one sessions with a counselor, and could benefit from support groups, as well.

[marshall_nee]

********* em and hope you get away with it.

[mawskrat]

for younger people....get into the union building trades. great money and retirement,though it can be hard work.lol

[lesleybrooks]

I saw the broadcast this morning and was also downsized--from SEARS HOLDINGS CORPORATE--and have networked and interviewed---I left all of my friends and family in NY to go to the suburbs of Chicago-shortly after 4 of the 6 people who interviewed me had left-15 months later after settling and buying a house I was told my job was eliminated. I am a designer in the textile Home products industry and most of the jobs have gone offshore. Tried related industries using my skills.

[estabwary]

it''s always 5 o''clock somewhere....oh wait