Georgia's Dept. of Labor Job Search Handbook - Chapter 2

Although more than 1,000,000 new job openings occur each month, many job hunters find themselves unable to reconnect quickly. They are qualified and jobs are available. What's the problem? Those less than apparent reasons that hinder reemployment have little to do with either the job hunter's skills or the labor market. Most are a result of the job hunter's behaviors.
Consider:
BulletAt least 40% turn off prospective employers by presenting themselves poorly in appearance and manners.
BulletApproximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.
BulletMore than 80% cannot identify or describe their skills and abilities.
BulletApproximately 85% of the long term unemployed do not spend enough time looking for a job. In fact, the majority devote fewer than five hours a week to the job search.
BulletApproximately 90% cannot answer difficult questions during interviews.
We all know that very few people deliberately sabotage their own efforts. Avoiding job search pitfalls is often a simple matter of recognizing them. Now that you know the problems of those who remain unemployed, make sure you don't fall victim to the same mistakes. You must...
Bulletpresent yourself professionally and positively
Bulletlearn new methods for tapping the "Hidden Job Market"
Bulletlearn to describe your skills and abilities
Bulletapproach your job search as if it were a full-time job
Bulletlearn to anticipate difficult questions and have your responses prepared
Pilot