The 2012 job hunting season is officially open with the new year and the first week back to work. January is always the busiest hiring month of the year, thanks to new recruiting budgets being unleashed.

“The HR department is about to get busy,” says Chris Russell, founder of AllCountyJobs.com, a regional job board network serving the northeast. “Many people will be looking for a new gig this year, so here’s what you really need to know about the changing landscape of today’s job market.”

1. Hiring will be better than last year. Economists expect an average of 175,000 new jobs to be created each month. Things are getting better.
2. The resume black hole still exists. Even if you submit your application into an ATS (applicant tracking system), it is always a good idea to find another way into the company and get your resume in front of an actual person.
3. It is still a “buyer’s market,” at least in most industries. Many employers are still looking for an “exact DNA match” to fill their open positions.
4. Age discrimination is still rampant. You need to fight it. Here are some links to help.
5. It is always better to have your resume written by a professional resume writer. Make an investment; get it done.
6. Hiring cycles are still long and drawn out. Be patient after your first interview. There are lots of variables that go into making a hiring decision.
7. When searching for jobs online, ignore the job date. If it is 2-3 weeks old, there is still a very good chance the job is still open, and the company is still interviewing.
8. Realize that job search engines are not as inclusive as you think. They only index those companies and job boards that pay them. You still need to seek out the niche and local job boards in your field. You must maximize your search.
9. Tap the hidden job market. Look for companies that are growing and take any job to get your foot in the door. You will have more job security in the long run. Here is a tool to help.
10. Technology is changing the way we work. You need to keep up with it. Do not be left behind.
11. Understand that ALL jobs are now temporary. There is no more lifetime job security. You need to plan ahead, keep your skills sharp, and always, always be learning.

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