Fall Is 'Back-to-Search' Time!

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Even if you're not heading to school, you can take a lesson from kids everywhere as they prepare to resume their education. Use these back-to-school inspired tips to resume your quest for a better job.

1. Get some new "back-to-search" clothes.

Even though you may be sad to leave summer behind, a new fall wardrobe can help you feel more confident around the office and on interviews. Pick up a new suit or two so that you're always stylishly prepared when a potential employer calls. Also, if you begin dressing up when you're at your current job, you won't look suspicious when you don a suit for an interview elsewhere.

2. Buy new "back-to-search" supplies.

It wouldn't be September without some fun new supplies to make getting back to your job search speedier and easier.

Have you been dying to upgrade to a new mobile device? Treat yourself to a Treo. Impress your fellow Mac addicts with an iPhone. Boost your spirits with a BlackBerry.

Is your computer completely out of date? Upgrade to a newer, faster machine. If you don't have a laptop, consider getting one to use for your search and in interviews. You'll never have to worry about which platform a potential employer uses if you bring your own.

3. Increase your popularity.

There's no better time to expand your network than September. Everyone is back from vacation and there are no holidays distracting folks. So, instead of eating lunch with the same people every day, reach out to different coworkers at least once a week.

Also, take a fresh stab at online networking. Find out which sites the people you work with are on and join them all. If you already belong to a number of sites, update your profile and start connecting with other members.

4. Join a club.

You may not be able to join the debate team or the audio-visual club, but you can always join a professional (or personal-interest) group. Consider a networking association for your profession or a group that reflects your personal likes, whether it be related to a local political party, an animal rights organization, or a classic car club. Everyone you meet is a member of your network -- which is why clubs are a great way to expand your circle of personal and professional friends.

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