The job search landscape has changed in a rapid and pronounced way in the past few years. As I look forward into 2012 and think of where I'd give advice to anyone entering this job market (or already in it), I'd have to say one thing to all:

What worked last year isn't going to work this year.

To speculate on where things are going would be to waste your time. None of us know.

But the trend we can all see is change. We see rapid shifts in technology, financial markets, politics, social media and the list goes on. Change surrounds us and influences how we interact with one another. It's increasing at a breakneck speed and it requires us to adapt and evolve.

The end state doesn't change though.

We need to be remembered. We need to differentiate. We need to make an impact. The tactics to accomplish this aren't set in stone though. This is something I'm constantly testing with clients of mine. It requires vigilance because "one size does not fit all."

So, where do you go from here? I'll tell you this. In everything you do as you adapt to this change and determine how to leverage it to your advantage, make sure you incorporate three things:

1) Test everything you do.
2) Measure the results.
3) Improve upon what worked.

It sounds simple, but I encounter too many professionals who drive their searches by gut feel versus analysis and evidence. It's hard to navigate when your eyes are closed.

Cast aside the advice from "experts" that isn't supported by numbers, facts or solid data. Don't become victim to the "bright shiny object" or the fear mongering that many in the career or job search industry rely upon to sway you to their flocks. Take what anyone says (myself included!) and test - measure - improve.

This is where I will be continue to focus in 2012 as we provide guidance and solutions to job seekers of all shapes and sizes. We are going niche to provide better results than ever before. Active, passive, recent grads, 50+ job seekers, transitioning industries and positions, veterans and more. We are going to focus in on some core problem areas too: resume, LinkedIn, relationship/network building, interviewing and we aren't going to stop there.

If you join us here in your job search - great. If there's somewhere else that seems like a better fit - that's ok too. Wherever you go to get your guidance, support and results, please make sure you test, measure and improve.

Here is to 2012 being everything you expect...and more!

If you aren't a regular listener to The Career Catalyst, I highly recommend you put it on your "to do" list.  Kenrick and Scott always have some great information and they make sure their guests get into the "how" and go deep with actionable information.

After you've listened in to this episode, please leave your thoughts below as comments on the blog.

For more FREE advice like this, enter your name and email address below to receive your Complimentary copy of "70+ Tips to Perfect the Interview."

Check your email inbox for the copy after you click "submit."

2008 – 2011 (c) Career Attraction – All Rights Reserved

Yes, on Thanksgiving Day.

It wasn't by design. I'd been thinking long and hard about my career as a headhunter and all the ground I'd covered:

- Rebuilt a team in an International Staffing Firm, taking it from being almost zero in production to #4 in the world (out of 230+ offices) for individual billings.

- Built, staffed and sold two boutique search firms from scratch.

- Consulted with a number of Fortune 100 corporations on talent acquisition and human capital management initiatives.

- I'd executed searches for the C-Level, Accounting and Finance, IT, High Tech Sales, Marketing, Project Management, Cleared Space Recruiting (TS/SCI w/ Full Scope Polygraphs), International Placements and even Staffing Professionals (yes, recruiters!).

But I felt like something was missing. The success was there and there were certainly aspects of each job that I enjoyed, but I wasn't 100% fulfilled. So, I started thinking about what I really enjoyed. And then it hit me:

Helping those in transition find jobs that they loved.

After I finished my turkey, I sat down in front of a computer and launched the website that would become Career Attraction.

Since then, a lot of ground has been covered:

- I've personally coached more than 1,000 job seekers.

- Just under 10,000 have worked through Career Attraction training and programs to find jobs quicker.

- And roughly 38,000 people have attended our free webinar training sessions.

I'm proud of what we have accomplished and you have played a large role in that by helping "pay it forward" and share the free resources available here.

For that, I thank YOU.

In case you haven't seen all of them. I've included links to all the free training below. Find what fits your need(s) and put them to work!

Best,

P.S. You can "pay it forward" by sharing this page with others who can benefit from the tools and training above. Copy and post this link to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or simply email it - http://www.careerattraction.com/3-years-ago-today

So you shared which program you wanted as the first, free training and the winner is...

I've put what I think is some great information together but, in order to get it completely right, I need to hear from you.

Tell me the two things you want to learn in the training on Uncovering the Hidden Job Market. Share your thoughts with me using the links below...

You can post what you want to learn on Facebook...

You can email me your comment...

or you can scroll down and post it here...

Armed with this, I can finalize the training and get it to be exactly what you want...and need!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

1) It's a compilation of the best interview tips for some of the top job search experts, career coaches, search executives and HR professionals all in one place.

2) It's FREE.

Here's what some have had to say about their favorite tips:

"It's amazing that you can do so much research on job-searching skills and then come across this book and realize there are so many more little tips or methods to use. For ex: how to postpone negotiating salary early on, even more ways to research a prospective employer, phrases to use during an interview that can really sell your value to the employer, and ways to hone your messages during the interview. (Those are just my favorite tips from the first 10 pages)!!!!!" Maureen Colson

"Seriously good and very comprehensive tips and advice that is a must read for anyone seeking a job or attending interviews. Tons to learn and become inspired by." Jacob Madsen

"The best things I found about this book are 1) the information is presented in short, useful chunks, just right to pop onto my iPhone & read it while waiting, etc, 2) many experts = lots of points of view; something for everyone, 3) lots of experts also means useful for dealing with many types of recruiters (even the "group interview"), and 4) my favorite tidbit was when doing phone interviews, ask the interviewer a question now and then to be sure they're listening and still awake!" Evan Crawford

"The tips are excellent. Preparing specifically for a PHONE Interview is useful as I have not had luck with phone interviewing. Smile and use your voice to convey enthusiasm. Don't be afraid of pauses or short silences, and just try to relax. Be confident, plan, practice. and listen to questions." Victoria Prestia

Want your own copy of this FREE e-book? Enter your name and email address below to receive your Complimentary copy of "70+ Tips to Perfect the Interview."

"The very day that I first attended a recorded session that included FACEBOOK, I tested it on some of my old contacts in the Telecom business. One of them asked for my resume. Next, they sent me their PM contract, a W-9, and the signoff form they use for project closeouts. I don't have an assignment yet, but this is looking good!"

This webinar includes job seekers who have used Facebook successfully to find their current jobs sharing their tips and techniques. Plus, I have the creator of a free Facebook application that was specifically designed to help leverage your network to find your next opportunity. It’s a great webinar and I am sure you will enjoy it!

For more FREE advice like this, enter your name and email address below to receive your Complimentary copy of "70+ Tips to Perfect the Interview."

It's the top professional networking site, hands down. Chances are, the person who needs to hire you is on there. But how do you get from not being known by them to having them find you and getting the offer...and how does LinkedIn fit into that equation?

Chime in with your #1 question as it relates to LinkedIn and Finding Your Next Job. Once I've got your two cents, I'm going to put together a FREE training session where I will tackle them and get you the answers needed!

So, tell me what you want to know and I'll get to work. You can ask your question in one of two places (click on the image below to join the conversation on LinkedIn and/or Facebook)...

-OR-

I'm looking forward to hearing what's on your mind and putting together a FREE training session to get you the answers and "how to" that you want!

Best,

Fixing the Bad Resume You Don't Know You Have - After reading 1000's of resumes, I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. In this webinar we'll cover what may be sabotaging your resume and how to get it to stand out from the masses. Register here for this free training session.



Want to find out about the third, must see webinar? My 35,000+ subscribers have voted it as the best training on using LinkedIn and being found for REAL job opportunities. Enter your information below and I'll send you all the information you need to join in this "how to" training!

It's one of the hot buzz phrases out there. Most everyone accepts the idea, but I hear a lot of confusion when it comes to the topic and your job search.

Chime in with your #1 question as it relates to "Personal Branding." Once I've got your two cents, I'm going to put together a FREE training session where I will tackle them and get you the answers needed!

So, tell me what you want to know and I'll get to work. You can ask your question in one of two places (click on the image below to join the conversation on LinkedIn and/or Facebook)...

-OR-

I'm looking forward to hearing what's on your mind and putting together a FREE training session to get you the answers you want!

Best,

Like what you heard? Over 31,000 job seekers subscribe to this blog. Join them in getting articles, videos and tools you can use delivered right to your inbox as I post them. No spam or junk – just content you can put to use and get results with - today!