5 Pointers for Out-of-Work Multichannel Marketers

Note from Jim: Filling my virtual shoes this week while I’m on vacation is Jerry Bernhart, president of Bernhart Associates Executive Search, and author of the Direct Marketing Employment Outlook Survey.

For those of you actively looking for employment, let me offer a few things you can do to help you get that extra edge. This may not all be new to you, but these key points are worth repeating.

1. Make sure your résumé screams, "I can add value!” I still see way too many résumés that are long on titles and descriptions, but short on specific accomplishments and achievements. That always amazes me. Metrics are an integral part of the direct marketing process, yet many marketers’ résumés often neglect to include what really matters most — quantifiable results. If you don't brag on your résumé, no one else is going to do it for you.

Be specific, quantify where possible and use some choice action verbs to describe what you achieved. Companies already have taken steps to slash costs, so think more about what you've done to contribute to revenue growth, such as acquiring and keeping new customers; new products; new market segments; how you've helped improve recency, frequency and monetary value; and so on. Don't forget to make your résumé keyword-friendly. Use terms that are specific to your job or career objectives, and use them often.

2. Network more; visit job sites less. In the Spring ’09 Bernhart Associates Employment Survey, we asked employers to identify their biggest source of new hires. Surprisingly, it wasn't internet job boards or career sections on company websites. It was referrals from employees, former employees, vendors and partners. In fact, referrals beat out job-posting websites 2-to-1. If you're spending most of your time on job sites, you need to start shifting that to your network.