Job Recovery – 5 things to be prepared for Is your networking starting to pay off with “real” interviews?  It should be--there is a noticeable increase in job openings, interviews and yes, hiring decisions! It certainly isn’t all roses but we are on the way back up. Here are five observations and the impact they have on your job search:

1. Hiring groups have to realize that just because this is an employer market doesn’t mean they are going to find someone with B2B, B2C, PR, Branding, E-Commerce, the ability to develop an iPhone App, and geographic experience in Kuala Lumpur, Reykjavik and Kingsport, TN. Be leery of the job description that seems impossible to hire for – it probably is.
2. Pulling the trigger takes a bit longer. Hiring is under a microscope and the decision to hire the “wrong” person can severely reduce or eliminate additional hires. Be patient, but persistent.
3. “Roll up your sleeves”, “Get gritty”, “Hands-on” – it’s a requirement, no exceptions.
4. “Must have industry experience” – even in an employee market this exists. You can’t change it and it only becomes more emphasized in an employer market.  Pick your battles--some companies will hire outside of the industry but it’s not the norm.
5. Double your networking efforts.  Now more than ever, those who have just landed know the challenge you face and are much more likely to give you the help you need. Whatever your personal networking goals have been, double them.