If you’re looking for a new job, I’ve got tough news Fido. Your skills may be in very high demand, but the deck is stacked against you. Here’s why and what you can do about it:

LOST IN THE CROWD.

Ever lost your car at a ballgame long after the tailgate party? Come on. Spill the baked beans. With unemployment at 10% and corporate recruiters buried in resumes, no matter how impressive your resume is, it’s as unique as a red pickup truck at a Ohio State Buckeye football game. Ways to rise about the crowd: Find a job you like at www.indeed.com, then use Linkedin, Zoominfo, jigsaw and other tools to id the likely hiring manager. Send them your resume directly AND leave a voicemail. In both, say “if your not hiring right now, please forward my resume to a colleague who might appreciate my background.”

TOO PASSIVE.

Companies are running lean and mean. Most recruiters and managers are overwhelmed with work and if you don’t drive the hiring process, it will likely get bogged down. Be assertive and persistent, but curb any stalker tendencies. Think of it like a blind date - phoning the hiring manager 20 times a day at odd times will not get a positive results, but friendly, timely follow up will keep you top of mind.

TOO COMPLICATED.

Hiring managers only give a very small slice of their time to hiring – probably less than 1%. If you have a long resume, trouble finding time to interview, complicated contact information or anything else that requires extra time and energy, you may be killing your chances of getting the job. Keep it simple for best results.

TOO DESPERATE.

Nothing devalues your accomplishments during an interview like desperation. Whether or not multiple companies are actively interviewing you, always have enough “balls in the air” that you can confidentially say “I’m being very selective, and have a few other companies I’m speaking with.” By effectively using the social/business networks, you will be having several conversations with potential hiring managers at other companies.

TOO IMPERSONAL.

Sure it’s your skills that they’re after, but most companies want a personality, too. Facebook, video, blogs, podcasts are all part of the application process now. So, while you’re busy driving the hiring process, be professional, but don’t be afraid to show your Web 2.0 savvy and some personality. You never know – your love of Battlestar Gallactica, Miniature Schnauzers and scuba diving may just strike a chord with the hiring manager. (The fancy beard may be a bit too much).

2010 promises a healthier job market — just make sure you and your resume don’t get left in 2009.

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