YOUR RANT: Is anyone out there hiring?

911 REPAIR: You're not alone; job-seekers are struggling. However, people ARE getting hired. What's the secret? Most focus their job hunt on how companies actually hire instead of what's easy for them to do. I'll explain in a moment, but first let me tell you about opposite day. We celebrated opposite day regularly when my daughter was a first-grader. Pajamas are worn to school, dessert comes at the start of dinner, and treats happen before chores.

Opposite day is not only fun for the kids, but it also holds a major lesson for many job-seekers. Most of us look for work the exact opposite way employers fill positions. For example, we put most of our efforts into writing a resume and responding to want ads. Some put effort into networking or registering with employment agencies. Few actually bring work samples to organizations or try to get hired on part-time or as a consultant. Your chances of getting hired will increase if you do your own job-search version of opposite day. I've listed the best ways to get a job below. For more, check out "The Job-Hunter's Survival Guide" by the patron saint for anyone looking for work, Richard N. Bolles (10 Speed, 2009).

1. Start from within. Most companies prefer filling positions from within because they know what to expect. (Remember, companies are almost always risk-averse in hiring.) That's why savvy job seekers look for the companies that hold the most opportunity for them, even if they aren't hiring right now. How do you get your foot in the door? Approach them as a part-time worker, consultant or even temp, anything to become an insider.

2. Use proof. Most people don't think of promoting themselves beyond a resume. If you're not already an insider, the next best thing is to prove you can do the job by bringing samples of your work. Or if you are feeling really ambitious, create something specifically for them (an ad, computer code, a plan to reach new customers, etc.)

3. Best friend or colleague. If you haven't worked with someone, the next best thing is to have someone you really trust who has. Use social-networking sites to find a trusted colleague within your target company who can vouch for you and your work.

4. An agency they trust. Employment agencies can expand your job search and network. But don't just go to any agency. Find one that is already being used by a company that you want to work for.

5. An ad they placed. People do get hired from want ads so you don't want to totally dismiss them. But this shouldn't be your first, or only, strategy.

6. A resume. A resume is a great brochure and necessary, but it isn't a job-hunting strategy.

Use these strategies and opposite day will take place for you. You'll be going to work instead of looking for a job.

WORKPLACE911 EXECUTIVE POINTS

How to get hired:

1. Start from within.

2. Use proof. Continued...