I speak with people all the time about what sort of job they want and with the difficult economy I have been hearing two distinct responses. The first is…anything, I just need a job. The second is…I’ve been doing XX for so many years, I think I want to try something new. In essence you are saying…Dear Santa, make me into something I’m not and in a tough economy please ask someone to train me on their dime and pay me the same salary!

In a difficult economy you have to stick with your strength when looking for a job. In the first instance, the person sounds desperate, and I know how that can be. Try not to sound desperate, but be flexible and open. Desperate doesn’t look good on you, me or anyone.

The second example is usually voiced by someone who has not been out of work too long and they are hoping for a career change. It can happen, but you must take it in stages. If you are a bank manager and you want to get into retail management the skills might transfer, but with all the retail managers also looking for work your chances are slim. Take a job in retail and learn the ropes. Try to work into management within that company and you are on your way.

If you need a management job paying the same salary that you had then stick within the same industry and network to find roles. Don’t take time to do one and then if that doesn’t work, go back to your bread and butter. I can’t stress this enough. By the time you do that your bread and butter will have been consumed by someone else leaving you crumbs!

Stay positive, stay focused and you will feast on bread and butter this Holiday season.