When you look for a job, zoom in on it like a rifle with a scope rather than using a shotgun to spray the target, just trying to hit anything you can. Some call the shotgun approach the “spray and pray” approach. Why shouldn’t you aim for the best jobs? Employers are still hiring when job openings are few, but even then, they will demand the best fit for the jobs they have and will have plenty of applicants.

LinkedIn helps you see what your resume and profile attract, enabling it to be tightened up and focused to do the best job. Connect with your connections. Pay it forward. Offer suggestions and ideas. Take some online courses. Find temporary options to help you cover bills and provide extra time in your search. If you haven’t applied for unemployment benefits, get in line and do it.

Always make yourself so valuable that your employer will not want to lose you. Could you do more than is asked? Volunteer for extra work even if it is without pay. Be the best employee possible. Reach out and learn where others who may have left the firm are working. Who are the contacts at your suppliers and customers? Build you network now. One of the best networking tools is LinkedIn but talking to people may be better. Get to know the people in your industry.

Finding a job always has been, or should have been, a full-time job but don’t just “spray and pray”