There's no question job seekers face a challenging employment environment and must work hard to
find new opportunities. To help professionals looking to make their next career move, Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International and author of Job Hunting For Dummies(R), 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), recently discussed the 10 strategies every would-be employee should follow.

"In this economic environment, applicants must be resourceful," said
Messmer. "A successful job search often depends on who you know, which
means candidates need to make sure their efforts are as far-reaching as
possible."

Messmer offers the following top-10 list of essential tactics to help
job seekers gain an edge in a tougher employment market:

1. Step outside your comfort zone. Avoid limiting your search to your
current industry or field. Identify your transferable skills and
experiences, and communicate them to prospective employers.

2. Minimize work history gaps. If you are unable to find a position
right away, consider temporary assignments, internships and part-time
opportunities, all of which can potentially lead to a full-time role.

3. Be flexible. Remain open to all possibilities, even if the job
title, salary and benefits may not be exactly what you hoped for. Once you
get your foot in the door, you will have a chance to prove yourself.

4. Find jobs before they're advertised. Read your local business
journals and newspapers to identify companies that are hiring or expanding,
and send them your resume.

5. Cast a wide 'net.' General job boards can be useful, but don't
forget industry and trade association websites, which may have more
targeted career opportunities.

6. Network -- online and off. Tell everyone you know that you are
looking for a job, whether in-person or using professional networking
websites.

7. Manage your digital footprint. Think your friends are the only
people who viewed those less-than-professional vacation photos you posted
online? Think again. With a few mouse clicks, potential employers can dig
up information about you on blogs, personal websites and personal
networking site profiles. Make sure you do a thorough self-search and take
any necessary corrective action.

8. Customize. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each opportunity.
Employers want to see why you're the right person for their job.

9. Enhance your marketability. Find out what skills are most in-demand
and take steps to give yourself an edge in these areas. Focus on sharpening
both functional and interpersonal skills.

10. Meet with a recruiter. Staffing executives can be your eyes and
ears in the job market. Recruiters also provide useful feedback on your
resume and interview skills, and help you locate full-time and temporary
jobs.