• Is the job market as bad as most people – and the media – claim?

Yes, the job market remains dire—truly dire. That is a fact, and we cannot "sweeten" it. BUT, even if you were fired, it was not your fault, and you did nothing wrong! You may be confused, depressed, angry, exhausted, or even hopeless. Under the circumstances, all of these emotions make sense. The good news is that there ARE some things you could do differently that would result in significantly better results for you. Even in this difficult economy, many of my clients are still succeeding and finding great jobs.

• What is one of the most important job-market secrets you reveal in your research?

This is the worst economic situation in decades. We have record unemployment, massive layoffs, and crises in nearly every industry, and no one seems to be hiring! The biggest secret in today's market is that, while many companies are laying off employees, they are also quietly hiring new employees. The truth is that every company is always looking for new employees IF you have what they need when they need it. But, of course, this does not make the news. Newspapers and television only cover the BAD news.

• What types of candidates are still being hired in this climate?

People used to be able to get hired based on their credentials - their resume, work history, degrees, and so on. This is NOT the case any longer. In today's economy, the ONLY way to get hired is to demonstrate your ability to solve the employer's problems and successfully address their business challenges. In other words, candidates must stop behaving like job seekers and start behaving like solution providers! People must stop marketing their credentials and begin selling their proven results. These days, the only thing an employer cares about is, "What can you do for me - NOW!"

• What is one of the most common mistakes you see candidates make when no one is hiring?

When good jobs are scarce in this bad economy, it's tempting to say, "Well, I'll just take any job I can get." However, in most cases, casting such a broad net is not a good idea. In fact, a much better strategy would be to become more focused than ever on your career goal! This may seem strange in light of the fact that so many people are unemployed and struggling to find work. It's fine to take a "bridge job" to tide you over for a while, but it's critical not to give up on your career goals! You'll be more connected to your business niche if you stay laser-focused.

Your enthusiasm for your field will set you apart, making you appear more serious and committed. With each new interview, your industry knowledge and confidence will grow. You'll get more referrals and learn about new "hidden jobs" as they emerge. All of this will shorten your job search by weeks or even months, and you'll end up with a higher-level, higher-paying position!

• What is your best piece of advice for people who are discouraged about their career prospects?

I understand that many people are feeling stressed and overwhelmed by their job search or employment situation. They lose hope after hearing all the doom-and-gloom news about the job market. When it comes to ATTITUDE, however, we all have a choice! The question is, will you focus your attention on the thousands of people who are losing their jobs, or on those who are still finding good jobs? In my experience, the very first thing you need to do is change your mindset. This is more important than your credentials and skills.

"Mindset Before Skillset" is one of my favorite sayings. If you're like most people, you'll need to change your attitude and mindset. It makes no difference how qualified you are, what college you attended, or how good you look in a suit if you don't have this. The employer will detect a negative or defeatist attitude from a mile away. Please examine yourself in the mirror. If you notice a negative attitude, correct it right away. Concentrate on what you CAN do rather than what you CAN'T. Instead of focusing on those who have lost their jobs, consider all of those who are surviving and even thriving in this job market.

This is a requirement for getting a good job; it is not optional! "Attitude is everything!" I always say.