There ARE green jobs out there, but they’re not as prevalent as the media or Obama might have you believe. As such, it’s important to ensure that you’re using the right methods to go about finding a green job.

1. Use your experience, skills and network to open opportunities, rather than going cold to a new sector, company or people – personal connection is still one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal. Use them wisely.
2. Think on your feet. Everybody and their mothers-brothers-dog knows how to use Google or search a job board. Sit down in front of a blank piece of paper and create a simple strategy that plays to your strengths, examines your weaknesses and analyzes your differences. This will help you find your niche.
3. Do your homework. Read about and discuss green jobs for a while. If you’re new to the arena, you need to understand what you’re looking for before you leap in. Nothing pains the employer more than getting 100 resumes that are completely off track.
4. Be realistic, see point 3 above.
5. Network; there’s a plethora of events and opportunities to chat about green jobs…

And once you’ve got the opportunity in front of you:

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. If you’ve got a generic resume, it’s easy to spot and it does nothing for the person reading it. It makes them feel like they’re one of a hundred other people that have received it. Unless you’re one in a hundred of the people applying, it’s not going to get you noticed.
2. You have more avenues than a resume, ring the company to have a chat with the person hiring, if only for a couple of minutes. It’s one way to get noticed… but make sure you’re very careful about it. It could backfire.
3. PLAN FOR INTERVIEWS. Too many people think they can wing it. Too many people talk about themselves too much, rather than what they can do for the company!
4. Use a recruiter… even if they can’t respond to you individually, you never know – one day they might have a job that fits your skills and if you’re not registered with them, you’ll not find out!

Happy hunting (in the non-animal-killing sense).

Tom Savage is a Managing Director at Bright Green Talent, a mission-driven recruiting firm helping talented, passionate people find their way into sustainability-focused jobs.

When you find an opening or a company you would like to work for its time to go to work. First create the targeted keyword document (aka resume). Now let’s look at the job and ask ourselves some questions. Who does this report to? What department in the company does this position fall under? e.g. Sales. accounting, maintenance etc.

Determine the department and let’s see who runs that department. Identify the potential title of the hiring manager. Now go to Google and search. Enter “the company name” “department” “title” in the Google search box. If you are very lucky the results will give you the name of the potential hiring manager. Sometimes nothing matches but be creative and try different things related to the job/department etc. For example, shorten the company name, try variations of the departments e.g. sales may actually be marketing in some companies. Use different tiles e.g. vice president or VP or even V.P. Get creative and do some Googling. The results may astonish you.

What we are trying to do is to find the actual hiring manager. it’s no great feat to send your resume to the “black hole”…ooops I mean HR…anyone can do that. We want the real hiring manager to present ourselves to. Go to the company’s web site. Often names of hiring managers are scattered in pages on the site. Look at the press releases or documents they have on their site. Many times references to people are right there on the web site for any anyone to see.

If that fails call the company and simply ask who is the manager of such and such department? Don’t worry they don’t know who you are and certainly will never connect your phone call to your interview/resume. All we want is a legitimate real person’s name. Again get creative and think outside the box, but get the person’s name.

Now that we have the name lets call the company and ask for the person and let’s see if we can engage them in conversation and try to persuade them to interview you. This may be scary to some of the readers but it is a proven method of aggressive job searchers. If you don’t want to speak directly then simply call the company, keep yourself anonymous and ask for that department, odds are you will connect with a secretary or other person in that department. What we want to ask is for the direct FAX number for the earlier defined hiring manager.

Now the secret tactic for the virtual guaranteed call from the company. Prepare a fax cover sheet using keywords previously found and create a compelling short paragraph that piques the interest of the reader. Every hiring authority who reads this paragraph should be convinced you are a perfect match for the opening. Prepare the fax cover sheet and fill it out completely indicating there are 2‐3 or more sheets to this fax transmission.

Most if not all fax cover sheets has a statement on it that in effect says “if any or all of this transmission is not received please call (123) 456‐7890.” We are going to use this to our advantage. At this point you will now fax directly to the attention of (managers name) at his fax machine. What we wrote is 3 pages attached but all we are going to send…ooops…is the cover sheet with the message targeting your qualifications for the position and that there should be 3 pages and “if any or all of this transmission is not received please call (123) 456‐7890.”

What happens now is human nature. The hiring manager who has a more vested interest in finding the best candidate (HR does not) will be curious about seeing your resume and more than likely will call you telling you the resume did not come through, please resend it. Mission accomplished. When they call be ready to sell yourself on the phone. A great line I might use is this…”Mr. Manager I will do even better than resending my resume I will personally drop it off tomorrow, say 10 AM or is it better for you after lunch?”

This doesn’t always work but it will get you in conversations with real people at a company that you want to work for.

The good news is that there are some recession-proof industries such as education, healthcare, energy, and the environmental sector that are still hiring. There are also a few great tips for any job seeker in any industry to help with a difficult job search:

1. Network, network, network.

You’ve heard it before – networking is the key to getting a job. Recruiting directors want a safe, easy hire. If they met you at a networking event or if your name was passed along to them by a friend or colleague, then you likely will stand out from the sea of candidates and resumes.

For some reason, many people dread this horrible word, “Networking”. Really, networking is just having conversations with your friends, family, colleagues, and peers. Here are just a few ideas to get started:

• Your friends’ parents
• Your parents’ friends
• Your dentist
• Your neighbors
• Your college professors
• Your alumni association
• Your hair stylist

Talk to everyone you know. Reach out, and let them know what you’re seeking. You may be surprised with all of the connections your Uncle Phil has.

2. Join a professional organization.

Even though you are out of a job, you want to stay in the game. By joining a professional organization, you can stay up-to-date with industry news and developments. Of course, you also will meet leaders in your field. You can learn from them and make professional connections at numerous companies.

3. Volunteer your time.

Now that you have a little extra time on your hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to volunteer in your community. Serve on a board, organize a neighborhood recycling program, or design marketing pieces for a charity pro-bono. Helping others gets you off of the couch and thinking positively. You may even develop your skills and meet someone who can help you get a job.

4. Think differently.

If you’ve been out of work for awhile, it may be time to broaden your view on what your next step could be. Instead of one of the top, five advertising agencies, would you like to work at a regional agency or in the advertising department in-house? Maybe you can relocate or make a career change. You may even take a 10% pay cut, but you can bargain for an extra week of vacation. Think creatively on how you can make a successful next step.

5. Be Persistent.

It’s not going to be easy. Unfortunately, the game has changed a little bit, and companies can afford to be more selective. You’re going to have to network a lot, apply for numerous positions, and receive a few rejections. Hang in there. Follow up with recruiting directors if they don’t get back to you. If you didn’t meet anyone at the last networking event, go to another one. Who knows when you will be in the right place talking to the right person at the right time.

Courtney Pike is co-author of How To Say It On Your Resume and Director of Operations at JobBound, a career consulting company featured on CNN, Dr. Phil, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.

All of that has changed.

Resumes have moved from being the complete chronicle of your work experience to being the tool that illustrates why you are the best candidate for a single position. I cannot stress this enough. The age of having a standard multiple-page resume that you send out to everyone for every position is over.

As the world continues to move towards sound bites, text messages, and status updates, people do not take the time to read long resumes. Your resume must tell your story succinctly and effectively. One company recently told me that they toss all resumes over one page, even though they do not mention in their postings that they only accept one-page resumes. If you have a long resume, even if it lands on the desk of the hiring manager, that person is likely to skim it and may miss the details you want them to see. Brevity is the key for making you look great.

Those of you who have seen my company resume know that I switched to a one-page resume format several years ago. You may not know that I customize my resume each time I submit it. I made this switch when I realized that the hiring manager or project manager was not the first person to read my resume. In most cases, someone in Human Resources or a department administrative person screens incoming resumes. Typically, these people do not have the background knowledge to read between the lines in my work experience. I had to make sure my resume convinced the resume screener that I met the exact requirements they need so my resume landed in the keeper stack.

You need to make it easy for the recipient to see how well you meet their requirements, and that means a little more work for you. You must write your resume for the audience, a person skimming it for one or two key words that match their position requirements. My resume strategy makes it easy for me to send out customized, one-page resumes. I created a separate resume for each service I offer. This gives me a starting point for customizing a resume to meet the exact position requirements quickly and easily, and ensures that I include the relevant work experience.

I recommend the same strategy for you. You must invest a little time up front to get your one-page resume prepared, and you must customize it before sending it for a specific position. However, the payoff in effectiveness is worth every minute you invest.

But don’t just take my word for it. Jack Molisani from ProSpring Technical Staffing has a presentation covering seven resume secrets gleaned from his experience staffing projects and comes to the same conclusion.

The bottom line: You need to rewrite your resume, cut it to a single page, and then customize it to fit the specific requirements of the position each time you submit it.

1. Create a plan
No matter how the economic downturn affects you, a plan can help you get through these tough times. It doesn’t have to be formal. Just set aside time to put some ideas in writing with your spouse or significant other. Here are seven steps to take as you create your plan.

2. Create a budget
Create a budget that reduces regular household expenses and eliminates nonessential spending. Review everything. Consider less expensive alternatives to name brand products or dropping or phasing out little-used services, perhaps a gym membership. Look for inexpensive or free activities and community services for yourself and your family, maybe a family “game night” rather than a night at the movies. Check out your local public library; in addition to books, many offer children’s activities and DVDs.  Focusing on family activities can have more than financial benefits; it could bring your family closer, which could make you feel more secure in these difficult times.

Choosing which expenses to cut
When it comes to cost cutting, be careful of what and where you cut. A modest increase in your “deductible” on your home or car insurance—and decrease in premiums —might make sense. But your cell phone and high-speed Internet service can be valuable tools if you are looking for a job. If your child carries a cell phone, consider switching to a prepaid plan that will curtail text messaging and excessive calling. And avoid the urge to skimp on important home maintenance; the cost of keeping your roof in good repair may be far less than the cost of replacing that roof down the line. If you’re faced with severe hardship, you may already be considering much larger steps. You may need to consider downsizing or selling your home or moving to a less expensive apartment.

It might even make sense to move to a new area of the country to take advantage of new opportunities. If you think moving might be an option, investigate the relative costs of housing in different areas and the job opportunities they might offer. Living expenses are the highest in the Northeast and along the California coast In the South and the Midwest, housing is considerably cheaper.  Look for a region that is growing, possibly an area where state or local government has offered tax incentives to major companies to relocate.

Affordable communities
The top seven most affordable communities with population of at least 500,000, according to Sperling’s Best Places, 2008:

• Wichita, KS
• Omaha, NE
• Harrisburg, PA
• Madison, WI
• San Antonio, TX
• Indianapolis, IN
• Pittsburgh, PA

Source: 2008 MSN Real Estate Best Bargain Markets, MSN Real Estate and Sperling’s Best Places.

3. Manage debts logically
Once you’ve addressed spending, focus on your debts.  To avoid serious consequences, prioritize your debt payments and pay the most important ones first—your mortgage or rent. If you are having trouble making payments on credit card debt, call your card company.  You may be able to negotiate a more favorable payment schedule or a reduction in the amount you owe. But be wary of offers to consolidate debt by taking out a loan. Many of these offers involve fees and higher interest costs over time, which could make it even more difficult to get back on your feet.

4. Build an emergency fund
If you’re currently working, start an emergency fund.  If you have an emergency fund, add to it. Your goal should be to set aside enough money to cover four to six months of expenses. Make it easy to get to your emergency funds by keeping them in a savings account or money market account. Don’t tie up emergency money in a financial instrument that would impose a penalty for early withdrawal. Keep it liquid—don’t invest in volatile investments, such as stocks or stock mutual funds.

5. Changing jobs? Keep your savings working tax-deferred.
If you lose your job or change jobs, resist the temptation to drain your retirement savings. If you “cash out,” you’ll have to pay taxes on your pre-tax contributions and any earnings, and possibly a 10% tax penalty if you’re under age 59½. Consider keeping your money in your current plan (if your plan allows) or rolling it over to a new employer’s plan (if available) or an IRA.

6. Be proactive in the job market
If you’ve lost your job or think you might, have a plan.  Network with colleagues and friends and stay on top of online and community resources to help you learn about possible opportunities. A network of support can also keep your spirits up while you’re looking. And if you do lose your job, immediately apply for unemployment benefits, if eligible. Remember that you paid taxes to fund that program.

Also consider opportunities for education and training.  Local community colleges often offer vocational and retraining programs tailored to accommodate the schedules of older workers, and program fees are often very reasonable.

7. Take care of your health
Be sure to take care of your physical and mental health.  Recognize that you will need to deal with stress and anxiety, which can undermine your health and your work performance, or hold you back if you are searching for a new job.  You can relieve stress by eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep.

• Many people feel they just cannot take time to exercise with so many important things to do, but resist that feeling.  Make exercise a part of your routine.
• Sleep is very important to staying healthy. Cut back on caffeine, if necessary, and stay with a routine sleep schedule. If sleep is difficult, see your doctor.
• Consider carefully before dropping health insurance—an illness or injury could be financially devastating.

Also be sure you continue getting routine medical and dental care. Keep your physician informed if you are worried about your job situation—job-related stress can lead to depression and anxiety. Know the signs—and get treatment before they get out of hand. A positive mental attitude can help you see past the current turmoil. It’s also one of the best things you can take with you into a job interview or employment fair. These steps are not only healthier, you’ll feel better and look better.

8. Discuss family financial plans with your children
Two generations ago few parents discussed sensitive issues with their children. Finances, in particular, were taboo. But times have changed.

Your children are likely to learn about the economy’s troubles on television, the Internet or through other media. They may also be discussing the economy and its impact on people in their classes at school. And, they may have overheard parts of conversations between you and your spouse. Experts agree that you should be frank and open in discussing your family’s finances and what is happening in the economy with your children. Be honest.

Be calm. And speak in terms they can understand.  Reassure your children that you have a plan of action — and enlist their help. Share the list of things you plan to sacrifice from your spending and ask them to volunteer ways they can spend less and help more around the house. By making today’s challenges a family affair, you may become closer to each other and stay closer even when times get better. Just as important, the values you instill are likely to make your children more resourceful when they face their own challenges in the years ahead.

9. Put yourself to the test
Even if you feel you’ve already done everything you can to cut costs and limit spending, put yourself to the test. Track all expenditures for one month and review them with your family. Look for opportunities to save a little bit more. And, if you can avoid it, don’t add a single dollar to your household debt until you have a plan for repaying it. Once you have your economic house in order, make a pledge to be financially prepared for whatever the future may bring. Continue to pay off your debt. Build savings that can help you weather the next storm. When everyone in the household is committed, it’s easier to tackle the challenges and more satisfying to share the success.

Congratulations! You have been called in for an interview.  Now what?  Your resume has intrigued the hiring manager enough to want to see you in action.  Here are some pointers to keep in mind before you are sitting across from them.  Approach the interview as if performing in a show.  All good actors rehearse before they perform.  You should prepare to rehearse as soon as you are invited to interview.

Rehearsal:

• After researching the company and job description to gain a handle on what the hiring manager is looking for, gather a list of possible questions you may be asked during the interview. Do some additional research on the internet using the keyword “interview questions.” Many companies prefer to ask behavioral-type questions which ask you to elaborate on how you behaved in response to a specific situation. Select 5 – 10 questions which relate to the job description and the culture of the company (make sure a few behavioral questions are in your list.)
• Brainstorm and make a list of skills you bring to the table from your past experiences. Write down everything that comes to mind and don’t censure yourself. Next score each skill according to the job requirements. Place a value from 1-5 with 5 representing highly skilled and valuable for this position. Use the highest scoring skills in your responses to the interview questions. Keep your skill sheet handy as a reference. As a good actor, practice in delivering your answers naturally and believably. These preparations will build your confidence and minimize nervous answers.

According to BusinessWeek, only 7% of communication involves actual words. The majority is visual 55% (body language, eye contact) and vocal 38% (pitch, speed, volume, tone of voice) Now knowing this:

• Go in front of the mirror with your interview questions and skills sheet and begin to answer the questions while looking directly into the mirror. I know this sounds awkward but it’s better for you to make a weird face into your mirror than in front of the hiring manager. Be aware of any nervous expressions or movements your face or body makes. Awareness is half the battle.
• Ideally, if you can record your voice while answering the questions it will help you be aware of how fast you speak and whether you are clear and understandable. Rehearse the questions until you are comfortable.
• A mock interview is a great rehearsal technique after you are comfortable with the mirror exercise. Find a trusted friend or family member to help you and to be most effective, wear your interview outfit. Hand the questions to your partner and rehearse with them. Afterward, ask them to provide feedback on your posture, speech, and eye contact. Be open to their suggestions and update your delivery as needed.

Using these techniques will improve your poise, speech and comfort level during your interview and this level of preparedness will help set you apart. Break a leg!

Boni Candelario is a Career and Empowerment Coach based in New Haven, CT. You can find her on Twitter and her website or just shoot her an email at bxv111@yahoo.com.

This list here however, is compiled not from my findings on other websites. Rather, these are real examples of entrepreneurs I have met, have listened to pitches of, or have helped start up, only to find them faltering. I share this info with you in hopes to show you that even the best of intentions and efforts still will not guarantee success by any means:

10. You don’t have a clear-cut venture, your business purpose is vague, you simply want a “new startup business” but no defined product or service
9. You have little or insufficient funds to keep yourself afloat until business revenues can support you. Don’t rely on unemployment monies or little savings.
8. You spend too much money on funding the startup, then no money left in bank for promotion, advertizing the business effectively.
7. You have a dumb business idea, no actual customers, nor any real interest in your products or services
6. You haven’t analyzed cost of goods, to produce your products efficiently, you have too high cost and can’t make a profit
5. You didn’t research the neighborhood (for a shop or storefont), wrong venue, bad location, hard to get to
4. You have no experience in product or service you wish to develop or sell.
3. You are not self- motivated, not a go-getter or self-starter. You can’t be lazy or a follower, leadership is required
2. You haven’t polled you friends, family or associates for their opinions on success of your idea. You may love your project, all others hate it
1. You are relying heavily on loans, credit cards and family to borrow money. Never get into business deals with your family or friends especially money.

Of course, there are exceptions to these mistakes, but they are very rare. Miracles and overnight success stories are out there, but do you really want to take a chance ?

Well, forget about using surreptitious techniques to get into exclusive industry events. And forget about conversing with them on Twitter in the hopes they’ll notice you.

In truth, you need nothing fancy at all: Just sincerity, an e-mail account and a few bucks to treat them to a cup of joe. I can’t tell you how many great people I’ve met this way.

Why are coffee meetings so great? They …

1. Are hard to say no to
2. Require little time commitment
3. Don’t insuinuate that you just want to know a person to get a job – even if that’s what you’re after
4. Are informal and comfortable for both parties, as opposed to meeting in an office setting

A Sample E-mail Request

OK, so you have someone in mind you want to meet. Great! Now’s the part that makes most of us squirm: the actual invitation. Deciding how to best approach someone can be tricky, and it really depends who they are, who you are, and why you want to meet with them.

With this in mind, I thought it would be helpful to provide a general outline of what you might say in an e-mail request (in this case, to a potential employer), which can be tweaked for a phone conversation if that’s more your style:

Give a short introduction to yourself

Provide a description of what sort of job you are looking for and who you’re wanting to meet

Tell them why you think they would be good person for you to know

The actual invitation

Provide your availabilities

Note where they can find out more about you and close your e-mail

Simple. Straightforward. And honest. It’s really not that hard.

Of course, this is just one way to get in front of the right people. Have success doing something different? Let’s all share our tips and tricks.

Amy Ziari is a tech PR and marketing communications consultant based in San Francisco. You can find her on Vimeo, Twitter and Facebook, as well as on her Web site, where she covers San Francisco tech events, news and entrepreneurs. She enjoys making tech fun, educational and accessible.

There are several different types of searches you absolutely need to do to ensure your desired name is not already taken and in use. Have you done these yet?

• Internet website domain search
• State Corporation and LLC registry
• County Fictitious Business Statement/DBA registry
• Federal TradeMark/ServiceMarks
• State TradeMark/ServiceMarks

All of these need to be researched to ensure the company name you want is indeed available. Do NOT think that doing a Google search is sufficient.

Interviews are just like dating. They’re a careful tiptoe. A rehearsed dance. A lesson in human interaction and the fundamentals of knowing oneself and how to present that self in its best light.

So whether you’ve been laid off or are looking for a new challenge, try to approach your interviews like you do your love life (assuming you’re not a total disaster in that area!). I guarantee you’ll feel more comfortable next time you find yourself sitting in an ergonomic chair with your portfolio in hand and a manager walking down the hall to greet you.

7 Dating Rules to Use On Interviews

#1: Never let them see you sweat.

No, really. There’s nothing worse than having a shaking, terrified interviewee in your office. People want to feel relaxed and a sweaty dude trying to impress you makes you feel anything but. Nervousness does you no good and it’s never, ever pretty.

#2: Know your strengths and how to present them…without being cocky.

Before an interview, ask yourself why someone would find you attractive in the first place. What makes you different? What do your friends and past employers like about you? Have a story that demonstrates what you bring to the table instead of saying, “I am the world’s best graphic designer.” Delusions of grandeur are either signs of extreme self-love or a lack of self-confidence. And it’s not fun to work with people who possess either.

#3: They’re just as nervous.

Going into each interview, decide that your job for the next hour – beyond answering questions intelligently – is to put your interviewer at ease. Many people are terrified of giving interviews. They are representing their company, after all, and their job may be on the line if they recommend the wrong person to hire.

Make a joke. Smile. A lot. Compliment them sincerely. Talk about something other than work at the beginning. Spy a picture of their kids on their desk? Ask about it. Everyone loves talking about their kids.

#4: Never sleep with them on the first date.

Even if the interview is going well, never let your guard down completely. If they’re dropping “f” bombs, keep yourself composed (unless you’re interviewing at a tattoo parlor or somewhere else where that is not only acceptable, but expected). You are judged throughout the interview, and it ain’t over ’til it’s over, hot shot.

#5. Be yourself.

Bring your real personality to the table. If you don’t show who you really are, you will either 1) bore them to death; or 2) not give them ample material to decide whether you’re the right fit for their company. And that would be a shame for both you and them.

Although you may want to be perfect and give the “right” answers, focus on giving your answers and in your own voice. Being your authentic self gives your interviewer an opportunity to see how you think, what makes you tick and how you will be an asset to their team.

#6. Make sure you like them as much as they like you.

Do you have a gut feeling that a company is not right for you? DON’T ACCEPT THE POSITION. Because three years down the line, you’ll find yourself wishing you had never got yourself into the position in the first place, and regretting all those years you’ll never get back.

True, you may not always be able to be picky, especially in the current economic climate, but if you have the luxury, don’t accept or pursue a job that you know ahead of time doesn’t feel right.

#7. Always follow up and tell them you had a nice time.

You do what you gotta do if you wanna get in their pants or, in this case, afford new ones in the first place.

Amy Ziari is a tech PR and marketing communications consultant based in San Francisco. You can find her on Vimeo, Twitter and Facebook, as well as on her Web site, where she covers San Francisco tech events, news and entrepreneurs. She enjoys making tech fun, educational and accessible.