[Reposted due to database problem]

I get enough inquiries from new subscribers asking me for advice on job hunting that I decided to post about it once and for all. The key principles of job hunting are so similar to that of marketing as a whole because a job hunt is, in essence, finding a job (market) for yourself that needs what you offer and convincing your employer (prospect) to select you over all other applicants (the competition).

Some simple suggestions before you start your next job search (and notice that these principles work for small business marketing as well):

Develop a personal brand that maximizes key strengths that only you can offer your employer.

Establish a network of people throughout your industry who can help you meet others who might want to hire you. I love hiring people who are referred to me because I know more about the person than what I'm seeing on a resume and cover letter.

Get professional "marketing materials" made up. In the case of a job hunt, you need to have a professionally written resume and cover letter that tell your prospective employer exactly why YOU and only you can meet their needs. If you're not a professional writer (and most of you are not), hire a resume writing professional to help you. Just like a copywriter trained to sell with words, a good resume writer knows how to make you look good on paper.

Dress the part. You don't have to wear a $1,000 suit to look professional, but dress as nice as (or nicer than) the folks interviewing you. You only have 1 chance to make a good impression.

Look up practice questions on a job search website and think through your answers prior to entering the room with your prospective employer. The fewer surprises you allow for, the more confident you'll be.

Shake hands like a winner. Come across confidently and you're halfway there.

During the interview, turn comments about yourself into benefits you offer the company. When a company is looking to hire someone, whether we're talking about an employee or a vendor, they want to know what they have to gain. So show them!

Follow up. Dash off a quick thank-you note to your contact at the company reiterating your interest in working with him or her. If you don't hear back within a reasonable period of time, write a polite e-mail or make a quick phone call to ask about the status of the job. Don't be pushy, but show your interest.

When you look at the steps, it doesn't seem all that difficult. But many people skip one or many of the items on this list, whether for their small business marketing or in the midst of a job search. The most important lesson of all, however, is to learn from your mistakes. If you go into one interview and find that you aren't as prepared in a particular area as you should be, work on this for the next appointment.

Good luck ... in your job hunting or your small business marketing. It's all based on the same principles, after all.