I recently worked with an out-of-work professional who, I hate to say, was darn lazy. The most work he did was about 30 minutes each day, checking e-mails and one job board to see if there were any new opportunities. He then asked me to send out his resumes for him. Not a bad plan, I guess, if it works.

However, it doesn’t work — well, anyway — for a number of reasons. For instance, by his own admission, he spent the rest of his time “moping around the house” hoping someone would call. I suggested that he do some volunteer work, attend some job-search or industry-specific networking groups, or, at the very least, make some phone calls to friends or past associates who might be of some help.

But no, being proactive wasn’t in his nature and it took him twice as long (maybe three times as long!) to find a job — not because of the economy. He was in a field that is always experiencing a shortage.

The moral here is: Put in the effort. Make it happen.

It’s really up to you. I strongly believe that even if there is only one job out there, it can be yours if you work at it, present yourself in the best possible light and follow up conscientiously

I was just thinking how difficult it must be to begin the job search right now. So many people have been laid off in the past couple of years that those just now starting the job search are way behind the eight ball. For most, who haven’t had to look for a job in many years, this will be a whole new world. No longer will deciding on the quality of paper on which to print your resume an issue worth spending any time on. The considerations now are where to network, which social networking sites will be most helpful, what type of professional services should I purchase to get a jump start on the competition?

And that last one is an important consideration. Unless you’ve been through this job search process recently, you really need some give you that all-important leg up.

I’ve been getting a lot of calls lately from people who insist they want a generic resume. “I don’t care what kind of job I get. I just need a job” or “I’m going to be applying for all kinds of jubs. Do I have to have a different resume each time I apply?”

Yup. ‘Fraid so. Maybe not a totally rewritten resume, but certaining a targeted focus. Can you imagine how many resumes employers are getting for each job posting? Do you think those employers have the time, the energy or the inclination to read between the lines as they skim over your qualifications? You’ll be lucky if they spend as much as 15 seconds on your resume initially.

Therefore, you’ve got to make that resume prove that you are the answer to all their employee dreams. Make the resume focused on the employer’s needs — not your history.

Sure, this all takes work. What? Did you think the job search process should be easy?

If your job search has bogged down, this is the time to put the peddle to the medal and rev up your efforts. Step away from the computer screen and reassess your job search strategy.

- Ask a professional to review your resume and compare it to the types of positions you’re applying for.

- Get out of the house and volunteer, exercise, attend industry and social events.

- Develop some positive, personal affirmations to make you feel good about yourself.

Remember, this recession isn’t your fault and the next great job is just around the corner. You can make it happen. Stay positive.

It just amazes me how unprepared people are these days to start a successful job search. The majority of my clients have conducted no research or self-evaluation despite the fact that it may have been 20 years since they last looked for a job.

Before you get started:

- Find out wherer the jobs are.

- Self assess what skills you can bring to the table.

- Find a certified resume writer with whom you can work collaboratively.

- Identify / hire a good career coach.

You know, the unemployment rate may be nearing 10%, but that also means that there is a 90+% employment rate.  The glass is more than half FULL!

There are lots of jobs out there, you just have to present yourself so the employers will see the value in hiring you. That’s where a certified professional resume writer comes in.

Don’t try to take the easy way out. Invest in yourself. If you’ve been laid off and you can get back to work even a couple of weeks sooner, will a $300-500 investment be worth it?