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A successful strategic self-marketing plan will take into consideration how employers prefer to hire, your unique career profile, your industry, and your personal situation. It will typically employ a mix of job search strategies rather than rely solely on a single method. This mix should allow you to tap into both the published and unpublished job market -- where the vast majority of available jobs can be found.

"But how am I supposed to apply for these jobs if they aren't published?"

Fair question. You'll need to tap into your current network and work to expand that network. It requires diligence and a willingness to put yourself out there. Many job seekers quickly rule out networking because it takes them out of their comfort zone. Reliance upon others makes us feel vulnerable. Then, there is the fear of rejection. So, why should we step outside of our comfort zones and engage in networking? Because some figures put the percentage of jobs that get filled without ever being published as high as 80 percent.

Hiring a new employee represents a substantial investment for an employer. The employer wants some assurance that their investment will be well spent. Hiring through networking and referrals also yields a higher quality job candidate. Since employers prefer hiring through networking and referrals, it is important that job seekers integrate networking into their strategic self-marketing plans.

It is just as important to build a strong personal brand. Your personal brand is a consistent image that is distinctly you. It creates your perceived value and distinguishes you from your competitors. Whether you’ve consciously created a personal brand or not, you already have one. It is basically your reputation with co-workers, bosses, teachers, clients, etc. Work to build a consistent professional image that is authentically you and will attract potential employers.

Thoughtful networking and the ongoing process of building a strong personal brand can significantly boost your job search success. Networking and personal branding can:

Boost your job search success by creating a strategic self-marketing plan that incorporates a strong personal brand and a strategic self-marketing plan. To learn more about creating your strategic self-marketing plan, visit SavvyJobseeker.com and download an excerpt of The Savvy Jobseeker's Guide & Workbook: Five Steps to a Simply Successful Job Search.