Getting a new job can be a really soul-sucking experience, especially in today’s economy. Candidates are a-plenty, jobs are scarce, and even the simplest low-level opening can draw several hundred applicants.

If we’ve come to realize one thing in today’s topsy-turvy world, it’s that colleges and universities are not immune from economic downturns. Budget cuts and a special sensitivity toward raising tuition and fees (because institutions know some people just can’t pay) drive decision-making and hiring, and at some schools, hiring is even frozen.

How can you put your best foot forward and kick-start your job search?

Maybe it’s time for a “tune-up.” For some great advice and perspectives, visit http://www.quintcareers.com/career_tune-up.html

What are some ways to keep your skills current? Visit http://blogs.wsj.com/laidoff/2009/08/25/advice-keeping-skills-updated-during-the-search/?mod=rss_WSJBlog

Why  your job search isn’t getting results.  http://sweetcareers.blogspot.com/2009/03/five-reasons-your-job-search-isnt.html

These sites should help you examine your strategy and figure out some directions for your search. Do you have any advice to share? If so, e-mail me at sean@higheredcareercoach.com and I will post some of the best advice in a future post.