My brother is an executive at a large corporation. He called me a few days ago to share his recent experiences in helping others get their careers back on track. He has volunteered to speak at a local university on a couple of different occasions to provide insight to displaced workers on getting hired. His primary message is that getting hired is about positioning; at its very core, job search is about personal marketing.

Big news, right? Like you didn’t already understand that little pearl of wisdom? Sure you did, but here is the deal: on both occasions, he said the appearance of many in the audience was nothing short of embarrassing. People in sweats, unshaven, or in other ways completely inappropriate. Doesn’t that get covered somewhere during the first day of Job Search 101?

Hey, this isn’t about limiting your personal expression. If you want to look like Mr. T, your favorite biker, or a cast member from Cats, knock yourself out. But when you are in job search mode – no matter where you are going – every point of contact is a potential network opportunity. Doesn’t it make sense to be prepared? Shouldn’t you appear professional? Shouldn’t you have an ‘elevator speech’ prepared to describe your capabilities? Shouldn’t you have a resume on hand at all times? Let me recheck – you are trying to get hired, right?

Here is what I know about companies that are hiring – they want employees that are dependable, show initiative, and pay attention to details. They want to hire maturity and good judgment. They don’t want to hire someone who talks about those things in an interview, they want to see evidence that you are that kind of individual. This is where personal marketing becomes important – not only do you need to improve the scope of your job skills at every opportunity (see my last post), but you need to think in terms of positioning yourself effectively.

Positioning, or personal marketing, begins with the “physical” you. What do you look like? What do you sound like? How do you present yourself? Are you professional in appearance? Are you approachable? Welcoming? The answers to these questions create perceptions of your dependability, maturity, and attention to detail. Whether we like it or not, people form opinions of others based on appearance and personal interaction. Which means you could have mad skills, but still lose a great opportunity because you didn’t market yourself well.

Think about it. A hiring manager will usually make a decision on giving you a second interview based on a piece of paper (your resume) and an impression of you formed during a 30-minute conversation. It’s your choice – pursue a career as a feline impersonator, or get serious about your professional image.

Don’t abandon your career goals. Don’t allow the economy and news of job loss/unemployment to sidetrack your dreams. Strengthen your strategy. While the world is constantly shifting, our lives may take new direction, but it is your job to avoid repeated redirection. It is this redirection that gets in our way of making plans and pursuing them.

Every small personal goal you achieve is, in fact, an achievement, regardless of how minor it may seem.

Even if circumstances prevent you from achieving your goal of being ceo, remain involved with your interests and up to date with your field. You may have what it takes to be successful, but if you lose yourself amongst the mess of a downtrotting economy, you can’t be judged by your potential, but rather solely by your history.

Rather than completely abandon your career goals when life throws you a curve, come up with a strategic life plan that allows you to keep abreast of developments in your field. Talk to friends and family and ask for their support in helping you to remain on your path.

Consider the importance of a college degree, not only to your success, but to your self-confidence. Even if you don’t need it for work, do you want it for you?

When situations attempt to derail you from your path, look at it as normal, but don’t give into it. When any system changes, whether it’s a political system, ecological system, or a family system, the system tends to want to maintain its equilibrium by going back to the status quo. People are used to the status quo being your putting your needs on a back burner. Don’t do it.

If you’re out of work for a while, remain involved with your field through participation in professional associations or college courses. Volunteer to do work in your field of interest that will allow you access to the technology and equipment you will need when you do return to work.

Most importantly, continue your job search and aim for growth. Whether you’re recently laid off, reentering the workforce after raising your family, or just graduated – the Career Action Planning coaches at 360JobInterview can help you assess all of your experience and current resume then guide you through all the twists and turns of your job search.

Extra, extra, read all about it – from the News Desk, 360JobInterview.com has been featured on key business sites Here are a few media clippings we’ve been mentioned in:

Strategize and Conquer: Getting a Job in Today’s Economy

“What will make you a strong force to reckon with in a highly competitive job market? Is it your level of education? Perhaps many years of experience? Or maybe you have a lot of energy and time that you’re willing to dedicate to the right company. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Many candidates will be the right person for the job, but that’s not what gets them into the right position.”

8 Ways Sex Compares to the Job Search

“With so many people logging in for an unemployment check, it’s easier to go a day without seeing a Michael Jackson headline than to land a job. Thus failing to prepare equals preparing to fail. How does looking for a job compare with sex? With every phenomenal relationship – whether it’s a new job or a one-night stand with the girl in the club who still looked good after the lights got turned on – you have to ask yourself, “How long could it last?” and “How could I make the biggest impact?” And even more importantly – “How can I be good?”

When Can You Ask for your Pay Cut Back?

Last winter, at the apex of the current recession, many workers dodged large-scale layoffs only to be hit by mandatory salary reductions. Now that signs of a recovery are emerging, they’re wondering if they can ask for their original salaries to be reinstated.

The answer isn’t simple. It depends on several factors, including the state of your industry, company and whether you’ve been a model employee throughout the recession. And even if all those factors are in your favor, asking for more money during what are still very tough economic times could be a bad move.

Utilizing the Internet to Ace Your Job Interview

With more people vying for fewer jobs, applicants who know how to compose a resume and make a strong impression in an interview stand a better chance of finding work.  360jobinterview.com, launched in May, has more than 300 online job coaches to help people with their careers, interviews and resumes by talking to them through a Web cam. The price of the services range from $69 to $325.

Extra! Extra! Win a Free 360° Career Action Planning Session!

360JobInterview is giving away 10 free CareerActionPlanning Sessions. All entries must be received by Monday, August 3rd, no later than midnight EST. To enter, fill out this form. Good luck!

Are you ready to take some action in advancing in your career? It’s time to take some direction and get to where you deserve to be.

Get ready for a contest you don’t want to miss!

Win a FREE 360° CareerActionPlanning Session!

Because you have a lot of value to offer the workforce, learn how to pinpoint your strengths and, most importantly, how to sell them.

With the 360 CareerActionPlanning, you get a live, one on one session with a professional from your industry. You can select your coach from over 300 career pros, and check out their background and industry expertise before making the appointment. The coaching takes place via Skype and is available 24/7. You’ll also get a personalize assessment of your strengths, abilities, and resume, plus get direction to the best places to network in your industry.

360JobInterview is giving away 10 free CareerActionPlanning Sessions. All entries must be received by Monday, August 3rd, no later than midnight EST. To enter, fill out this form. Good luck!