Source:The Creative Group is a specialized staffing service placing creative professionals, and HOW’s official career partner. www.creativegroup.com

Monogrammed stationery. Rolodexes filled with business cards. The Sunday want ads. These, like many job search tools, have given way to the modern “must haves,” according to Megan Slabinski, executive director of The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals.
 
“Because of the recession, many people may be launching their first job hunt in a long time,” Slabinski notes. “Although the fundamental task of reaching out to potential employers and making a positive impression hasn’t changed, the tools are different. Job seekers who have a firm understanding of how to best promote themselves in this type of environment have an edge.”
 
Following are job-hunting tactics that are “in” and “out,” according to The Creative Group:

OUT	IN
Overly detailed resumes	Streamlined resumes that list relevant accomplishments
An "objective" on resumes	A “summary of qualifications” that highlights applicable skills
Blanketing local employers with your resume and cover letters addressed “To whom it may concern”	Researching prospective employers and applying to companies where your skills and interests match their needs
Stilted language in application materials (e.g., “Please find my resume attached in response to the job posting …”)	More natural prose that provides a sense of your personality (e.g., “When I learned about the position, I was excited by the …”)
“Canned” responses to interview questions (e.g., “My weakness is that I work too hard …”)	Authentic responses that provide insight into your thought processes and how you can contribute to the company
A set reference list	A customized reference list for each opportunity
General elevator pitches	Pitching your contacts so they’ll provide you with recommendations on LinkedIn
Networking occasionally	Networking constantly using tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in person
Using unusual resume formats to hide employment gaps	Filling potential gaps through volunteer or freelance work
A narrow focus in your job search	A broad view of how your skills might be useful in various roles
Ending the interview by asking when they’ll be contacting you	Ending the interview by asking for the job on a trial basis
Post-interview thank-you notes that tell the interviewer how much you want the job	Post-interview thank-you notes that provide more insight into why you are the best person for the job