[CW: EXTRA] Looking for a Job? Run the RINSR Cycle.

Tom Musbach, managing editor of Yahoo! HotJobs offers some great tips for planning out your job search. This is taken from a session he moderated at NLGJA Goes To Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit: Life After Layoff: Your Job is History But You're Not.
Full audio from Life After Layoff can be found on NLGJA's convention podcast page.

The RINSR Cycle

Whenever you are looking for a job, remember the five-point RINSR cycle: Resume, Interview, Network, Salary, Research.

R: Resume

• Update your resume frequently, perhaps once a quarter to keep your accomplishments fresh.


• Think billboard, not encyclopedia! Summarize your accomplishments, not all of your job descriptions. Leave the reader wanting more.


• Forget fancy formats -- make sure your resume is easily transferable to text format (for emailing or uploading online).


• Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job description.

I: Interview

• Study the job description thoroughly. Prepare brief stories that illustrate your accomplishments, and tailor them to the job description.


• Focus on the value you bring. Make sure you have an answer to the question: "Why should I hire you?"


• Bring plenty of questions with you. You are also interviewing to see if this company is the right fit for you.

N: Network

• Tell everyone you know about your job search; your friends or associates may have suggestions for you.


• Attend professional events (like NLGJA functions!)


• Consider using social networking sites like LinkedIn or Facebook to connect with former coworkers, etc.

S: Salary

• Use an online salary calculator (like the one at Yahoo! HotJobs) to get a good sense of target salaries for your desired job in your area.


• Be prepared. Don't just throw out a dollar figure; you should be ready to justify the salary amount you are requesting based on the value you will bring to the firm.


• Be flexible. Salary negotiations are about more than dollars. You may find advantages with more vacation days or a flexible schedule, for example, that boost your overall compensation package.

R: Research

• Study the company's Web site and become very familiar with the business, products, etc. Your familiarity will help you in the application process!


• Canvas your network to see what your friends know about the employer.


• Search news outlets for recent reports about company activity, financials, etc.