I was recently at the MBACSWP Conference , where we discussed a subject that is near to all of our hearts, as it relates to the job search. This burning question is how can we make ourselves stand out in the interview process. Is it the exceptional resume, the right clothes, the eye contact, the firm handshake, asking the right questions or the glowing references that make the difference? There is no doubt that all of these add to the reasons we get the interview in the first place.

The difference, according to our keynote speaker, Nick Corcodilos, of AskTheHeadhunter.com, is boiled down to the very simple notion:

With most of the jobs landed coming through the hidden job market it is imperative that you get going on a targeted job hunt. A good first step in identifying this market is to develop your own unique selling points. Going through the exercise of finding yours is worth the time put in, as they are used in your resumes, cover letters, networking events, communications and in your efforts to contact employers.

Once these have been created, you will be way ahead of most job seekers, who do not take the time to do this. When you have figured out who the employers are that may have ‘hidden needs’, you will have clear examples of your fit in the organization and have the successful components to your communications with them.

In today’s employment environment, temporary work continues to stand out as a bright spot. According to leading temporary financial staffing firms, companies are beginning to turn these positions into full-time roles more frequently. Just as employers use interns and temporary assignments to test out workers before making a commitment, workers are able to try out employers. This is an opportunity to test out an array of job fields to find the one that you believe you will excel in. Another great benefit is gaining real world experience and building your resume. Temporary positions offer an alternative outlet for the internship seeker, as well, increasing the chances of getting paid for this experience.

Planning and goal-setting are the keys to success in every aspect of your life, including your career. A Harvard study revealed that 83 percent of those surveyed had no goals; 14 percent had goals, but no written plan; and 3 percent had written goals. The 14 percent with goals but no written plans earned three times more than those with no goals. The 3 percent with written goals earned ten times more than those with no goals!

Although many employers are seeing light at the end of the recession tunnel, it is still a tough market. Here are a few pointers:

Whether you have a job or are searching, informational interviews are a big key to success. Instead of sitting around waiting for call-backs and interviews, human resources professionals recommend that job seekers set up informational interviews with managers and executives within their target companies. You will see if a company’s particular culture is a fit , practice your “tell me about yourself” speech, gain confidence, valuable insight and get networked into that manager’s world, as well as his/her organization and industry.

Use CareerShift to get more interviews.

In a bad economy, many industries are negatively affected and competition for jobs increases. This makes using job boards (as your primary strategy) incredibly difficult and depressing, since this is where competition for positions is most fierce.

You stand to increase your chances of landing multiple interviews through learning how to tap into what is called the “hidden” or “unadvertised” job market.

Remaining positive after receiving a rejection notice can be tough. The key to handling rejection is in being prepared and not taking the notice personally. Successful candidates continue to job-hunt, stay positive, motivated and learn from the process. Even the best and seemingly most qualified candidates receive rejection letters. Whether you simply applied for the job or went through the entire interview process, you have

If all the company has seen is your cover letter and your resume, focus on those materials.

It is inevitable that at some point in your job search you will be asked for references, and when you are, you want to be sure you have a great group of advocates who are prepared with answers that will help rather than hinder your chances at landing the position. References are something you should think about at the beginning of your interview process and not just at the end when you are under immediate pressure to provide them.

Make a list of all the possible people you can use as a reference: Former employers, Former Clients, College professors, Deans, Family friends who have seen you in a professional setting, Association leaders.