Hired! One step ahead of the job market

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The secret to finding a job in a tough market? Put yourself out there, even when you're not looking for work.
At least that's what worked for senior tech specialist Scott Weinstein. By the time he decided it was time to leave his post at Citigroup in January, he had already established the connections that would help him land his next gig.
"There's certainly a widespread understanding that getting a job isn't as easy as it used to be," Weinstein, 34, said. "Eighteen months ago if I wanted to move I would have had a choice of multiple jobs."
This time around, Weinstein, who writes software to ease the flow of equity trades, knew that sending out resumes in response to job postings alone would not reap results. "There were a couple of mid-level positions and super-senior positions on job boards," he said, and "for some of those jobs I just wasn't qualified."
So, Weinstein fell back on the network he had compiled long before his job search began. He was already in touch with a few recruiters who had contacted him in the past, both on the phone and through professional networking site LinkedIn.
"Even when I'm not looking, I typically take the call," he explained. "I find most [recruiters] are pretty solid, if you talk to them, they're more likely to help you out."
He had also met many other people in his industry, including potential employers, over the past few years by frequenting informal meet ups and other social industry gatherings.
It's a great way to stay current, Weinstein explained. While the focus of these meetings is on new programs and technologies in development, "there's always an undercurrent of networking."