Jobs: fewer cutting, more adding

There was good news in the latest hiring survey from the National Association for Business Economics -- things aren't as bad as they were.

Thirty-one percent of firms responding to the October survey said they planned to cut jobs, down from 44 percent in January and 36 percent in July. And the percentage of firms adding jobs doubled from an all-time low of 6 percent in July to 12 percent this month. But that was down from 14 percent in January.

If you're hoping to nail one of those jobs, here are job search tips from Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Don't keep your job search a secret. Use your contacts. The minute you lose your job or decide you want to change jobs, tell everyone you know you are looking.

• Add to your contacts by joining new social groups, professional associations and volunteer organizations, and pursue leads through your working spouse.

• If your spouse has a job where couples are invited to social events, always attend. And accept invitations to weddings, dinners and parties; use the events to set up appointments later in the week where you can sit down and talk with contacts who may be able to help you land work.

Francine Knowles