Nail that elusive job, promotion or raise

CHICAGO, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Finding a job in 2012 will be hard but not hopeless, Chicago human resources firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said Tuesday.

The private sector has added jobs for 21 consecutive months and, at the end of October, there were 3.3 million job openings listed in the country, the firm said.

"Additionally, over the three-month period ending in October, employers hired an average of [more than] 4.08 million new workers per month," the firm said.

"For those resolving to find a new job in 2012, the constant barrage of lackluster employment news can make it seem like an impossible goal. It is not," Chief Executive Officer John Challenger said.

"The key to success is to take an active approach and make your own opportunities. A passive strategy of surfing Internet job boards and e-mailing resumes will be ineffective in this market," he said.

Those resolving to find a new job in 2012 should remain positive, network at social Web sites, such as Facebook or Twitter, and "rev up your skills," by taking a class or attending a conference, the firm suggested.

Those attempting to keep a job or get a promotion could join a company committee, seek more responsibility at work, network up the chain of command and/or find a company mentor, the firm said.

It also wouldn't hurt to "become an expert on one facet of your field."

To become more valuable to your employer, it helps to become the "go-to person" on one topic, Challenger, Gray & Christmas said.