11 Tips for Dot.Commers Who Lost Their Jobs
How to update your job-searching strategy for today's changing market
 
-by Kate Wendleton and staff

The downturn of the e-commerce boom has former employees of ruined dot.coms looking for new jobs. But the good news is that there are still plenty of stable Internet companies and brick-and-mortar companies that value dot-com experience. However, making the transition back to the "real world" of business will require an updated job-search strategy. Hiring managers are no longer looking for the old dot-com stereotype, but people who fit the traditional mold. Here are some steps to follow when making the transition:

· First, adjust your attitude.
 Don't consider yourself superior to others just because you worked in the Internet business.

· Don't talk about the jeans atmosphere.
 Or the music in the background or that people brought dogs to work. They want someone serious.

· Put your dot.com experience into context with your entire career. 
 Many dot-comers had so much fun that's all they talk about.  Instead, play it down:  "Yes, I learned a lot, but I'd love to tell you about some of the other things I've accomplished."

· Identify your transferable skills. 
 Don't say you did "everything."  Focus on the kind of job you want to have next and what you did that fits the future.

· Focus on what you have gained in terms of professional experience. 
 If you had 10 years in financial services, before heading up a dot.com that could not get new funding, be sure to say, "I have 10 years financial services sales experience and hands-on dot.com experience."

· Don't talk about the long hours you put in. 
 The rest of us have been working hard too.  You were only there for a short time.  We've been doing it for years- not expecting to make a million of it.

· Resist the temptation to moan about the shakeout. 
 To those outside the bubble, the bust seemed inevitable.  So don't sound shocked. Instead say, "I wanted to learn all I could while it lasted. Now I have some insights to bring to my next job."

· Don't get suckered into talking on and on about your dot.com experience. 
 Unless you are interviewing with another Internet company.  You are there to sell your skills.

· Don't rely only on Internet job postings. 
 According to Forrester Research, only 4% of regular job posting users got their last job through the Internet.  Consider networking and contacting companies directly.

· Consider doing consulting or freelance work as a way of getting in. But keep looking for a permanent position. 

· Finally, wear a tie and jacket to your job interview. 
 Show them you understand the new game-which if you think about it, is really the old one!