1. Before beginning any job search, learn what goes into a job-search campaign. See Super•Job•Search.

2. Before writing your resume, stop and look at the job market and make sure that you are going after a job that exists. Use indeed.com to check the market.

3. Review open jobs of interest and make sure that you have the skills that they are seeking. If you don’t, arrange to acquire the skills, perhaps with a course at a local college or online.  Here is a list of colleges and universities.

4. Write a dynamic resume that is driven by accomplishments, pointing your reader in the direction your career is headed. Be sure to test it before release. See Super•Job•Search.

5. Make sure that your computer skills are up-to-date. Use your non-search time to learn new programs relative to your work. Remember, you will be tested. For free online 24/7 computer classes, go to the free learning center.

6. If you are offered outplacement services, work closely with your counselor. You both have the same objective, your success.

7. Get your references on board with your campaign. Make sure that you understand how to do this and what information you need to give each.  Read over Tips On Dealing With Your References.

8. Practice your interviewing techniques before you go out to meet people. Use a digital recorder to hear how you sound. The more you practice, the better you become. Do not do your practice in live interviews.

9. When it comes to networking, do not just see people who can hire you. You should be meeting 15-20 people a week. Learn how this is done before you begin networking. See Super•Job•Search.

10. Take notes of each meeting so you won’t forget the next time you speak with that person.

11. Do not rely on a resume to get you a job. You must be the resume. Take the time needed to understand your accomplishments and what they meant to each former employer.

12. Arrange your schedule the evening before so you wake up with an agenda. Make calls until you have lined up at least three referral, research or direct interviews.

13. Use your day-time hours to be out meeting people. Resist sitting in front of a PC when you should be out talking with contacts.

14. Use the telephone to make appointments and avoid doing interviews by phone, unless it is absolutely necessary.

15. Send thank you e-mails or letters to everyone you meet. See our Thank You blog.

16. Prepare your network list in advance and keep it up-to-date.

17. Before visiting a company, do research on that company prior to your meeting. Use MSN, Hoovers.com, finance.yahoo.com plus the company's own site for research. See additional links to the Standard and Poor 500 and the Fortune 500 lists.

18. Keep your regular social life, do not be a recluse. Get plenty of exercise.

19. Remember what your search is all about: You are selling your skills. Your accomplishments demonstrate those skills. And your references verify your accomplishments, giving credibility to your campaign.

Good luck!

• For more on this subject, consult Super•Job•Search.

• Go to Managing Your References on this website.

• For free leads on thousands of jobs, advice and money-saving tools, be sure to check out the For Job Seekers section of our website.

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• If you are a job-seeker who just landed a great position, we want to know about your success story. You might be in our next book! And with prizes too! Check out SuperJobSeekers.com.

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