Finding Your Ideal Job

1. Brainstorm all the places you would like to apply to. Search on the web and bookmark all the sites of companies that you feel would be an ideal match for your skills. Also conduct internet searches on agencies who charge employers to find candidates like you. Bookmark these places as well. Prioritize all the companies as ideal and most ideal

2. Craft your resume based on this search. Look for sites that provide sample resume formats. Decide on whether a chronological presentation of your work history is best. Perhaps you may want to create sections of skills and experience on your resume. Remember that your resume and cover letter are your marketing tools, not just a requirment.

3. Make sure to get feedback from someone other than yourself. The way you see your writing may be quite different from how another person perceives it. Perhaps you are not selling your strong points. Or perhaps there are more effective ways to convey your skills and potential. There are places online with live experts who can also help. There may or may not be a fee. But don't overlook this step.

4.  Write up a general cover letter and send out a general version of your resume to places that meet your most basic job search requirements. Be sure to also get feedback about this from another person.

5. Send out your general resume and cover letter to the places that you prioritized as ideal (see step one). Be sure to include job search agencies, and places like Craigslist, Yahoo, Monster etc.

6. Create a more customized version of your  resume for places that you prioritized as most ideal. Find out specifically how your qualifications can best meet their needs. See if their website offers this type of information. 

7. Address the cover letter to a specific person within those organizations that you consider to be high priority to you (i.e. most ideal). Also personalize this letter so that it is apparent that you put in time and thought into learning more about these companies. These little details make a huge difference in the impression that you create.

8. Send out a hard copy and an e-mail version of your resume and cover letter if you are forced to direct your correspondence to a very general e-mail at address (e.g info@ company name). This is also helpful if you are targeting a very large company.

9. Find social networks that are specific for networking. These are places like LinkedIn.com etc. Create your professional profile on these sites

10. Keep building your network and maintain contact with people you meet. Keep updating your professional profile with your latest skills and accomplishments on blogs and other online publishing tools that offer RSS feeds that prospective employers can subscribe to.

Best of Luck!