| Create a support system for yourself | | | | which environment you're most productive |
| emotionally and for your job search. | | | | in. Know what you can compromise on and |
| Identify allies that you can count on. | | | | what you won't. |
| Know some will have strengths in one | | | | Always have a 'Plan B'. The best time to |
| area, but weaknesses in another. | | | | accelerate your job search is when |
| Recognize different people will play | | | | you've just had the greatest interview |
| different roles in your job search. | | | | of your life. You're feeling confident, |
| Maintain a positive attitude. | | | | enthusiastic and competent. This is the |
| Inevitably, negative feelings can | | | | time to expand your networking, |
| sabotage your job search. If you have | | | | follow-up on contacts and schedule new |
| anger about your former employer, work | | | | interviews. Remember, even the most |
| through it. Negative emotions will | | | | promising prospect can backfire. |
| undermine your best efforts. Keep | | | | Take care of yourself physically, |
| yourself renewed and enthusiastic | | | | emotionally and spiritually. Exercise |
| throughout the process. | | | | and eating right can't go wrong-they are |
| Network. The number one way of getting a | | | | proven to enhance quality of life. |
| job is through networking. Even if you | | | | Celebrate your creativity and find ways |
| are involved in the computer industry, | | | | to engage your mind, body and spirit. |
| less than 10% of jobs are obtained | | | | Research companies before the interview. |
| through the Internet. Devote energy to | | | | Find out about the company through your |
| making real, valuable connections with | | | | local library and Internet. Request an |
| people. | | | | annual financial report and promotional |
| Develop a schedule and goals. Getting a | | | | information from the company. Ninety |
| job is of course the ultimate goal, but | | | | percent of the other job seekers don't |
| it is impossible to predict when you | | | | do their homework, be the one that |
| will achieve it. Develop daily and | | | | stands out. |
| weekly schedules of job search | | | | Know what you have to offer. Identify |
| activities you can control. For example, | | | | your relevant skills and |
| send out 10 resumes, research 5 | | | | accomplishments. Know the unique |
| companies and call 10 people in your | | | | contributions you offered former |
| network. This will keep you on track, | | | | employers. Be able to articulate your |
| and focused. | | | | strengths on your resume and in the |
| Know what you want. People need to work | | | | interview. |
| for money and benefits. But remember | | | | Think outside the box during your job |
| other components are necessary for you | | | | search. Look for unexpected |
| to feel satisfied in the workplace. Know | | | | opportunities, explore untapped skills |
| what motivates and satisfies you. Know | | | | and interests. |