It's important to keep the bigger picture in mind for all aspects of life; planning for the long-term can give you financial and emotional stability. For many, our careers and our professional life is incredibly important and can have a substantial impact on our well-being. We spend so much time working at our jobs, it is important to take as much from this time as possible. Here are some "big picture" ways to get the most out of your job:

1. Education. Depending on the type of position you hold and the specifics of your company, you may qualify for sponsored continuing education - your employer might pay for you to take courses or programs that apply to your field. If not, you might want to consider negotiating something with your employer, or even finance your own continued education. Many career paths have certifications, which can provide fantastic networking resources as well as adding some weight behind your salary expectations. Look into local or national associations, area post-secondary schools, or even general work-related courses that can help to improve the efficiency of your workday.
   
   
2. Recognition. Being successful in your career can bring you recognition in your field. Take the opportunity to network at social events, galas or educational meet-and-greets. Becoming a familiar face in your field can bring you great connections, as can writing for newsletters or journals and participating in speeches and seminars. Turning yourself into a regular expert in your profession can bring you great satisfaction as well as provide you with many opportunities (some paid) to share your knowledge!
   
   
3. Money. It goes without saying that added success in your career can bring added financial wealth. The more educated and recognized you are as a professional, the more you can demand in remuneration from your employers. Also, you can take the opportunity to freelance or branch into additional money-making ventures as your knowledge and contact-base grows. While a job shouldn't be primarily about money, having a little extra can allow you to spend less time working and more time adding value to your life (whether that impacts your career directly or not is entirely up to you).
   
   
4. Security. Working in one field for a long time, building up a strong financial net, spreading your income over several sources, and becoming recognized in your field can give you a fantastic amount of job security - even if it isn't related to one specific position of employment. Imagine a life where you can feel comfortable taking a sabbatical, or where you can go home early for the weekend when you need to - balancing your personal needs with your professional life.
   

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I love the interview process - both as a candidate and interviewer. Being in a position as a human resources professional gives me a unique understanding of the interview; while I am being interviewed, I am simultaneously assessing and analyzing the interview technique. I love the process because I get really excited about sharing my experience and learning about new opportunities and new ways to discuss my qualifications. I might be incredibly strange, but I truly love interviews.

Most people are not like me - interviews create high levels of fear, stress and apprehension. This is a shame, as it is your best opportunity to show how qualified you are for the position and really cement your place as a top-running candidate. What I hope to show you is the best way to minimize these negative feelings and get the very best out of your interview:

1. Dress the Part - dressing and looking the part will increase your confidence and your potential employer's confidence in your abilities. If possible, stalk the workspace prior to your interview; watch the wardrobe and presentation of employees. Now, dress slightly better than these people - and by better, I don't mean more expensive. Spend an extra 30 minutes getting ready in the morning and make sure you are clean and comfortable. It should go without saying that running shoes and a sloppy tee are no-nos.
   
   
2. Research the Piece - want to really wow your interviewer? Treat his or her company like it is the only one you have ever wanted to work for. Go on their website, Google their company, etc - find out where they stand in the market, in the city and in the world. Who are key players who work there? What are some really unique elements about the business? Come up with a solid 10 questions about the company to discuss with your interviewer - this always, always looks good.
   
   
3. Practice Makes Perfect - get a copy of the job description or application prior to your interview. Look for key actions and responsibilities, qualifications and requirements. Lining this information up against your resume, think of a way to justify your experience for each of their requirements. Now, think of ways you've gone beyond their expectations - specific events can really help, especially in the event of a behaviourally-based interview.
   
   
4. Show Up, Play Nice - show up early, but not too early - 10-15 minutes is fantastic. 30 minutes makes the interviewer stressed, and I have a very hard time justifying the hire of a candidate who had the gall to be late (unless absolutely necessary and under extreme circumstance). If you're too early, go grab a coffee and take a deep breath. Be nice to everyone you meet that day - on your commute, in the elevator, the receptionist, etc. You never know who might have an impact on your application.
   
   
5. Break a Leg! - now the interview begins; shake hands firmly, smile, make eye contact, lean forward slightly and be personable. A sense of confidence and comfort will ensure that you make an impression - as will being honest and interested. Remember - you were chosen from a large group of candidates and you are just as qualified as anyone else to make a good impression and align yourself in the #1 spot in this recruitment.

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We all feel this way sometimes - whether it's about our job, our family, our wardrobe or our life in general, there are moments when most of us would give it all up for anything new and exciting. Unfortunately for a strong percentage of the population, changing your life around in an instant is not possible or probable. In short, you often have to "suck it up" and deal.

When it comes to your job, things can get very messy if you don't enjoy it (even a little). An unproductive worker can be a detriment to his or her own career as well as the livelihood of his or her employing company. If you hate your job and make it known, your performance may deteriorate and you might be out of that job sooner than you think. It also is a great cause of stress and anxiety in your life, which can blow the problem out of proportion and have a huge impact on your daily life.

So, what do you do when you absolutely, truly hate your job?

1. Think About What You Hate. Are you having a problem with coworkers or a particular coworker? Do you struggle with the workload or is the workload too easy? Are you feeling undervalued, overworked, underpaid, stretched too thin? Pinpoint the exact cause of your feeling - without this, your emotions can get out of control and every bad emotion will blend together.
   
   
2. Try to Fix It. Now that you've pinpointed the problem, trying to solve it is the next step. Have a frank conversation with your supervisor or someone else who is directly related to a solution. In many situations, the offending party does not even realize there is a problem. If the issue involves your work hours, it might be possible to work out an adjusted schedule - it is in the employers best interest to hold on to hardworking employees, so deal with the problem before you become too jaded to be of value.
   
   
3. Try to Cope. If you can't fix it, you might want to think of ways to deal (for the sake of your monthly bills and your future career moves). Take personal ownership for your problems and do what you can to cope - find a trusted person to discuss your feelings, work on removing stress from other areas of your life, or use alternative streams of income to supplement your lower-than-expected salary.
   
   
4. Leave the Situation. If you've tried to fix and tried to cope with your problem situation and still hate your job, it might be time for a career or employment switch. Let me reiterate that most employers will want to keep a valued employee and will make adjustments in order to do so; if you have spoken to a company representative and are not satisfied, consider employment elsewhere. 5 Tips on Quitting Your Day Job is a good article that outlines the precautions you should take before handing in your resignation.

It is much easier to fix something than it is to start over, but your work life should never be overwhelmingly stressful and difficult to maintain. There are many resources that allow you to cope with and move forward with your negative emotions - see a counselor, your human resources department, a trusted coworker or a family member to help flesh out your concerns and work on a way to get through them.

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I have been in the business of reviewing and analyzing the resumes of prospective employees for almost 5 years; in this time, I have seen some fantastic documentation and I have seen some sad excuses for an application. I have hired for large and small businesses and I have hired both minimum wage employees and high-ranking financial officers; for all positions, I have the same criteria for the "yes" pile and the "no" pile.

Many people do not utilize their resume appropriately and most do not recognize the impact that some small changes would have on their chances of moving to the next level in a job competition. Your resume represents you; take the opportunity to let it speak on your behalf and highlight your skills. Submitting a sub-par, copy and pasted resume is detrimental to your career and potentially to future business contacts as well. A well-presented resume will speak on your behalf and help you appear professional, eager and competent; all skills sought by every employer.

Perfecting Your Resume:

1. Layout - Using a template from your word processor is not a problem; using a gaudy template that has unnecessary formatting or design elements (images, weird indentation, smiley face bullet points) is not going to get you the attention you are hoping for. The design of your layout should not speak on your behalf; let that be the job of the actual content. Use a simple and easy to read layout that uses basic fonts, bullets and bars (if necessary). If you are looking for a subtle way to stand out, consider printing your resume on a heavier, embossed, or lightly coloured paper (we're talking ecru, not orange). Use the same paper stock for your cover letter and envelope if possible.
   
   
2. Contact Information - For the love of all that is good in the world, please have proper contact information listed on your resume. If you are providing your home number but would like to be contacted at work, list this in your cover letter; your contact information should be your permanent or mailing address and information only. As for your email, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a simple and easy to read address; yourname@domainaddress.com is going to be viewed positively, whereas sexy_mama_992@domainaddress.com will not.
   
   
3. Format - Although seems to be more and more common/popular, please do not list your experience separate from your actual work experience. The method that is most easy to read would be as follows: dates of employment, name of company, your position, your duties. On a similar note, the "objective" section of a resume is often unnecessary - we know your objective is to obtain employment, often anywhere you can get it. Take this section out and elaborate a bit more in your cover letter. Many templates also include an "interest" section; I recommend removing this and using your work and volunteer experience speak to your extracurriculars if at all possible.
   

Writing a Smashing Cover Letter:

1. Show Interest in the Company - I recognize that people who are looking for a new job are not always gunning 100% for one company, but you will be able to hide the fact that you've submitted your resume to 20 other companies by writing the company's name into your cover letter instead of copy and pasting it (and often its formatting, which can look completely different from the rest of the text). Bonus points if you review the company website or phone to inquire as to whom the letter should be addressed, and addressing it accordingly to a specific name. Treat each resume like it is your only opportunity and you might be well-rewarded!
   
   
2. Use Your Cover Letter to Elaborate and Summarize - keep your cover letter to a one-page maximum and use your space wisely. Highlight and summarize your key skills and experience, spending a portion of your remaining space to explain any gaps in employment or other relevant issues that may arise from your resume. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer, and if you do not tell the reader what to think, he or she will draw his or her own conclusions from what you have written. Be assertive but agreeable, confident but humble and above all interested in the position and the company.
   

General Points of Importance:

1. Spelling and Grammar are Important! It shocks and amazes me how many people continue to make basic spelling and grammatical errors, especially as listed on important documents that represent their abilities to a future employer. Often, depending on the type of position and how many applications we have received, spelling errors are enough to send a resume into the "no" pile, even if the person has some relevant work experience. Poor word skills present you as being lazy, unable to perform basic spell-check commands and not at all interested in presenting yourself in a professional manner.
   
   
2. Clean Up Your Image - Myspace, Facebook and similar sites are fun and great social connectors, but be aware that many potential employers will be reviewing this publicly listed information and judging you based on a few things - your appearance, your friends' posts on your page, if you post during work hours, etc. Most sites have the option of making your information private or accessible to friends only - I'd recommend doing so as soon as you can.
   

I have taken the opportunity of making a publicly accessible copy of a resume template that is easy to read and uses all of the basic necessary categories - it is located here. Depending on your experience, you may need to list publications, affiliations, etc. but for all intensive purposes, I feel this resume is a strong jumping point for a well-written job application. Please feel free to use and distribute to others who would find it useful - I do ask that you mention LifeEdit.net if you do, even if just for this post.

Best of luck!

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Many businesses in our current society have started a trend that emphasizes professional appearance less and professional attitude more; the booming high-tech industry has made business-casual (and sometimes just plain casual-casual) a key phrase for this generation's workforce. As a human resources professional, I have seen the range of uniform, casual, business casual and business dress - all have their benefits and their drawbacks.

All four of these standards have spoken and unspoken guidelines and are used to project an image and brand used by its respective company. Many businesses rely on their employees appearing and behaving in accordance with their dress policy, and the responsibility lies with the employee in terms of finding a balance between their comfort and the expectations of their employer.

Why exactly is it important to recognize acceptable workplace attire?

1. Your Employer Has Expectations. Many workplaces clearly address their expectations when it comes to appearance and dress. Unfortunately, many manuals often use ambiguous terms like "business casual" or "comfortable but clean". If your manual is not spelled out clearly or gives examples of appropriate attire, bring your questions to your supervisor or a member of your human resources team. Ask for examples of appropriate clothing and follow the next point.
   
   
2. Your Coworkers Have Expectations. The best way to determine the level of business dress in your workplace is to observe your coworkers' appearances. Especially good examples would be members of your human resources team, your own supervisor, or other employees who maintain a positive image in your company. Use this as an opportunity for conversation; compliment them on an item of clothing and ask where they purchased it - this is a great chance to mention a wardrobe revamp and ask for their advice on work-appropriate clothing.
   
   
3. Your Clients Have Expectations. In most businesses, you have either internal or external clients who rely on you for a good or service. Imagine two scenarios in which you are a customer at a bank. The first teller approaches you from behind the counter, takes off her headphones and adjusts her denim mini-skirt. As she scratches her leg with a dirty sneaker, the teller informs you that she is unable to pull your financial statements from the system and you will have to wait five business days for your records. She then snaps her gum and places her headphones on her head before she scrawls your contact information on the back of her hand, thanks you, and looks to serve the next customer. The second scenario involves the same situation. The teller approaches you from behind the counter, making direct eye contact while adjusting her pressed shirt collar. As she scratches her leg through her pantsuit with a clean black loafer, the teller informs you that she is unable to pull your financial statements from the system and you will have to wait five business days for your records. She snaps a pen from her desk and makes a note of your contact information before thanking you and looking to serve the next customer. In which scenario would you feel like you were being better served?
   
   
4. Your Attire Impacts Your Career Path. There is usually someone within your workplace who holds a position similar to one you're hoping to reach. Alternately, there may be a level of management or production you would like to break into. An effective way to position yourself for a higher-level role is to dress appropriately for your intended position - usually this means a little more formal than your current dress. Dressing for the job you want, instead of the job you have, will project an image that shows you are serious about your career path and are aware of the level of responsibility and dedication to your image required to be successful.
   
   
5. Your Workplace Wants Clean and Considerate Employees. We've all been in a situation where things go beyond our control and we have to bend the rules a little (you woke up late, your dryer had broken, your heels broke and you needed to wear the runners in your car). The best remedy for this problem is to always be prepared - have your work clothes ready the night before, keep an extra pair of shoes at your desk, etc. And, when all else fails, project a clean and tidy image; clean nails, washed hair and tidy clothes will rarely be a point of discussion, even if you had to "dress down" from your usual business attire. If necessary, mention to your supervisor that you had some difficulties and that you will not make a habit of dressing inappropriately.

Dressing appropriately for your workplace is not a daunting task if you are aware of your company's spoken and unspoken guidelines. Wearing clothing that is appropriate to your company will not only make you feel more comfortable but will also project a better image to your supervisor, clients and professional contacts. By pairing a solid professional image with stellar performance, you will become a star employee in no time!

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In our technology-driven society, it is easy to become overloaded with information; email, instant messaging, paging, faxes, telephone, voicemail, courier, meetings, business contacts, to name a few, can surround you and decrease your work productivity with the sheer volume of inquiries directed your way.

Unfortunately, our society now caters to instant gratification and immediate reaction. Because we are constantly accessible and our companies and clients expect us to multi-task whenever possible, many people fall victim to simple errors and burn-outs.

How do we shift our work focus from a large and overpowering workload to something that is a little easier to chew?

• Take a Step Back. When you are in the middle of a situation that requires your attention on many things at once, it is difficult to look at your priorities in an objective manner. If possible, take a morning or afternoon and move to a different (and empty) work area with nothing but a pen, two colours of highlighters and pad of paper. Instruct your team members that you will be unavailable for this period of time and clear your schedule to avoid distractions. The key to this stage is avoiding and eliminating unnecessary distraction while you develop your work plan - trust me, the world will not fall apart in three hours.
  
  
• Write it Down. Now that you are alone and will not be interrupted, grab your pen and make a list of absolutely everything you need to do - long term, short term, important and casual. Make sure you include every individual step required if it qualifies as its own task.
  
  
• Eliminate Clutter. Take a hard look at your list - is there anything that can be delegated to someone else? Is there anything that is essentially a duplicate and does not require your time? Is there anything so completely unimportant that no one would notice or care whether or not it is completed? Cross off any tasks that you do not actually need to complete and make a note of those that need to be delegated.
  
  
• Rank Your Tasks. You should now have a slightly shorter list. Using one colour of highlighter, find any tasks that must be completed as soon as possible. Using your other highlighter, find any tasks that are not pressing and are require very little of your time. Rewrite your very important tasks on one page, your least important tasks on another, and any leftover tasks on a third page. Any future requests that come your way should either be eliminated or categorized in one of your three sections.
  
  
• Return to your workspace. Now that you have a better understanding of your current workload, focus on a maximum of three tasks a day, each day, rather than trying to tackle the entire pile. Take as many of the three as you can from your "very important", then from your middle and finally from your unimportant lists. Focus on completing these three tasks as completely and competently as possible.
  
  
• Remember to Rank New Tasks. Each time something new is asked of you, remember to either eliminate it by duplication or delegation or add it to the appropriate list if neither option is possible. Unless the request is incredibly important, most new tasks can "get in line" and wait for the next day's top three.
  
  
• Keep an Organized Space. Your new, focused work system will fall apart quickly if you do not maintain it. Keep your workspace organized and begin to eliminate paper piles rather than create new ones. Empty your voicemail and email regularly by setting aside time at the beginning or end of your day. Encourage collaboration between your fellow employees to lighten each other's workload. Finally, keep your mind organize by drinking plenty of water, taking regular lunch breaks and getting plenty of rest when you're not at work.

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We often find ourselves in situations where we require something from our supervisor - a raise or promotion, help on a project, additional insight on a problem or a little extra weight to throw around in a problem situation. Many people in management positions are incredibly helpful and are there to support their employees - unfortunately, many other people in management positions suffer from glorified entitlement issues and enjoy having authority and power to the point of becoming overwhelming.

Whether your boss is easygoing or overpowering, "buttering up" your boss prior to a request may be beneficial to both yourself and your supervisor. The following tips will help you to present yourself and your case in the most positive light, encouraging productivity and efficiency, as well as a great working relationship between you and your boss.

1. Work Hard Before You "Need" To. The following method is likely to backfire - spend most of your day surfing the web and chatting with your coworkers. The morning of the day you ask for a raise, show up early, get scads of work done, march into your supervisor's office and ask for a raise because of your good hard work. Try not to let the door hit you on the way out. Alternately, the following method is likely to succeed - Always maintain high levels of professionalism and work ethics in your day-to-day job. If you've been slacking off recently, speak to your boss (well in advance of your request) and explain that you know your performance has been lacking. Ask for constructive feedback and use this advice to become the best employee on your team. The morning of the day you ask for a raise, show up early, get scads of work done, march into your supervisor's office and ask for a raise because of your good hard work. Laugh all the way to the bank.
   
   
2. Make It Mutually Beneficial. The most effective way to have your request met is to make sure it works for everyone involved. Before you talk to your boss about something important, research how he or she will benefit from agreeing to your request. For example, if you are looking for a promotion, explain your current job duties and how you can better utilize your experience by adding a list of additional duties. Make sure to emphasize the benefit to your supervisor (i.e. less direct supervision, more productivity, taking away from his or her workload) and the company (more clients, better marketing, lower cost because of increased organization). While your original intention might be to benefit yourself, try your best to spin your request to the benefit of your supervisor instead.
   
   
3. Be Honest and Communicative. Do not create an elaborate web of lies in order to get what you want - not only will it be a waste of your time to plan such a scheme, you're almost guaranteed to slip up and make a mistake that may cost you your job or your supervisor's respect. If your spouse lost her job and you need to work from home one day a week to help with the family while she looks for new employment, it might be beneficial to state this alongside the benefits of allowing such a good employee to work from home and increase his productivity through telecommuting. If your request is denied, don't storm out of your boss' office in a huff - respectfully ask why your request was turned down and what you could do in the future to make it possible.
   
   
4. Get Sneaky. Once you have set the above three elements in motion, it's time to use a little psychology to encourage a decision that weighs in your favour. A great trick is to do whatever possible to convince your supervisor that this excellent idea was actually his or hers - "I was thinking about that great point you brought up at the last team meeting and I hope you don't mind, but I elaborated on your thoughts...what do you think?" appeals to any person's sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Another option - mimic his or her body language and speaking style. By adopting mannerisms similar to your supervisor, he or she may feel like you are similar people and that will cast your request in a positive light. Don't act as an exact mirror of your boss, but follow his or her lead whenever possible (if she ends her sentences in "you know?", you might want to try interjecting it every once in a while yourself. If he crosses his legs and leans back to think, you might do the same if the opportunity presents itself). Subtle variations of the same body language or verbal cues are also affective and don't appear to be a copycat move.

Above all, remember that your supervisor is a human being - despite what office rumours say otherwise. If you appeal to his or her personal and professional sensibilities while maintaining a reputation as a high-achieving employee with the best interest of the company in mind, you may very quickly have your boss eating out of your hand.

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Being the newest employee at a company is akin to being the new student in class or the new family on the block - people view you with a sense of curiosity and caution, sometimes mixed with personal biases and stereotypes. Being the "new kid on the block" presents a unique opportunity to make lasting first-impressions (both positive and negative) that will influence future interactions with your coworkers as well as some career moves.

An employee's introduction into a new work environment is a daunting experience, but following these tricks will help make your introduction as smooth and painless as possible.

• Be Polite and Professional. Whenever possible, err on the side of caution when it comes to conversation, dress and behaviour in and out of the office. Until you get a better understanding of workplace politics, keep gossiping to an absolute minimum, avoid getting "tipsy" with your new office friends, and encourage ethical behaviour from those around you. This will be one of very few opportunities you may have to show your best side - use this time to impress your boss and coworkers with your great work habits, not your drunken rendition of "I Will Survive" at the office holiday party.

• Be Yourself. Don't make up elaborate lies and stories about your past or present - imagine having to stick with these stories for the rest of your career, or possibly having them affect professional decisions you may make in the future. In line with the previous point, keep your personal life personal and don't try to impress anyone with anything but the truth. The plus side? You will be much more comfortable with yourself and telling the truth will allow you to make stronger connections with your new work friends.

• Be Social. If you are invited to lunch with your new coworkers, try to take them up on their offer. At appropriate times for your workplace, visit your fellow employees and make a point to learn about them as much as possible. One sneaky trick used to get people to like you? Focus 90% of the conversation on them as opposed to yourself. You can make this tip more effective by remembering small details about your coworkers and bringing them up at a later time (i.e. if someone tells you his daughter is the lead in a school play tonight, be sure to ask how it went the day following - brownie points if you ask to see pictures).

• Be Career-Minded. In addition to being under the scrutiny of your coworkers, your employers will be watching you carefully to ensure that you were worth their initial investment. Try to show up at least 15 minutes early to work and do not balk at the idea of staying slightly later. If you are sick and it is appropriate, show up and ask to be sent home as opposed to "calling in". Avoid taking too much time off in your first 3-6 months. Make a point of requesting constructive criticism whenever possible, especially following large projects or special requests. If you make a mistake, apologize and learn from the experience.

• Be Eager. Take this time to grab as many projects and experiences as your free time allows. Ask questions about the company, your role, the expectations of your employer and the future of your position. Show an interest in developing yourself and your company, but be careful that you don't appear to be "brown-nosing" for the sake of a promotion. The key to eagerness is to be genuine.

We've all met a person who has said or done something mortifying in the first few months at their new job - and most of us know how much damage has been done by these simple mistakes. By showing a genuine interest in your coworkers, your job and your company, you will make lasting business and personal connections that will serve you well during your first months of employment and beyond.

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Popular job-hunting websites can receive thousands of applications a day, putting you in direct competition with hundreds of similarly-skilled candidates vying for the same positions as you. Whether you have made the choice to leave your most recent job or if the choice has been made for you, job-hunting can be a tiresome and often fruitless task if you fall victim to any number of common job-hunting mistakes.

Instead of being at the mercy of these mistakes, be aware of any potential problems and use the following tips and tricks to present yourself as positively as you can - the resulting confidence and marketability may provide you with the edge needed to find your next big career jump!

1. Having an outdated resume and skill set - in today's market, you must have a current and dynamic resume that presents your marketable skills and experience. Enroll in a resume-writing course or scour the internet for examples of great resumes in order to determine the best resume type for your experience. Ensure that you use dynamic action words to describe your prior experiences and focus on what you have accomplished for others (your employers, supervisors, volunteer projects) in the past.
   
   
2. Sending a "catch-all" resume and cover letter - look at it this way; a potential employer pays upwards of $500 to post a job on a popular website. He or she can only expect to receive a substantial number of resumes for that price. What does your resume present that puts you at the top of the pile? Research each and every company to ensure that you show an interest in that specific employer. Find a contact name (either by phoning, looking on their website or the job posting itself) and address your cover letter to this person. Include information about the company in your cover letter and tailor your resume experience to the job description. By showing a genuine interest in the employer, you will make an impression that might bring you past the first cut. Once you get to the interview stage, use this knowledge to ask informed questions about the company and the employer.
   
   
3. Appearing Unprofessional - potential employers are always looking for candidates who can present themselves in a professional manner, whether they are looking for a minimum-wage food service employee or the CFO for a company (I know because I've hired both with the same set of standards). Instead of using your personal email address (imasexy_cool_chic_@randomdomain.net) consider spending five minutes to get a more professional option (your.name@randomdomain.net). If you are applying via email, include more than a "hi, i saw ur ad and want to apply here is my rwesume" in the email body - include that ever-important contact name and very briefly summarize your interest in the company and your skills and experience. During interviews, dress cautiously (and always slightly more formal than you anticipate for the company) and ensure your appearance is neat and tidy.
   
   
4. No Follow-up - working in Human Resources, I can tell you a simple trick that differentiates two almost-identical candidates. If Candidate A sends a quick "thank you" email to everyone he or she has met, reiterating his or her interest and why his or her experience suits the position, Candidate A will rank higher than Candidate B, who has made no effort to contact me. Contact the employer if you have submitted your resume and have not heard confirmation from them; contact the employer following an interview to thank him or her for the opportunity; finally, contact the employer if you have not heard anything past the date at which you were expecting to know more about your application.
   
   
5. Putting all your eggs in one basket - if you are looking for a job, don't just rely on one method of searching. Use your contacts and references, check the newspaper, check staffing agencies/headhunters, and check company or job-hunting sites to find good opportunities. Know the titles of the positions in which you have an interest, as well as a general idea of the responsibilities and how you fit the bill. Every time you submit your resume to a potential employer, there is one more opportunity to bring you meaningful employment.
   
   
6. Taking all the blame - sometimes, even if you have succeeded in the above five points, you may find yourself still looking for a job. Don't let a poor job market, limited experience or other unfortunate circumstances cause you to lose confidence or hope in a better career opportunity. Continue to try creative and alternative methods of job-searching and focus on making your resume as substantial as possible - volunteer, take courses or attend seminars that add relevant experience to your resume (as well as added value to your life and education).

Essentially, a positive job-hunting experience boils down to your marketability as a candidate and the condition of the market. You can improve your chances of standing out in the crowd of thousands by ensuring that you are professional, have a genuine interest in the company, and presenting a resume that speaks volumes to how you will help a potential employer.

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There are many reasons why a person chooses to work - financial requirements, personal fulfillment, career advancement, and the list continues. The list of reasons why a person chooses to work at a specific company is even more exhaustive - social connections, good salary and benefits, security, obligation, guilt, needing any job available, etc. As people take on more financial responsibilities in life, there is a substantial need for steady income; unfortunately, many of today's workers find themselves in a dead-end job with no satisfaction derived from their work.

The option to quit a dead-end job is both liberating and bone-chillingly scary. If you feel that you are going nowhere in your current job and are looking for a change, the following tips will help keep unnecessary anxiety and stress to a minimum:

• Build a Financial Security Net. It is very important to ensure that you are able to maintain your current standard of living in the event that you are without employment for a month, three months, six months, a year, indefinitely. Depending on your level of comfort and how easily you can create a solid emergency fund, you may be able to do this quickly or it might require some more time spent at you job. Calculate your monthly expenses and aim to create a fund that will help you through at least three months of unemployment. Cut any unnecessary expenses in the interim to help create your fund as quickly as possible.
  
  
• Take a Long Hard Look at Your Career. What is it about your job that you dislike? What are you hoping to get with new employment? It is important to assess what you are lacking in your current position in order to avoid repeating the scenario when you do find a new job. Are you looking to move into a different career path, or are your current skills being underused? Try and see if you can make improvements in your current workplace - as an HR professional, I can tell you that the cost and time required to invest in employee recruitment and training is often something employers will try and avoid. If you're looking for a higher salary, more responsibility and new position, bring this to the attention of your employer - perhaps they will make you an offer you can't refuse.
  
  
• Create a Game Plan. If you're still set on leaving your job, you need to create a clear picture of your intended actions. If you need to go back to school, research costs and course options. If you're looking to switch careers or become self-employed, research paths for these goals as well. It is best to start at your end-result (I want to own an independent bookkeeping firm with 5 employees) and work your way back with manageable goals and paths of action.
  
  
• Dust Off Your Resume and Get Out There. It is very likely that you may have to look for another job for at least a few months, depending on the market. It is also likely that you haven't looked at your resume for a while, at least if you've been at your current place of employment for a considerable amount of time. Spend some quality time redoing your resume and highlighting skills necessary to obtain new employment (I will be posting an article on resume-building soon). Research your career goals and the most effective way to achieve them - whether it means using a career headhunter, job posting websites, personal contact referrals or a number of other creative job hunt methods. Create a plan - for example, spend an hour every morning submitting your resume and cover letters to interesting job postings. Spend an hour every afternoon reviewing your local papers and contacting job opportunities contained therein. Spend a weekend or two taking relevant courses to keep your resume current and make you more appealing to an employer.
  
  
• End on a Good Note. Do not, under any circumstances, make a scene when you quit. Again, as an HR professional, I can advise that you will be making a poor career move by burning any bridges at this point - either as a reference or by word of mouth. Clearly outline your concerns to your employer and present your resignation in the form of a well-worded letter. Offer the minimum required notice as per your local legislation and be sure to work your very hardest in the remaining weeks of your employment (even if you've been slacking off in the meantime). Leave your workplace on a positive note and this will pay you back tenfold in your future career moves.
  

Unless you are absolutely drained by your current job, try to stay in the game as long as possible in order to maintain a steady income and avoid financial struggles - essentially "don't give up your day job". There are circumstances that may require you to be without employment, but frugal living and smart financial choices paired with a good game plan should have you happy and generating income in no time.

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