On a daily basis, I get approached by people asking if I can either give them a job or help them find a job.

My response is usually do you have a resume? How many jobs have you submitted your resume to today?

When I get back negative remarks to those questions, I do my best to create an educational moment.
Going back a few posts I talked about teaching a man to fish and my last post was hard work and persistence allow you to create your own luck.

In my almost 30 years of working, I applied for more jobs then I can even imagine. But in that 30 years, I think the longest I have ever gone without working is about three months.

I am a firm believer, that even in extreme situations, the best way to find a job is to treat your job search like a job. To be focused and have a plan to help you create opportunities so you don’t just sit around waiting to get lucky and have a job fall in your lap.

With that in mind, I did a quick Google search on some tips to bring focus and discipline to a job search. Here are some of the high points:

1. Set Goals. Provide yourself with targets and track your progress towards meeting them.
2. Network. Make a list of people who have jobs like the one you want. Interact with them.
3. Be Polished. Spend the extra time to make your resume flawless. Dress up. Be Early.
4. Practice. Volunteer your time. Look for free training. Do practice interviews.
5. Be Selective. Resist the temptation to apply for everything. Focus on what you are good at.
6. Positive Surroundings. Look for people who can inspire, empower and motivate you to keep on the hunt.
7. Use Technology. If you are reading this, then you most likely on LinkedIn or Facebook. You have a natural network right there and the most powerful communication tool around. Don’t waste them.

Finding a job is one of the hardest and most challenging jobs around. If you treat it as such, you are much more likely to find a good job quickly then someone who doesn’t.