In a competitive market, it's always good to stay on top of your game. Small gestures such as writing a thank you letter can make the biggest difference when it narrows down to you and another candidate.

1. Get a job search only email account
Use this on your resumes and for communicating with recruiters, prospective employers and business contacts. Make this email only for job-related affairs. By doing so, this will help you stay focused on your search and not get distracted by incoming personal email.

2. Respond Quickly
Check your email frequently and respond to emails as soon as you can. Don't keep the recruiter waiting to hear from you. If possible, reply within the same day and make sure that you respond to all email within a 24-hour period. If a recruiter is requesting more information and you don't have it yet, it's polite to respond that you still need more time. At the very least, it shows that you read their email and are being proactive on the request.

3. Be clear in the subject line
The subject line is the first thing that someone sees when a person checks his or her email. Make it worth their time. The best subject lines are those are summarizing the overall purpose of the email. For instance "Junior Editor position" or "Follow-up: Junior Editor position" is a clear way of giving the person a good idea of what your email will entail. Keep in mind that the person you email might be receiving dozens, or even hundreds, of emails a day. Because he or she will be limited on time, scanning the subject lines of emails is the most efficient way for someone to get to the most important emails first. Make sure that your email gets opened so make it easy for the person to know what your email is about.

4. Watch out for grammar and spelling mistakes
Revert back to the basics you learned in elementary school: spelling and grammar mistakes just don't cut it. Small mistakes like these can question the credibility of your entire cover letter and resume. A recruiter might see a typo as carelessness and possibility relate that to your work habits. Take a few extra minutes to comb out the mistakes in your resume. Tired of looking at the same paper over and over? Have a friend take a look. Having a fresh pair of eyes looking at your resume can help you catch more mistakes that your own eyes might have missed.

5. Keep it short
Now is not the time to describe in full-detail what your plans are for your career. Respect your reader's time and keep your email short. Be informative and direct. Email is a casual but direct form of communication. Make your point using the least amount of words reasonably possible. Don't overwhelm your reader the second he or she opens your email with a long form essay.

6. Have a proactive ending
Conclude your email with a proactive ending. It can be as simple as "Thanks for your time, Chris Johnson". It's also good to include contact information such as your phone number in case your reader would like to get in touch with you. Many email services offer an automatic signature function that allows you to create this. Customize yours to have your name, email address, phone number and any other information that you think could be useful to get in contact with you. Keep it simple though, there's no need to include your home address.

With the economy still slowly recovering from the recessions, companies are starting to hire again, but not for full-time positions. Instead, they are offering more and more temporary contract jobs. In order to decide which type of job is better for you, you need to weigh out the pros and cons. Most favor a permanent job as it offers stability and security. However, a contracting job can also give you flexibility to explore other fields. With more job postings being posted on the Internet, a surge in free-lance and self-employed individuals is on the rise. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Contract Job:
If you're looking for flexibility and freedom, contracting jobs may be the type for you. Contracting jobs allow you the opportunity to explore different roles without confining you to one particular role. It gives you the flexibility to work part-time or temporarily. Since companies don't have to pay for additional benefits such as paid vacation or medical insurance, this allows companies the ability to hire more contractors, usually through a three-party agency. Usually, you will be paid through the agency, which can also provide benefits such as paid holidays or even insurance. The downside? Contract jobs are a bit unpredictable and unsteady. Even if you have been working a contracting job for over a year, there's no guarantee that you'll be hired on as a full-time employee or that you'll be let go the following week. Contracting jobs are usually hired on a need basis so there is no telling when you can be out of a job.

Permanent Job:
A permanent job can offer stability and job security. In addition to getting a salary, an individual can also receive vacation, health insurance, retirement plans as well as a number of other benefits depending on the company. It can also give the individual a sense of belonging to the company as this is not a temporary job. This can lead to better work performance as the individual is relaxed at the idea of job security and the potential to move up the ladder. Permanent jobs also entitle you to retirement plans. Permanent jobs are better suited for those individuals who have settled in their life and don't want to jump from job to job. If you are looking for stability in a job, permanent jobs are the ones to shoot for.

Before you decide what type of job you want to aim for, decide what kind of career path you want to take. Are you open to working for a number of different companies doing a number of different activities? Or are you looking for a more stable and consistent job that can you see some longevity with? Whatever your goals may be; be sure to lean toward the job that is best suited for your career goals.

You researched the company, you practice your interviewing skills, you nailed the interview and you even sent personalized thank you cards after the interview was over. You seemed to do all the right things and it seemed as though the interview was a success. But still no job offer. What gives? Here are some possible reasons why you didn't get the job. Some of them you can control, others, you may have no control over.

1. There was a better candidate
This is the most likely reason. You may have had a great interview; in fact, you may have been the first choice for the job. Then, another candidate came in later that afternoon or the next day and was a slightly better candidate for the job. While it's unfortunate, this still doesn't mean that you weren't an option for them. Keep up your interviewing skills and refine the way you sell yourself during an interview to stay a top choice for the prospective company.

2. You had a bad reference
Have a former boss or colleague who holds a secret grudge? Even a concerning reference can be flagged as a warning for your prospective employer. Before you submit your references, contact them and get some feedback on how you were as an employee with your previous company. Not only will this give you an idea of what your references will say, it will also give you some insight on how others view your work ethics and work performance.

3. You hit it off with the interviewer...but not in the right way
You guys joked and laughed and bonded over your love of baseball. While it's good to have a connection with your interviewer, it's also good to stay focused on your experience and skills for the company. You want to show that you can be a competent employee, not just a great addition to the company's baseball team.

4. You're overqualified
You read correct. Sometimes being overqualified can keep you from getting a job. This is mainly due to a salary concern, especially in a tough economy when businesses are scaling back on their expenses. This doesn't mean that you should take a pay cut just to get the job. If you're willing to take the pay cut, evaluate how much you are willing to take in relation to how much you will enjoy the job.

5. Some miscellaneous reason that you have no control over
Sometimes things just happen that we have no control over. This is in no way your fault but just an unfortunate situation. For instance, a company could suddenly change their mind and decide on holding off hiring for your position. Or a previous employee that used to work for the company might have come back to turn back their old position. While this may not be common, it does happen.

Regardless of the possible reasons, keep up your persistence and preparation for each and every interview you encounter. With hard work, it will pay off and you will eventually be offered a job that you will enjoy. Keep researching and preparing correctly for your interview. Keep practicing your interviewing skills; this includes spoken and unspoken communication.

The recession is officially over but companies are still hesitant to hire at full speed. That being said, you'll want to make sure that you stay on top of the game, even if this means refining the skills that you already have. Nowadays, more and more companies are hiring at a cautious pace and hiring those who can take out multiple roles. Here are some ways you can leverage yourself to stand out amongst the other candidates by enhancing or improving on your skills. Here are some ways you can start improving your resume and give yourself an edge over other candidates.
Go back to school
Regardless of your age, there's no limit to learning. Enroll in classes that could be beneficial to your career or even give it a competitive edge. Are you currently in marketing? Brush up with some marketing or economic classes to gain a better understanding and apply what you learn to your job. Interested in learning graphic design? There are a variety of classes you can get into, including illustrative art, computer animation or you can even target specific programs such as classes on how to use Photoshop, CS, etc.

Network with others just like you
Networking events are a great way to meet people but its also a great way to pick up tips on any skills. Sites such as Meetup.com allow you to connect with those who share similar interests as you in your area. Are you a graphic designer? Meet other graphic designer and you may be able to share tips and tricks to creating different effects using a variety of program software. Are you in sales? Meeting other sales representatives can help you hone your own marketing pitch by adding a few tips that you learn from other.

Ask for More Responsibility
Want to get noticed? Ask your boss if there are any other projects you can help with or take on. Not only will you stand out as being proactive, you can also learn a thing or two more in the different projects that you work on.

By being more proactive in all aspects, you can further yourself in your career just by always making sure that you stay up-to-date with the latest technology and procedures. If you are currently employed, this is a great way to stand out to your boss and show that you can take on more responsibility. If you're currently unemployed, this is great way for you to catch a company's eye because you stand out amongst the rest of the candidates. Always be proactive in everything you do, whether you are refining your skills or becoming more involved. Your hard work will be noticed and can ultimately pay off with great rewards.

Join us as we continue to reveal top interview questions and what interviewers are looking for in their savvy candidates.  Missed the last installment?  Check it out here:  Top Interview Questions - Part I

5.  Why Did You Leave Your Previous Job?
Be honest, but choose your words carefully. Do not speak negatively about your previous employer . A potential boss may think that you may same the about him/her in the future. Say instead that the move was your decision and the result of your action. If you were laid off in a company-wide cut back, say so. Don?t make up a story - it can come back to haunt you when they check your references.

6.  How successful Would You Say You Are?
Be positive and confident, but don?t be overly complacent. Your potential employer wants to see that you are happy with the progress of your career and motivated to continue this success. While it is important that you express your positivity, restrain from saying things like, ?Everything?s perfect and couldn?t get any better!?. It won?t be very convincing. In fact, it may convince them otherwise.

7.  What do You Know About Our Company?
Again, do your research. Be prepared to discuss the company?s products, services, people, and/ or history. Make sure you are up-to-date on the company?s current events, and bring up any major issues that are pertinent to the position. Focus on a few of these that catch your interest? your interviewer will pick up on it, making your answer more believable. Be careful not to bombard the interviewer with facts about the company. You want to show him/her that you have taken the time to do the research, but also that you wish to learn more.

8.  Name an Example of a Challenge, and How You Overcame It.
You may think this is the chance to talk about a success story.  However, your interviewer is less concerned with the outcome than he/she is in hearing about how you handled a particularly difficult situation and the steps you took to conquer it. In fact, it is perfectly acceptable to admit that the end result was not a complete success. What is important is that you show that you are not afraid to take on a challenge.

1.  Tell Me About Yourself.
This is a tricky question, and one often asked at the beginning  of an interview. Many inexperienced interviewees make the mistake of talking about his/her personal life. Your interviewer does not want to hear about how many pets you have and what you like to do on the weekends.  Instead, use this opportunity to summarize your qualifications as the best candidate for the position you are interviewing for (key word: summarize). Your response should be no more than two minutes long, and should be focused on your recent career experience.

2.  Why Do You Want to Work for Our Company?
In order to ace this question, you may need to do some research on the company and its needs. Try to mention any recent accomplishments or products that you may have read about, and express your interest in being involved and/or learning more about them. Your interviewer wants to know what drew you to the company. If you find yourself having a difficult time with this question, this job is probably not for you.

3.  Why Should We Hire You?
Although many of us may not be comfortable bragging about ourselves, this is the perfect chance to highlight your qualifications and really convince your interviewer that you would make a valuable asset to his/her company. Talk about a specific successful experience in your career; mention your ability to adapt and learn quickly, set priorities, and use your experience to solve problems.

4.  Where Do You See Yourself in 5-10 years?
When an interviewer asks this question, they want to know what your future goals are within a company. While they don?t want to hear that you are merely using them as a stepping stone to a better opportunity, they do want to hire someone that wants to be successful. A good manager will want motivated employees that want to grow in their careers and continue to benefit the company.

Be sure to tune in for our next installment: Top Interview Questions - Part II.

Interviews with an individual can be stressful; interviews with 3-5 interviewers can be downright nerve-wracking. While panel interviews can be intimidating, it can also give you a better chance since the decision to hire you won't be solely based on one person's opinion of you. Everyone perceives things differently; by having more than one person interviewing you, you have the potential to have one interviewer point out a strong point that another interviewer failed to pick up on. Remember, this is your chance to impression the whole team, not just one individual. Here are some things to keep in mind before you go into your interview.

Show off your Smile: When someone smiles at you, it's hard not to smile back. By greeting everyone with a smile, it will get you off to a great start.

Greet each interviewer: Shake hands with each person who will be interviewing you. Introduce yourself and repeat their name when they introduce themselves. This will show them that you recognize each of them as an individual and they will more likely pay close attention when you make it a point to recognize that they are in the room as well.

Be inclusive: When being asked a question, make eye contact with the person who asks the question but be sure to also extend your eye contact with everyone in the room. Remember, you are speaking to everyone in the room, not just the person asking the question. Be sure to include everyone by acknowledging their presence when answering a question. When asking questions, be sure to include all of them and have all of them answer a question if possible.

Don't forget their cards: Before you leave, be sure to get a business card from each individual in the room. This will be handy when it comes time to send your thank you notes. If they don't have a card, ask for their name again and jot it down. You can also contact an HR person or the receptionist later to get their email address. Also, by getting their business cards, you can get a good idea of how their position is related to the position

Send out individual thank you cards: Take the time to send each individual a thank you card and be sure that the notes aren't the same. Make the note more personal by pointing out something that the interviewer mentioned during the interview. By doing this, it will show the individual that you were paying attention to what he or she was saying, instead of just glancing at the team as a whole. Before sending your card out, double check that his or her name is spelled correctly.

Remember, a panel interview is a great opportunity a number of people without having to do individual interviews. It's a great way for interviewers to gain a different perspective of you to form a better decision about you. Most important, don't forget to relax! Have fun with this interview and show off your best interviewing skills and highlight your greatest achievements. Be showing confidence, you can show the team that you fit in with them and make a great candidate.

Interviews can be scary. You can spend hours preparing--researching the company, practicing your interview skills, looking and acting confident. Unfortunately, one little mishap can undo all your hard work. Here are 7 things NOT to say during an interview:

1. "Can you repeat that? I wasn't listening."

By showing your interviewer that you weren't listening, you are basically showing them that you don't really care for the interview, or the job.

2. "I got fired at my last job because I was always late and never really felt like doing my job."

While honesty is good, this shows that you don't make an effort in the job itself. No company wants to hire someone who doesn't want to be there. |

3. "I said that in my resume? Oh, that's not true."

If you're going to lie on your resume, it hurts your character. It shows your potential employer that you can't be trusted.

4. "I don't know how to do that and I don't really want to learn how to."

Not showing the enthusiasm to learn something new makes you hard to adapt and train. Remember, companies want to know what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

5. "How much do you pay? What are the benefits? When can I start taking vacation?"

Focus on the job description, not the benefits. They're called perks for a reason; they aren't the main reason to why you should take the job. Focus on talking about your experience and selling yourself to them. Only talk about benefits when the interviewer brings it up.

None of these statements indicate your interest in the position or that you are qualified for the position. An interview is your moment to sell yourself to the company and show them why you are the best choice for the position. It's also an opportunity for you to get to know the company better and see if you can fit into their company culture. Remember to always stay positive, honest, and enthusiastic about the interview. Your goal is to show how you can contribute to the company and why they shouldn't let you get away.

Now that your resume has been created and polished, it's time to start the actual job hunt. But where do you begin? Here are some resources to get you started on your journey. Remember, your job hunt is not limited to just these options. Instead, this can be used as a springboard into other untapped resources.

Job Listing Sites:
To get a good idea of what jobs are available out there, start by looking on Craigslist.org or SimplyHired.com. Type in a job category you'd like to get into or a skill that you have and you will get an idea of what jobs are out there right now. Remember, this list can change on a daily basis so consider this part of your daily research as you start submitting your resume to individual companies. Don't know how to begin? Start general and narrow it down from there. Do you like helping others? Try searching for "customer service" positions. Do you like to volunteer? Try "non-profit" jobs. Do you enjoy numbers and science? Try a variety of "analyst", "finance" and the type of science you're interested in. It doesn't matter where you begin, as long as you're able to narrow it down and get a better sense of the type of job you're seeking.

Friends, family, and colleagues:
These are the people who know you best. They know your personality but more importantly, they know your skills and experience. They can also be your personal advocate for a position. Spread the word that you're looking for a job, and what type of job you're looking for. The more people who are keeping their eyes and ears out for you, the more opportunities you will hear about. When surveyed, most people said that they got their job through a referral. Have friends who work at a particular company you'd like to work for? Ask them if there are any current openings. Companies tend to advertise job openings through word of mouth before they post an ad for it.

Temp agencies:
This is a great way to work with a recruiter to find a job that will suit you. Instead of looking for jobs, temp agencies can do the search for you and place you where needed. While most of these jobs may only be temporary, many temporary jobs have the potential to lead to a full-time position. Temp agencies also provide great resources to help you prepare your resume, interview, and everything else you need to find a job that's fit for you.

The resources for your job search are endless; the tough part is figuring out how to find them. However, with a bit of research and preparation, you can be on your way to finding a job that is perfect for you.

You have heard people say that the best way to find a job is through a referral. Who are these referrals? Where do they come from? How do you even find a good network? Believe it or not, you are probably already in a few. Friends and family are two separate networks that you have. Here are some different benefits that different networks can offer you.

Friends/Family: 
These are the people who know you the best. They know your interests, your quirks, and your personality traits. By knowing these things, this network can help you find what interests you. They can give you an outsider's perspective of your life and tap into an interest that you didn't even know you had. They can also be your personal cheerleader; they can reach out into their own networks and find a job that may be perfect for you.

Current & Past Colleagues: 
These are the people who know your work style and habit the best. Are you constantly catching little errors on reports? Chances are, your colleagues and boss, can see your attention to detail. Are you always a team player? After having worked with you on projects, your colleagues can personally vouch that you are. This network can provide great insight on how you fit into the company culture. They are the ones who are with you throughout most of the week and know your work style the best. They also know accomplishments and can be used as a great reference.

Your Alma Mater: 
As an alumnus, you have access resources that some individuals don't get the luxury of: personal connections. Many companies have a working relationship with schools and by doing this you can have access to some companies that your school has worked with. Contact your major department and see what jobs are available and can fit you. Don't forget your professors who have experience in your degree background. They can also be used as a good networking or reference tool when searching for career opportunities.

Hobbies & Interest Groups: 
Are you an avid rock climber? Do you consider yourself a foodie? There are many groups out there can target your interests. By combining your personal interests with your skills and experience, you might find yourself with a rewarding career in a field that you never thought about! Meetup.com is a great way to find groups in your area that share the same interests as you. Interested in photography? Look for local photography groups in your area and meet others who share your interest. This is a great way to network with people who share similar interests and may be a great way to tap into a career that could fit you better.

Whatever your networking group may be, there will always be an opportunity there, even if it's not right now. The more people you know, the wider net you cast, and the greater your chances are of finding a job that suits you. The number of networks you can be in are endless. Evaluate the networks that you are already in before venturing into joining new ones. There might be an opportunity waiting for you!

Nowadays with everything so accessible online, it's easy to have a good idea of what a company does before you even go in for the interview. It's also easier for the company to have a good idea of who you are before you even come in. You better think twice about having yourself tagged in a photo on Facebook.com where you're passed out from being too drunk. According to Execunet, in 2007, a whopping 83.2% of recruiters admitted to using online search engines to find out information about potential candidates.

Here are tips to keeping your online presence free and clear of anything that can potentially hurt your chances of landing a job.

• Take off any photos that you wouldn't want a potential recruiter to see.
• Keep your profanity in check. Check your comments, blogs and any other source where your comments can reflect negatively on you.
• Stand out by making an online profile through LinkedIn.com. Having a professional profile can give recruiters an opportunity to see your skills and experience before they even talk to you.
• Show off your best work. Looking for a graphic designer job? Showcase your work online!
• Keep all personal information confidential. There's no need to have your phone number or home address listed where anyone can see it.
• Keep everything professional. Don't send out a resume using mrcool4u@hotmail.com. Just your name in the email address will do. This includes screen names, personal nicknames and other identities that you may use.
• Remember, even if you haven't gone into an interview yet, you want to be sure that you're coming across as professional in all aspects of your life. Keep your online presence the way that you would want your professor or current boss to see it. You want the recruiter to be focusing on your skills and expertise, not distracted by your online photos.

While interviews give employers a chance to know you better, it also gives you a better understanding of the company. Asking questions will allow you to know if the job is a good fit for you and it will show the interviewer that you are engaged and interested in the job.

Here are a list questions to ask that can help you gain insight into the company and take some control of the interview.

1.  What do you look for in an ideal candidate?
2.  What is one of the biggest challenges your company faces?
3.  What are the short and long term goals of the company/department/work group?
4.  How would you describe the company culture here?
5.  Is there any other information I could provide you about my qualifications?
6.  What?s the next step in the selection process?
7.  Can you clarify what you said about...?

By asking these questions, not only will you get a good idea of what the company is about, you also show your interviewers that you have been listening intently and are interested in what they said. Also, jot down notes during the interview if you can so that you can jog your memory of what was discussed in the interview.

Now is not the time to ask about the pay, vacation or the benefits. The interview is a good time for you to get to know the position and the company, not the perks.

By asking smart questions, you can keep your interview interactive and learn about the company while they learn more about you. Don't forget to research the company before the interview by researching their company website, news articles, etc. Being prepared for the interview will leave you feeling confident and ready to show the best that you have to offer.

Congratulations on landing a job! What comes next? Now is the time to show your new employer that they hired the right candidate for the position. Here are some tips to start off on the right foot in the new workplace.

Make a Good Impression
Good impressions don't just stop at the interview; they continue on into the job. Little details can make all the difference in your first impression. Before your first day of work, take time to choose your outfit carefully. Be sure that your outfit is conservative and professional. This is the working world so little details, such as dirty under the fingernails, can make you come across as unprofessional. Be sure to arrive to work a few minutes early and don't take off right when the clock hits 5:00 p.m. Show your employer that you are engaged and interested in your job, not just interested in leaving as soon as the clock hits 5.

Effective Communication
Be enthusiastic and ask questions regarding your position and what steps you need to take in order to transition into the company slowly. Be sure to take a few minutes to talk to your new boss and colleagues to understand how your role fits in relation to theirs. Starting off on the right foot with your colleagues can set you on the path for success if you can work well in a team. During your first weeks at the new company, asking questions are crucial in understanding how you fit into the company. Remember, everyone is busy with their own jobs so they will want to train you as quickly and as effectively as possible. By asking questions, not only will you gain a better understanding and clear up any miscommunication, you help speed along the process of getting trained.

Stay in the Loop
Set alerts on your computer for any updates regarding your company, including press releases, news features, etc. By keeping yourself in the loop about the changes that are going on in your company, you can gain a sense of the direction that your company is headed and how you can do your part to achieve success. Don't forget to read any weekly newsletter your company might email out. Pay close attention in meetings and ask questions so that you can fully understand what's going on.

Before you walk into an interview, you need to know how yourself well and how to sell yourself. You also need to have a good knowledge of your prospective employer. Having a good background on the prospective company will allow you to tailor your responses to the questions and give you confidence. It also shows the recruiter that you are interested in the company and want to make a well-informed decision. All the information you gather about the company will give you a good understanding of the company culture and their expectations of here. Here are a few points you need to understand about the company:

Understand Their Goal
Figure out what the company's purpose is and their goal. By doing so, you will have a good understanding of where this company is headed toward. Take a look at the company's website to see how they present themselves. If the company has a tag line, memorize it. If possible, request a copy of their annual report. Check any press or news releases about the company regarding any recent changes.

Understand their Market
Familiarize yourself with the company's market. If they sell a product, who is their target audience? If they provide a service, who does it cater to? What are the products that they have? These are the kinds of things that you should be aware of to gain a better understanding of how your role might play into the overall company structure.

Get to Know the Customer
How does the company make money? Who is their target consumer? By getting a good idea of who the target consumer is, you can get a good idea in the direction that the company is headed, based on news reports of the current economy and economy spending.

Understand the Company Culture
Find out how the company functions and how their company culture is. By getting a good idea on the company culture, you can figure out how your position plays into the culture and the type of mentality and attitude that the company strives to have. What are their values and views? By knowing this, you can gain a good understanding of how you might fit into the company and their employees.

Remember, we live in a technology-driven society now, there is no legitimate excuse to not having any idea what the company does. With the availability of the internet, your resources are unlimited. By taking the time to research about the company, you can prepare your interview and tailor it toward the company's views. Not only will this impress your interviewers, it can give you more confidence in yourself and the company.

Phone interviews can be just as intimidating as an in-person interview. Phone interviews are often used as a way for employers to screen candidates before they bring them in.  A lot can be interpreted about someone simply by speaking to them on the phone. You should always be prepared for a phone interview at a moments notice. You never know when a recruiter might be calling you for a potential interview. Here are some tips to making sure that your phone interview will be a successful one.

1. Do your research and be prepared
Treat your phone interview as an in-person interview. Do research on the company, make a list of questions that you want to ask, and study your own resume. Knowing what you say to say on the phone will make you more confident for the interview. Confidence can be heard through the phone. At the time of the interview, have everything in front of you including a pen, your resume, a list of questions that you want to ask, and notes that you took in preparation.

2. Stand up and smile
Keep in mind that the only thing your potential employer has to go off of is your voice. Stand up during your interview; by simply standing, your voice portrays more confidence. Don't forget to smile! Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.

3. Drown out distractions
Before your phone interview, clear the room. Turn off the radio and television; make sure no one else is in the room. You want the employer to focus on what you are saying; you don't want them to be distracted by the background noise.

4. Practice with a Friend or a Tape Recorder.
Call a friend and conduct a mock interview. Have your friend critique you. Did you sound confident? Was he/she distracted by background noise? Did you speak too fast or too slow? Did you mumble? Practicing with someone can give you a good perspective on how your voice and tone is being portrayed on the other end. Another important factor? A friend or tape recorder can pick up on how your "ums" or "uhs" This is especially important since you want to seem prepared for your interview.

5. Practice good phone etiquette
During your interview; make sure that you are not chewing gum or eating food. Keep a glass of water by you so your throat won't go dry. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Take your time--it's okay to take a moment or two to gather your thoughts for an answer.

Remember, the goal of your interview is to land an in-person interview. Be sure to mention at the end of your phone interview that you would love a chance to speak with them in person. Once you finish your interview, be sure to send your interviewer a thank you email or card. Reiterate your interest in the job position. With the right preparation, you can be on your way to your next in-person interview!

1.  Look for jobs on more than one website. Some of the best jobs and least competitive are jobs that can be found on smaller, local online job postings. Sites such as Craigslist.org and SimplyHired.com allow you to find a variety of jobs.

2.  Check in websites of individual companies as well. If there is a particular company that you would like to work for, check out their website to see what current job openings they have available.

3.  Be proactive about job hunting. Don't just apply to 5 jobs and call it a day. Apply to as many jobs that you feel qualified for. The more people who see your resume, the better your chances of getting a callback--or even an interview. That being said, don't just submit a resume for every job posting you see.

4.  Don't just apply for jobs online, post your resume as well. By posting your resume, you are giving yourself a bigger chance to be searched for by both employers and recruiters. Be wary about posting your personal information before you post your resume. There is no need to list your home address on there, the city and state is acceptable enough.

5.  Tailor each resume submission to the specific type of job you are applying to. Employers can tell if you are submitting a generic resume; try and tailor yours more toward the job description to highlight some of your skills that can be useful toward this company. If you can, take a look at the company's website before you submit your resume. Tailor your resume close to the information that you see.

6.  Don't forget to visit a temp agency in your area. Instead of dealing with hundreds of resumes themselves, many companies will hire a temp agency to find qualified employees for them. This can be another huge job source for you as recruiters can match you with a job that is suited to your skills.

Send a message through your network that you are searching for a job. Your friends, family, and colleagues can all be on the lookout for a job opportunity, even if you aren't there. By putting the word out that you are actively seeking a job, you are making allowing yourself to be referred for a job that a connection of yours might find.

First of all, congratulations on landing your new job! Your hard work of tailoring your resume, preparing for and nailing your interview has paid off! Your employer sees the value in your experience and skills and has hired you. Now comes the true test: will you live up to your experience and qualifications?

For starters, if you have not accepted the job yet, go ahead and accept the job offer. Be sure to ask your employer what you should bring with you the first day. This could include your driver's license, your social security card, and your references. Be sure to come in for your first day prepared. If you didn't ask in the interview, ask what the proper dress code should be. Don't be afraid to ask questions about what to expect or what you can do to prepare for your first day.

Once the formalities have been taken care of, it's time to focus on the job itself. Spend your first week really getting accustomed to your position, your boss and the company itself. Get familiar with your co-workers; figure out who you will be working with regularly, what their roles are, etc. By doing this, you can get a good idea of how your role fits into the company and how you can contribute to the team. Spend some time speaking with your boss on what is expected of you and your role. If you can, have them define what success means to them in relation to your position.

To ensure that you and your boss start off on the same page, write down an action plan that you can use as a guideline to your job and talk it over with your boss. Have your boss look over the plan and make adjustments accordingly.

Keep in mind that, just because you got the job, doesn't mean you should start slacking off. Studies have shown that the first three months on the job can set the tone for your entire career at a particular company. Start off on the right food and impress both your boss and your co-workers from the very beginning.

If you want to impress an employer, you're going to need a resume that wows them. Employers are often bombarded with hundreds of resumes so it can be easy to get lost amongst the pile. Here are some tips to impress your potential employer from the very start:

• Keep your resume clean. A clean and well-organized resume will allow a potential employer to easily see what your skills and experience is. Too much clutter and too fancy of a resume can cause a headache for your employer as he or she tries to navigate through your resume. Your resume should be clear and concise. Test yourself; take 20 seconds to skim your resume. Do you have a basic understanding of what your experience and skills are? If not, clean up your resume so that it is easier to read

• Keep your resume one page long. Unless you have been in the work force for over 20 years or have held high management positions, condense your resume as much as possible. Your resume is supposed to be a good overview of your career history, not a detailed report.

• Double and triple check all grammar and spelling. One tiny mistake can make your resume look unprofessional, no matter how good your experience is. Have a friend look over your resume for you. The more eyes you have looking at your resume, the more potential mistakes you can find before turning it in to an employer.

• Don't forget to list your contact information including phone number and email address (make sure your email is a professional one). Your home address isn't necessary; simply just list your city and state.

• Use action words in your resume such as "created" or "managed". Don't just give a laundry list of your tasks; highlight your accomplishments there.

• Put your work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent on top.

• When you list your accomplishments or experience for each employer, be sure to put the most important accomplishment as the first bullet point. Keep in mind that employers will most likely skim your resume so be sure that the important information will be skimmed.

• Tell the truth. It's easy to cushion your resume with white lies here and there but at one point, you will get caught. Don't compromise your integrity by lying on your resume.