Todays job market is a dog eat dog environment. You are competing against global candidates, ever younger, ever more technologically competent, ever more willing to work for less. How you approach your job search is key to your success.

Here are the things you need to determine before you begin your job search:

1. What do you value in the work place? What do your ethics demand in the way of what you give at the job? What is your philosophy of working? Are you a 9-5 kind of person? If so, maybe the more structured government work routine is to your liking, then. Do you work at all kinds of odd hours, well into the night? Then maybe freelance work or a self-directed selling career is for you.

2. Make a long list of all the companies you think you might like to work for do your research first and find out what their style is, what they are looking for, how they operate. Dont eliminate any company just because you are not sure you qualify. If the company appeals to you, put it down on your list.

3. Discover who the hiring manager is by name. If you cant direct your inquiry to that person, directly, you will have much less of a chance of success in getting the job.

4. Put down the names of everyone you know who might be able to introduce you to a hiring manager. Dont be afraid to ask for this help people love to feel like they are in the know and will be happy to pass your name along. And if they cant give you a referral, they might have a good tip for you.

5. Always have your resume prepared by a professional so that it stands out from the pack, emphasizing your results and accomplishments. Dont leave home without it!

Once you start implementing your strategy, you will be surprised at how many people you know who can help you. Dont let up for even one day, because marketing yourself is a full time job until you get the job of your choice.