Markell R. Steele, Career Counselor

Do you feel like a hamster on a wheel? Are you feeling miserable and stuck in a job that's not a fit? Usually, there is one aspect of the job that isn't working for you. It could be that the work you're doing isn't interesting, you're in the wrong role, or you're in the wrong environment. Figure out what isn't working, so you can move on.

When preparing for a job interview there is so much in your control. Don’t let the small, yet important details trip you up.

How many times have you walked into a networking event and clammed up? Everyone around you is clustered into small groups talking, seemingly already well-acquainted. At some point, you lock eyes with another job seeker standing alone and know that an introduction is on the way. So, you each make your way towards one another. Then comes the question, “So, what type of job are you looking for?”

Today’s job market is tough. Millions of people are looking for jobs for the first time in years. They’re looking for jobs that don’t seem to exist. Recruiters don’t return phone calls. Job seekers are fed up and frustrated. They wonder if all the effort is ever going to pay off and if it’s time to change careers. You might be wondering the same thing. But, it seems so risky in this economy.

For a lot of people networking is an unpleasant necessity of the job search. Much like the idea of public speaking sparks dread, networking causes otherwise confident job seekers to doubt their worth. They know it’s a good way to make key contacts for job leads and referrals. But, somehow, that understanding is not enough to get people out there. Here are five tips to help you get better results from your networking efforts.

Before you tackle the important job of getting the job you want take some time to set a good foundation. A little work on the front end to create a focused plan, learn the basics for job search success and consult with those more knowledgeable will save you time and frustration and will lead to a better finished product- the job you want!

Successful interviewing requires careful preparation and practice. Potential employers, hiring managers, and recruiters are evaluating you on a variety of attributes but what they really want to know is: can you do the job, what is your willingness to do the job, and how well will you will into the company culture.

The best way to launch a successful job search is to start with a good foundation. Take the time to define your job target, select the best tactics, and craft a solid action plan. With that foundation, you will have more confidence about your options and will shorten the time it takes to connect with the job of your dreams.

With the holidays now in full swing, there’s a tendency to want to relax and put your job search activities on the back burner. Many job seekers think that employers have stopped any hiring they might be considering and will ramp up in the New Year. If you buy into that, you’re missing 6-8 valuable weeks of search time. Use these 4 job search tips to stay on track during the holidays.

My experience made me wonder what it must be like for the millions of job seekers out there who are fighting against fear and disappointment. I wondered how fear and disappointment impacted their job search success. How do you overcome fear and disappointment so you can move forward in your job search?