Is job-hunt a full-time job in itself?

• Be organised: Searching for a job is a tedious process. Getting organised can bring in success. Have a proper work area with a computer, newspapers, job journals and all that you require to get started. Keep track of where you are applying and the companies that interest you. This kind of organised work will help you respond better to recruiters.

• Identify your goals: Your first priority is to figure out what you want to do. The job description, the profile, the work responsibilities are all important parameters that you should be very clear about. Decide what you want to do before you start applying as that is the basis of your CV. Then, after making an impressive CV, register yourself with some of the established and reputed career portals of the country. Your work doesn’t end there. Don’t wait for the e-mail/sms alert for jobs. Rather, surf through the portals yourself for any new advertised jobs and apply accordingly.

• Apply religiously: Set realistic goals which are easy to achieve. Then start searching for suitable jobs. Scan thoroughly the local and national newspapers apart from job journals. Once you’re able to zoom in on the jobs you want to apply for, send out your job application. Use the professional networking sites to look for specific people who are responsible for recruitment and directly address the letter to them for a prompt response. Remember to do a follow up on your application inquiring whether they have received it or not To manage this task well, keep a tab on number of applications send, write down the details and keep updating the status as and when.

• Network actively: Networking is the key to success in today's world and so the mantra is to network hard. Try to connect with old friends/acquaintances and understand the job scenario at their place of work. At the slightest hint of a job opening or expansion, do not hesitate to send in your job application and ask your friend to refer you for the same.

• Stay motivated: This is perhaps most difficult to achieve. Job-hunt is a time-consuming process and more often than not, you will run out of steam and feel like giving up. There is uncertainty at almost every step. Stay put. Keep in mind that everyone goes through such a phase to get a good job and rejections are only a matter of time. Apart from job search activities, enroll for a training or certification that will add volume to your CV and also help you to unwind. Most importantly, keep yourself balanced.

Employed or un-employed - if you looking for a job, your main task at hand is to find one. So, give it your hundred percent till you succeed. Balance your time well to keep a check on your stress levels and succeed in your mission