How to Find the Job of Your Dreams

There's no set process for finding a new place of employment. There are, however, several steps you can take to secure the perfect job for you.

1) Make sure your resume has a professional look and is always updated. If you're not sure about the appearance of your resume, ask a professional friend - perhaps someone who does a lot of hiring - to take a look at it. Make any necessary changes. Spell-checking a resume is not enough. Read it to yourself and make sure it makes sense. If you're worried about the appearance of your resume, consider having it done professionally.

2) Keep an updated resume on hand at all times.
You never know when the perfect job opportunity is going to present itself. Because of this, it's an especially good idea to always have a current resume within an arm's reach. New jobs have been found while talking with co-workers at the water cooler. It might be a conversation with a server over lunch.

You never know when the opportunity will present itself. When it does, be prepared to hand over your qualifications.

3) Job boards actually work.
It seems too easy, but there's a reason companies pay big bucks to advertise their job openings on job boards such as CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com. Here, as well, it's important to keep your resume updated. Employers make a habit of finding out who's looking at the jobs they've posted. On at least some job boards, resumes that have been updated most recently move to the top of the list.

4) Network. Network. Network.
And when you get tired of talking to people, find a couple more to talk to. It is perhaps the number one way people find new careers. There is simply no substitute for telling people what job it is you're looking for. During this process, be ready for an exchange of ideas and the possibility you could be helping someone else find the perfect position for him.

5) E-mail companies you'd like to work for.
Even if there's no listing for the position you're interested in, employers love knowing there are quality people interested in working for their company. When searching for a new position, timing can be critical. The day you decide to send an unsolicited e-mail inquiring about job opportunities might be the day the person doing your dream job decides to retire.

6) Work at it every day.
If you're really serious about finding a new position, make the search a part-time job in itself. With every resume you send, the chances of being hired rise. Set a goal for yourself of sending a dozen resumes each day. Even sending one resume each day is a good start.

It is probably best to try a combination of these tips, although using them all is certain to raise your chances of finding the perfect job for you.