We all have a dream job or a career that we want to pursue. Some of us achieve and get what we want, while others get left behind, stuck in a job they only do to make ends meet.

Finding a job is not an easy task, and a typical job search can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months or longer. During this time, many applicants will feel desperate to find a solution. Some might turn to an employment recruiter for help.

When someone says, “resume,” we usually think about a fresh graduate looking for her first job, someone who is looking for a change, or someone who just got fired and is looking for a new job. Resumes aren’t our highest priority unless the situation calls for it. What if you were suddenly in a situation where you needed a resume but you’re not ready? Someone else will be ready to swoop in and take advantage.

The company you’re targeting has finally taken notice. You’re scheduled for an interview next week, so you’ve prepared your best suit, shined your shoes, and printed several copies of your resume just in case... but is that enough preparation for the interview?

Where do I go now? Every job search brings that question. The answer matters.

Certain jobs will limit your future career options. Others will open doors. To identify which options to pursue, you must identify specific career goals and the steps required to get there. Let me explain.

Anyone can feel interview jitters before an interview, so why wouldn’t you? The opportunity is finally here for you to turn things around after a long period of being unemployed or to get away from a bad boss.

In this day and age, some job seekers are trying to dismiss the notion that a cover letter is important. If you are one of those who think that a cover is no longer relevant, then you need to hear this message: A cover letter is still and will always be important when you’re applying for a job.

Anytime you’re looking at a job ad, there are a number of requirements that an employer is looking for. You’ve finally found a job that looks and feels perfect... but you find that you don’t meet all of the job requirements. What do you do?

When you’re doing your job search, people say that you need to treat it seriously. This means that you have to be accountable in every way, much like an owner would treat his or her business. A business owner would never let a big client get away just because his initial attempt at closing the deal failed. Likewise, in your job search you need to keep trying and do whatever it takes to get a company to notice you.

Everyone feels nervous at one point or another, and to cope with this feeling, we develop nervous habits. Sometimes these habits are what make other people judge you and your skills for the job prematurely, leaving you little room to make a positive impression on the interviewer.