Even in the best economy finding a job, particularly the right job, isn’t easy. Every career professional will tell you that networking is the best way to find a job. And it’s true. It’s more than the old adage that people hire people they know. The fact is that people hire people who catch their attention. And one of the best ways to catch a recruiter’s and/or hiring manager’s attention is to network your way into a job.

One of the worst situations for jobseekers when they are left wondering why they didn’t get the job. Sometimes it’s obvious – you really weren’t qualified or the interview didn’t go well. Other times it seems like everything was going your way. You got a call right away from HR and then hit it off with the hiring manager. But in the end you’re not the last candidate standing.

If you're looking for a job you should be using Twitter. Not just for finding out where your friends are meeting for lunch, but to learn about the job-search process and maybe even find a job. Twitter is a great way to connect with people and, at least for right now, it's free.

January is the perfect time for fresh beginnings. The idea of fresh starts is the impetus behind setting New Year’s Resolutions which include everything from dropping a few pounds to learning to ski. The start of a new year also is a good time to look for a new opportunity. The holiday season with all its distractions is over and people are ready to get back to business.

The time has come to quit your job. Whatever the circumstances you may have mixed feelings about leaving. Not only do you have to say goodbye to trusted colleagues and get ready to embark on a new journey, you also have tie up loose ends where you are now. Regardless of how you feel about the company you’re leaving; when it comes time to quit your job maintaining a professional attitude is always best.

In a flagging economy it seems there are 50 applicants for every one job. Because of this, it can be tempting to stay where you are even if you're no longer happy in your current position. Many jobseekers secretly search for the perfect replacement job, sneaking off to interviews on their lunch break and running off copies of their resumes on the company printer.

The final element in any job search is lining up a great list of job references. But, don?t wait until you schedule a job interview to start developing your list of professional references. Start today.

Are you wishing you could find a new job or start your own business or drop ten pounds? Don't waste your time wishing for what you want set a concrete goal. Preferably, a S.M.A.R.T. goal. But, to be successful you also need commitment, accountability and a little help from your friends.

While the common belief is that it's easier to get hired when you already have a job juggling the demands of your current workplace with the time and effort needed to seek out a new position can be tricky and stressful. Before tackling a transition, develop a plan of action that will maximize your chances of landing what you want without jeopardizing what you already have.

Transitioning from the armed services to a civilian position can be difficult. But, according to Lisa Rosser of The Value of a Veteran one of the keys is taking the time to plan well in advance. It?s essential to access your transferable skills, create a master resume and begin to make connections.

What is your vision of success? It's different for each of us at different times of our life. Right now your vision may be getting a job or having a flexible work schedule or going back to school. Five years from now it may be different. But, whatever your dream, setting SMART goals will help you make it come true.

To a great extent, you are who the Internet says you are. Your online presence is your virtual calling card, particularly, when it comes to your career. Monitoring your online presence and cleaning up your digital dirt is even more critical when you're looking for a new opportunity. Recruiters are looking you up online make sure you know what they're going to find there.

In the past when very few people were unemployed employers thought that if you were out of work you were at fault. Even in this economy there is still a stigma attached to being unemployed, particularly for an extended period. But there are some ways that you can turn employment gaps around.

While the first month of unemployment can be a busy time, as time progresses it's easy to become discouraged. But for the sake of your career and your sanity, staying motivated is vital. Don't be discouraged. Don't let being unemployed dampen your spirits there are several ways to stay motivated when you're out of work.

Networking is essential to help you find a job, advance your career or build your business you need to network. While networking should be part of your life, part of making connections is going to events for the purpose of networking. Meeting people at events can be daunting. But, with a little planning you can sail through networking events like a pro.

Today, your social media presence will likely influence your career. According to a recent recruiter survey your online presence can factor into the decision to bring you in for an interview and even whether or not you're hired. That should be enough of a reason to begin monitoring your social media presence today.

In a cutthroat world of layoffs, downsizing and unemployment, it's important for jobseekers over 40 to stay one step ahead of the game. When you're competing with younger candidates it's essential to remember that you bring a lot to the table in terms of experience and a strong work ethic.

Whether you're thinking about finding a new position in the same industry, the same job in a new industry or a complete career change, the secret to making a smooth career transition is careful planning.

When looking for a job, it certainly is wise to cover all bases - from checking online job boards to inquiring at companies of interest to asking everyone you know to keep an eye out for an appropriate opening. Many times, however, jobs do not make it to the posting stage. Instead, they are filled by candidates the company already knows are qualified.

When it comes to finding a job, it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. You can’t just show up at a career fair with a smile on your face and a resume in your hand and walk out with a top job anymore. Today’s economy demands jobseekers prepare for job fairs before ever setting foot in the door.

If you have been reading articles or listening to news reports about the job market, it becomes obvious that the number of people currently seeking jobs outnumbers the jobs that are now available.

Involuntary career breaks, or dare we say it, 'unemployment', can often be a frightening situation for anyone to be in. After the initial shock of unexpectedly finding yourself without a job, it doesn't take long before disillusionment sets in.

The economic downturn left millions out of work. Consequently being unemployed lost some of the stigma it once had. But, what happens when you’ve been unemployed for six months or more? Even in this economy potential employers are concerned when a candidate has been out of work for many months...

It appears, from studies conducted over the past few years that women are more actively involved in using Social Media Networking then men. They have more Facebook and Twitter pages, and they are blogging away! Not a big surprise - women have been "natural-born-networkers" since the beginning of time.

Are you frustrated when you receive no response after you send out resumes, no follow-up calls to hear how you did on interviews, no replies when you are trying to gather more information about a prospective employer? Well, you are not alone. Over the past few years, it seems like it has been impossible to get people to return phone calls. The truth is this has always been the case. The employment decision making process often moves slowly.

The Great Recession has fundamentally changed the employment landscape in this country. The old rules no longer apply. I believe we are entering into an age of career entrepreneurialism, an age where careers aren't pursued they are created. Career success in the New Economy is going to require personal accountability and proactive planning.

Are you looking for work? What is your current situation? Were you one of the thousands laid off over the last year and currently out of work? Or are you stuck in a rut thinking about a career change? Whatever your current situation setting SMART goals will help you find a new job.

Whether you are thinking about entering the job market or plan to remain with your current employer until you retire, take heed. The job market can be highly competitive and the perception of a guaranteed job for life is no longer valid. To ensure you maintain an impressive marketable and highly employable edge within a constantly changing career landscape, ensure you aren't fooled by the following career misconceptions.

If you were fired, you probably dread being asked this question. Not only have you been fired, you have to talk about it ' over and over. How you deal with questions about being fired will depend on how you have resolved the issue with yourself. Here are examples of how two candidates answer the question:

It happens. You get all pumped up to look for a new job, get your resume and cover letter all spruced up and then - nothing. How do you put the excitement back in your job search?

In today's uncertain economy, many people are concerned about their jobs. They wonder about their company's future. And if layoffs do come, they wonder who will be the first to go.

After the stressful process of looking for a new job while you're still employed, accepting an offer is a huge relief. At last, you're free! You probably can't wait to share your good fortune with the world and tell your boss where she can shove that evil assignment she gave you last week. You might think that since you're leaving, you don't have to worry what people think of you anymore. This is not the case. Unless you want to erase everything you've accomplished since you first accepted this job, your departure must be as strategic and deliberate as your arrival.

To perform the job interview salary negotiation dance steps, you must have a good sense of balance. Knowing your value and your worth will help you feel more confident about staying in step during the salary negotiation process. The employer takes the lead and you follow, staying with the rhythm. You move together through the interview process; aware of the other, taking care not to step on one another. The salary negotiation dance is never confrontational or harsh, but smooth and in harmony.

One of the keys to a successful interview is having strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Where else to go for tips than to a nationally known communication expert like Ruth Sherman? Ruth Sherman works with business leaders, politicians and celebrities to help them leverage critical, high-stakes public communications and she agreed to provide a few communication tips to our readers.

Some people say the job market is improving. Others say not so much. But, whatever the state of the economy there's always the possibility of getting let go. And whether you're laid off or fired the experience is traumatic. (Part 1 of a 4 part series)

After years at your present position, one day you hear the dreaded words from your boss, "come in here and close the door." And bam! Without further ceremony or official notice you're terminated.

Are you frustrated when you receive no response after you send out resumes, no follow-up calls to hear how you did on interviews, no replies when you are trying to gather more information about a prospective employer?

Joe* has been out of work for nearly one year. The first six months weren't too difficult. But, now he's beginning to wonder if he'll ever find another job.

Over half of employers today use the Internet for recruiting. Everyday, millions of job seekers submit their resumes and view job postings on hundreds of popular job boards.

These days people may be concerned about whether this is a proper time to be switching careers or looking for a new job. Although some industries, like the airline industry, are currently cutting back staffing needs other fields are hiring.

So, you are finished. You have completed all your credits and have your diploma in hand. You sent your resume out to employers, interviewed with some companies, and landed your first job.

While we haven't returned to the early 1990's, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor the unemployment rate edged up again in April.

It was only a year ago that you were going a million miles an hour answering a gazillion emails and figuring out whom to blow off your call list. Now, you're at home flipping the channels wondering how you're going to make the next car payment on the BMW.

Just thinking about changing careers can be overwhelming. Depending on which path you choose, it can be a daunting task. But, when you combine a little creative thinking with some strategic planning, making a change is much more doable.

Ever make a New Year's resolution? If you answered yes, you're not alone. It's one of our favorite pastimes. There's something about a brand new calendar that suggests the opportunity to start all over again

Changing careers can seem a daunting task. And depending on the path you choose it can be. First, consider that every position has two parts: the job (responsibilities, duties performed, skills needed) and the field (the industry where the work is done).