Don’t provide any negative information. As with any job search correspondence, never offer any negative information. Your goal with the application is to get an interview. Providing negative information (such as being fired from a job) just gives the employer a reason not to interview you.

Always answer questions truthfully. The fastest way for an application to hit the trash can is to have a lie on it; but that doesn’t mean you need to offer extra information. If you have been fired or downsized, leave longer explanations for the interview. Some experts recommend writing “job ended” as the reason you left your last job.

Provide references. Pick your references carefully and always ask your references if they would be willing to give you a good reference before you list them. You should try and have professional references if possible – former employers or teachers. And be sure to ask what your reference will say about you!

If asked to name your strengths in an interview keep the list short. If an interviewer asks you to list your strengths, keep it short. This sounds wrong at first, but few people want to hear a long-winded, make- it –up- as- you- go- along list of all the positive adjectives you can think of.

Never ask about money until the job has been offered to you. Avoid asking about sick days, holidays, lunch time or breaks. The employer may feel that by asking about these things right off the bat, your priorities aren’t in the right order.

Never ask questions that sound like you may not be competent at the job. For example, if you ask what happens if deadlines aren’t met, the employer may view you as someone who misses deadlines.

Tell people about your qualifications and your skills. Ask them to keep an eye out for you. Ask old colleagues and references for suggestions on where you might find unadvertised jobs and companies that are hiring.

Show up dressed appropriately at least 15 minutes early, with a copy of your resume, research the company your are interviewing with, have a list of questions to ask and above all, make eye contact! Be confident and smile!

Do you know you want to work for a specific company? If so, send a well-written cover letter and your resume directly to the company, either to it's human resources office or, often more effective, to the person who would likely make hiring decisions for the part of the organization that interests you. It isn't always easy to find the right person to get in touch with; typlically, you'll have to do some digging.

Many sities, particularly large ones, host jobs fairs at various locations throughout the year. Most colleges and universities hold their own job fairs as well, either individually or in collaboration with other institutions. A job fair is a rare opportunity to have employers come to you. So make sure you attend job fairs whenever possible.

Take the time to reflect on what is important to you. Set priorities, make a plan and stick to it!

The best way to get out there is to market yourself. Create your own brand and market strategy. Have an elevator pitch. There are many books out there to help you network, network, network!

Social Media is becoming the best way to create your own brand. You need to create your own digital resume so potential employers can find excellent information on you online. Career Edge offers a workshop called Job Searching with Social Media. We'll show you all the do's and don'ts of social media while job searching. Sign up today!

Do an informational interview. This is a great way to collect information about an occupation and connect with professionals in your field.

Try out new computer programs like Simply Accounting. You can download free trials. This will help hone your computer skills and keep them current.

Create yourself a LinkedIn account. This is your 'digital resume'. A lot of business are searching for potential candidates on this website instead of advertising their job. You can upload different resumes, create a profile with keywords that employers will search for and you can connect with professionals in your field. Go to www.linkedin.com and get started today!

Have a "normal" e-mail address; NOT blondie@aol.com or hotstud@yahoo.com.

Gear your résumé for the job you are applying for. This may mean having 2 or 3 different résumés but thats ok! No 2 jobs are the same.

Have more than one résumé.

Age, marital status and other personal information should not be on your résumé. You should also exclude hobbies unless they relate to the job you are applying for.