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human resources professionals can tell when their company name has been substituted onto a generic cover letter. It sends a clear message that their needs are not important.

EXPLORE ALL SOURCES
Anyone who has been out of the job market for awhile may be unfamiliar with the latest job search engines and job data banks. Internet networking resources are relatively new as well. This is where educating yourself comes in to play. More and more options seem be appearing all the time.

DILIGENCE
Be prepared for the long haul and then pleasantly surprised if your search ends sooner than you expected. Realize also that it's a numbers game. Set a goal for yourself for a minimal number of calls or contacts to make daily. Take the initiative to follow up if you haven't received an expected number of responses. You may need to re-evaluate your game plan.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Realize that the endeavor you've undertaken can be stressful and it may sometimes feel demoralizing. Don't give in to negative feelings. Treat yourself regularly to small rewards for plowing through another day or week. Most importantly, remind yourself that there's an employer out there looking for you and your amazing skills. It's just a matter of time before you find each other.

Learn more about this author, Cecily Cooper.
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