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A job search is something that we all experience with the same level of apprehension. A job search is not something that anyone looks forward to, regardless of how many times you have performed one. Whatever the circumstances surrounding the job search, be it a forced search by layoff or a willful one, as in the case of a student/graduate, homemaker,retiree or seasoned professional, this circumstance adds to the level of anxiety surrounding the search.

Mixed emotions prevail when thinking of the tedious nature of searching for a job, trolling the endless websites,speaking to headhunters, searching through the Sunday paper, this process always seem to equate to the fear of the unknown and what if you can't accomplish the unthinkable... find a new job? If you prepare yourself in advance before you start your search you will be better equipped mentally and will experience a higher level of success than without preparation.

Regardless if you are a high school student, college graduate, homemaker or retiree returning to the workforce or a seasoned professional, be realistic about your job search and your skills.
First and foremost take a personal inventory of your skills. Write down all of your strong skills and also write down your weaker skills. This pro and con approach to your skill set will give you a clear indication of where you are in marketability. Rank your skills by competency level, beginner, intermediate and advanced.
If you identify weaker skills that you wish to improve upon, enroll in an evening course or on line course to improve these skills, the more skills that fall into the Intermediate to Advanced category increases your marketability.

Be honest with yourself, we all have strengths and weakness's and when looking for a new job your strongest skills are your marketable skills. Focusing on what type of job you are best suited for will take away a large portion of the apprehension. A job search is a target marketed activity, do not apply for jobs that you do not have the skills set for and are looking to wing it! Be realistic, if you only have 1 year of sales experience and the job calls for 3+ years this is not the job for you! Look for a job that will provide you with training, the pay may be less but it will give you the skills you need, while you are earning a paycheck! Also, be open minded to all industry's, just because you were in Health Care for most of your career you may find a dream job in the hospitality industry but never

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