Finding a job is often a numbers game. The key to winning is having as many irons in the fire as possible. The most common way to find a job is through personal contacts so much of your job search should be focused on increasing your number of personal contacts or what's commonly called networking. Networking involves meeting as many people as you can and letting them know the type of work you're seeking. Hopefully, if they hear of a position or meet someone who might know of a job, they'll pass your name along.

Where do you meet people? Through business groups like professional or trade organizations, chambers of commerce, at trade shows and through personal friends. Enterprising job hunters further expand their reach when they call potential employers directly, attend job fairs, and inquire at growth companies, employment agencies, executive search firms, state job services, alumni placement offices, and so on. Of course, when seeking a job, classified ads in your local newspaper and in trade journals are an obvious source of leads. The Internet too, has a wealth of information, including job openings posted on companies' web sites.

Informational interviews in which you speak directly with someone in your field can help you expand your firsthand knowledge of the type of work you seek as well as provide you with additional contact names to pursue.

Further your career research by meticulously researching individual companies that could be potential employers. Be aware that you may eventually face the question of whether or not you would consider relocating for a job, and how to conduct a long-distance job hunt.

As you research employers and continue to generate leads, keep charts of your contacts, making note of additional names each provides. Also keep track of when and how you have followed up a lead with a thank-you note, additional letter or phone call. The key to a successful search is exploring every potential opportunity and being resourceful, organized and focused.