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Establish concrete marketing goals for yourself each week regarding the number of hours you'll devote to your job search, resumes and letters you'll send, follow-up calls you'll make, and face-to-face meetings you'll arrange.

Several factors determine which job search strategies are best for your unique situation. Take into consideration your personality, the industry in which you're seeking employment, and the effectiveness of each strategy. Keep track of your job search efforts and make adjustments as needed. Focus attention of strategies that yield the best results.

4.) Step four: get noticed with an employer-focused resume. Your resume is a snapshot of who you are, what you've done, and -- most important -- what you can do for potential employers. Its job is simple: to get you to the next step in the process -- a job interview. While you are the subject of this critical marketing document, make no mistake; it is all about the employer.

So maximize your 15 seconds of fame by showing employers what you've got. And don't make them search through a two page document for applicable skills and experience, because they won't. In most cases a single page is preferable. Use a resume format that will put your highlights in the top one-third of the page.

5.) Step five: prepare for your interview like it's game seven of the world series. Prior to any game -- let alone one upon which his entire season hinges -- a pitcher studies the team he is up against. He knows each hitter's preferences and is keenly aware of his flaws. The pitcher will use this information to his advantage during the ballgame. What about you? How do you prepare for "the big game?"

Dressing appropriately is important. Mental preparation is even more so. Research the organization and formulate a few questions to ask about the company and the nature of the work you'd be doing. But, it is just as important to do some internal research. What is it that you have to offer? How have you proven your ability to succeed in the past? What have you learned from past missteps?

Be prepared to clearly communicate your value to the interviewer. Provide convincing examples of your abilities and experience. This requires careful preparation. Practice with a family member, friend, career or job search coach. You'll only have one opportunity to make a lasting first impression.

Putting it All Together

Creating and implementing a successful job search plan requires discipline, hard work, and commitment. But, if you want to compete in the current job market, it is an absolute necessity. Create a plan of action that will get you noticed by potential employers:

Prepare thoroughly for your interview.