Find a Great New Place to Work

If you don't already have a new job in mind, you're going to need to find one. That is, unfortunately, somewhat of a daunting task. Whenever I've needed a job or wanted a new one, I've simply thought of companies I liked and that would provide a good learning experience. Then I'd contact all the companies on that list about available jobs. If the company already provided a list of jobs, I'd contact them anyway to just ask a question. It always helps to have your name on the company's radar and let them know you'll be applying after they help you out. If you don't have any real questions, ask them something simple and easy to answer that might not be entirely clear in the job posting. If they can answer in a few minutes and you respond with a thank you, they'll feel like they helped you and that can make them like you. While you may not have a list of companies you like on the top of your head, if you think about it for a little while you'll likely find a few. Don't rule out anything just because it seems unlikely. You may be surprised at the jobs you can get if you're smart, get things done, and stand out just a little bit. (And if you really want to stand out, this Google trick is very clever.)

But sometimes getting a job can be tough because you don't have relevant experience. Of course, you can always get a lower-level job to get that experience or simply start in a position you are qualified for and move into the position you want after you've proven you're a great worker. In some cases, you can spin your unrelated experience to make it feel relevant. I've never applied for a job for which I was qualified, but I worked my way up through an internship or convinced my employer that my existing experience is relevant. Often times it's as simple as finding a task or two that you completed at your current job that is actually relevant and focus on those.

When you're really not sure where you might want to work, however, there are plenty of ways to find new options. Strangely, Twitter is a good option because organizations like Tweet My Jobs post quite a few opportunities. The Labor Department's Facebook page provides job listings and career advice as well. On top of those options, check out the top five Lifehacker reader favorites for job search sites.

- taken in part from a post by Adam Dachis on the Lifehacker website http://lifehacker.com/5880030/update-your-resume-and-get-a-better-job-this-weekend