When all else fails, read the directions. Searching for a job is a big enough challenge without winging it. Rather than take a scattershot approach or sit at home and wait for the phone to ring, get out there and make something happen.

Here’s how.

Prepare your resume but don’t let the effort consume you. There are resources out there if you want them; libraries, bookstores, and internet sites just waiting to serve up the assistance you need. And if doing it yourself doesn’t do it for you, ask for help. You’ll find career counselors and resume writers in private practice and public places. Once you’ve made your best effort, ask for feedback from those who critique resumes for a living; people who hire people. Make the appropriate corrections and you’re good to go.

Next. Line up your professional references. Select individuals for whom you’ve worked who can and will describe your skills, strengths, and track record with positive enthusiasm. (If you detect a note of hesitation or negativity, have the courage to ask why. If the reference doesn’t appear comfortable in the role, find someone who is.)

Identify what you want to do next and move toward it. (If you know you’re in a bad job and don’t know what a good one looks like, go back to square one. You have work to do before you can begin your search).

Network. Make a list of people you know and respect that know people who hire people. Be sure that the folks you include are individuals with whom you have something significant in common. The more alike you are, the more likely they’ll know people with whom you have something in common. The more you have in common, the more likely you’d enjoy the same kinds of work and the more likely they’ll refer you to jobs you’d like.

Rehearse before attending an interview. Some folks practice by interviewing for jobs they don’t want. That’s a waste of time and squandered opportunity. Instead, focus on making a good impression and if the job’s not right, getting a referral for something with greater potential within or outside that company. Hit a home run every time you interview. Get the interviews, get the offers, be the one who gets to choose.

Practice in front of a live audience. Invite friends, relatives, and fellow job seekers to drill you with tough questions. Practice responding to stone-faced inquisitors, talkaholics, and disinterested bystanders. The more opportunities you have to respond to odd- ball or hard- ball questions the better equipped you are to do well when it counts most.

Know what you want before you leave home. Know why you want it. Know what you can contribute that makes a difference to the person sitting across from you. Demonstrate, through vivid examples, your drive, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, competence, and creative approach to problem solving.

Know your worth in the marketplace so that your salary requirements are consistent with your education, years of experience, expertise in your field of endeavor, and appropriate to the local area’s cost of living index. Given the competition and the current economy, it helps if your spending doesn’t exceed your earning potential.

Seal the deal with a solid close.  Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and clearly state your strong interest, ability, and desire to do the work as it has been described. Highlight two or three key challenges that you are particularly eager to tackle and ask for the job.

Follow through and follow up. Write a thank you note immediately after the interview. If a week passes and you haven’t heard anything, call and leave a brief message that indicates your continued interest in the position.

Don’t wait. Keep looking.