When preparing for interviews, focus on what works:

Research works. Going on line, reviewing web sites, learning content, outlining questions, works. Reading business news and trade papers, learning who’s expanding and consolidating, hiring and firing, competing and winning or falling behind are essential need-to know because research works.

Practice works. Field questions from anyone willing to help. Answer questions that come out of left field. Answer out loud, from your head and your gut, and tell a truth that’s as succinct as it is straightforward. Ask questions because there’s more to learn than what you know; find out what it is. You’re the expert of what you do best; they’re expert on what they need most. Tell your story and ask about theirs.

Positive attitudes work. Enlist the support of friends and family who are as positive about your abilities as they are optimistic about your future. Volunteer where you believe in the value of what you do and your ability to make a difference. Socialize with people who have an abundance mentality that builds others up and believe that it’s possible to succeed.

Healthy minds and bodies work. Exercise. Eat what’s good for you; drink what nourishes you; learn what expands you; and teach what invigorates you.

Focus works: Clear your mind, your desk, and your life of minor distractions, clutter, and static, and find true north by identifying what it is you like to do and do well. Then keep doing it.

Align what you think with how you act. Think positively and your body language will go along for the ride: Smile, initiate, invite, include, encourage and enable the best in others by looking and acting like you mean it.

Align what you say with what you think. Remember the carpenter’s rule and measure twice, cut once. Figure out what you want to say before you say it. If you believe you can do a job, because you have in the past, you like doing it, and you do it well, say so. If you believe that you can do more than you have in the past, say so, and say what that means for the employer willing to hire you.

Networking works. Get out there and talk to people about your job search. Tell them what you’re looking for and be specific. Talk about how you can make a difference for the company that hires you, and be specific. Go to leads meetings, job search networking meetings, Chamber meetings, Merchants Association meetings, and after work networking meetings. When your networking is focused and intentional, it works and so will you.

A focused resume works. A good resume begins with an objective that clearly states the job you want and follows with a reverse chronological outline of fact based, quantifiable, historical information that supports your objective. A good resume offers evidence of your competence in succinct and well chosen words that demonstrate you can do the job you seek and you can do it very, very well.

Good references work. Contact people you’ve worked for and describe the specific job you want. Ask for their perspective on the direction you’re taking. If they’re in full agreement, positive, and enthusiastic, sign them up. They’ll be good references and strong links in your job search network. On the flip side, if they’re non-committal or hesitant in their responses, probe to learn why. They may see something you’re missing or miss something you’re saying. Take note and adjust accordingly. If you have to step back and reassess, do it. Focus on what works.