Ten steps you can take to find a new job, including where to look for jobs, the top job sites, how to use your connections, how to ace the interview, and how to follow up.

Focus Your Job Search

Use the job search engines to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests and the location where you want to work. Narrowing your search criteria will help you focus your job search and will give you more relevant job listings to review and less non-relevant job listings to weed through.

Build Your Brand

Create profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, VisualCV, and JobFox. A strong personal brand that portrays you in a professional light will provide recruiters, employers, and contacts with a strong positive impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

Connect With Your Contacts

Now that you've created profiles on networking sites, use them. Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in touch with someone who can.

Use Job Search Tools

There are a variety of widgets, gadgets, and tools that will help expedite your job search and manage your career. Use them to organize your job search and save valuable job searching time.

Create a List of Companies

Do you have a list of companies you would like to work for? It's a good idea to research company information and create a list of companies to target in your job search. All the information you need is available on the web, and it's easy to find detailed information about potential employers online.

Find Job Listings

Check job search engine sites, job banks, company web sites, networking sites, niche job sites, and sites listed by type of job. Consider working with a recruiter to maximize your opportunities.

Target Your Resume and Cover Letter

It's important to take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you are applying for. The hiring manager will be able to see, at a glance, why, and how, you are qualified for the job. You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview than if you send a generic letter and resume.

Ace the Interview

Research the company before you go for the interview, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

Follow Up

It's important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you met with. Also reiterate your interest in the position and remind the hiring manager why you're an excellent candidate for the job.

Accept (or Decline) a Job Offer

When you receive a job offer, it's important to take the time to carefully evaluate the offer so you are making an educated decision to accept, or to reject, the offer. You don't have to accept a job just because it was offered to you, but do carefully evalute it and if you decline, do so politely.