When conducting a job search, I think a crucial strategic point that is often overlooked is goal setting. We get caught up in this rut of work for pay and rarely consider our true career goals until something forces us to to do that, such as a major life changing event or a lay off. Even in those cases, I find that most seasoned career professionals tend to go into panic mode and they forget about pulling out the typical road map that is required for a successful job search. Here are a few strategies that I’d like to share with you.

First of all, set your goal. If you could work for any one company what would that company be? Name the company? Why would you want to work there? Next, are there other companies that you know of that are similar to that company where you would be a good fit?

Next, build your network. There are so many job search tools out there that didn’t exist five years ago that will make building your network a little easier. As effective as online social networking tools can be, nothing replaces good old fashioned networking. It doesn’t hurt to get out and pound the pavement, so attend the face to face networking events and join appropriate professional associations that offer networking opportunities and online job postings.

Third, promote your subject area expertise. You are now in sales and you are marketing YOU. By utilizing the various social media outlets available today, one can become recognized as an industry expert simply by answering questions and blogging. Perhaps I’m oversimplyfying this concept just a bit, but my main point is leverage your knowledge and earn recognition by using the internet technology available today. Also, share your contacts with others. A referral given is a referral earned. People will help you when you help them.

Fourth, as you build your network, your reputation as an expert will grow, so as your network grows you will have more opportunities to share your expertise with others.

I wouldn’t be able to end this post without saying something regarding the resume, after all I am a professional resume writer. Since I’m talking about goal setting, you must target your resume to meet your employment goal. You’d be amazed at the number of people who just want a generic resume. There’s no such thing so don’t ask for one. Your resume must be targeted to meet your employment goals. If you have no specific employment goals then start over and find one. A good place to start is by asking four and five year olds. Even most pre-school children usually have some inkling of an idea of what they want to be when they grow up, and they’re usually pretty noble careers.

Seriously though, if you’re conducting a job search, evaluate your life, determine what your values are, set your goals, build your network, sell yourself as an expert, and get a great resume together. Then, market yourself in as many creative ways as you possibly can.