How do most people approach a job search? Well is often goes like this...

As human beings we are subject to emotional reactions and our career can often trigger these reactions. At any given time, we may become frustrated, angry, disillusioned, bored, burned out, etc. with either our employer, our role in the organization, or both. In the “heat” of the moment, we jump on the Internet and resolve to find a new job! We dust off the old resume and start using Internet job boards to look for that new opportunity that will make us feel engaged and energized in our work once again.

If this sounds like you, then you’ve already made three crucial mistakes! First, you are searching for a new job based upon an emotional decision, rather than an informed, creative decision. Second, you've convinced yourself that with a few tweaks your resume will be in grest shape. And third, you jumped on the web to start looking for a job that looks and sounds very close to the job you had.

Your job search should be fueled by a mix of self assessment, information, strategic thinking, and creativity. Invest time, effort, and money if necessary, to develop a targeted, robust resume that clearly communicates the value (skills, strengths, credentials, accomplishments) you will bring to an organization. And I highly recommend that you search for a company, not a job. By seeking out organizations that represent a solid match with your work style, preferences, values, and the type of people you enjoy interacting with, you are setting the stage for a positive job change.

Use lists and directories to ignite and inform your job search. Consider the following resources: (a) web based databases of company information, (b) The Book of Lists for your area of the country, (c) directories from your area chamber of Commerce, plus (d) lists published in magazines such as INC., Fortune and Forbes of Top and Great places to work. When you uncover organizations that you believe are a nice fit, dig deeper. Learn all you can about their culture, how they treat their staff and what openings exist on the Careers page of their website – opportunities for you to add your strengths and expertise.

Get creative and move beyond your comfort zone when searching for the next opportunity. STOP looking for a job and start identifying the new home for your career.