No surprises. Know what is on your driver's record and credit history; update your credit file before authorizing background check.

Gather information through using open-ended questions that can't be answered by "yes" or "no"; begin : how/what/when/where/why/who

See your job search as self-employment. You are selling the product that is you. How does the buyer/employer benefit from the sale?

If downsized, take a few days before launching your search; give yourself the time you need to arrive at a settled state of mind.

Confidence and enthusiasm are vital to making the best impression on potential employers; believe in yourself and others will also

Handshakes: limp grasp = passivity; crushing = aggression/insecurity; interviewers form instant impressions thru body language.

Industry Assoc. member lists/directories can be fertile ground for emails of hiring executives for senior jobs or network contacts

Save cover message which can be customized for ads in Drafts folder; avoid sending blank messages; keep it concise; include tel #

Google specific job titles + municipality name; results may include specialist recruiters in your field and region = more options

Create job-alerts on major job sites which automatically email you about jobs arising with your skills, experience and preferences

Put dates worked on your resume. Missing dates/years for jobs may be perceived as having something to hide = less buyer interest

Find hiring executives: check these sections in company websites: Directory, Offices, Staff, About Us, Locations, Contact Us

If sending cv direct to company exec., cc HR Manager as a courtesy - you never know what other opportunities may arise internally

Interview: bring a list of updated employment references (ex-superiors) w/updated ctc info, leave it with interviewer

Interview - "Tell us about yourself" - key, dangerous question; qualify it - "What would you like to know?"

Interview - provide 2 min. overview of career/education, note key strengths, finish with open-ended interview questions.

Interview - go easy on perfumes/colognes, better yet, don't wear any scent; nothing to distract the interviewer

Interview: Pace/timing - TV announcers speak at a moderate speed; good voice modulation promotes clear communication

Downsized? Use employment/severance/dismissal legal specialist to review severance package to receive all owed to you by law

Interview: Do a dry-run drive to the meeting location before the day of the meeting - reduce tension; know the way there

See press-releases area of a potential employer's site to learn vital data about plans, employers like that initiative

Interview: self-awareness is important; how do you come across? practice your pitch with a friend + get feedback

Interview: have a thoughtful answer to "Why should we hire you?" Recap your acquired skills/experience and desire/energy/enthusiasm

Interview: flexibility can be useful. If salary isn't adequate, trade-off for flex-hours or vacation days if an option

Your expectations are important; visualize that next opportunity, listen for hints that people can provide to act on

Chinese saying: "The palest ink is better than the best memory" Write your goals down to commit to them in daily life

Telephonr Interview: have a list of points about achievements/strengths/experience to refer to as a memory aid on the phone

Job-search clubs or forums are a virtual or physical place where mutually supportive people share tips and encouragement

The "Links" page of your industry's Associations can provide fertile ground for company names to research for job leads

Associations often have an area of the site listing Member companies and their executives - good lead source to check

Interview: ask what the attitudes and values are that the company looks for in employees - is there a fit with yours?

Email: copy/paste text of resume in email body even if attaching a resume; instant resume access improves odds of contact

A quick Email follow up to thank the interviewer for his/her time leaves a positive impression after the interview

Resume - Avg. time recipients spend reviewing your resume is 10-15 seconds, initially - create buyer interest asap

Resume - Accomplishments, Skills, Credentials, industry buzz-words should appear on first page - edit and re-edit

If one door has closed for you, trust that another has opened elsewhere; your intention and perseverance will guide you

When responding to job ad number, try and include actual job title in Subject line to assist recipient to contact you

Reduce number of attachments that you include in a message to 1; less time spent opening docs = more time to review your resume

It is ok to include your cover letter text as part of your full resume; keep sentences concise, avoid rambling paragraphs

Stay with common fonts: courier, arial, times new roman for text; fancy fonts may distract reader from contents of your resume

Send your resume to a hiring manager whom you would most likely report to; check company directory/contact us for emails

Resume - explain gaps in employment on your resume if downsized to ensure reader is clear on the circumstances

Industry association events often have online lists of exhibitors containing names of their managers - email contacts

Interview: Neutral colors, blues/greys do not distract the interviewer from what you have to say; go light on jewellery

Be patient with inexperienced interviewer; he/she might decide who is referred to their superior for the shortlist

Attitude is often a decisive factor when an employer decides between two equally qualified applicants - enthusiasm counts!

Worst method of sending a resume that we've seen so far - in a zip file with multiple attachments - not suggested

Research: company plans before meeting; reviewing "press releases" area of their site; discuss in interview - shows initiative

Google the company's name and the key words "press release" to zero in on relevant pages in their site; what are they doing?

Interviews: Be aware of signals of confidence or nervousness that you are sending: fold your hands, keep them away from your face

Interviews: Look directly into the interviewer's eyes when emphasizing a job skill or achievement; make that human connection

Interviews: Visualize yourself as calm, poised and persuasive before going to the interview; mentally rehearse your presentation

Interviews: If the interviewer seems inexperienced, remember that the courtesy you show him/her may move you to the next step

Best times of day to send and follow up your resume: after a.m. email processed, say 930a and by 230p - most are back from lunch

Worst times to send resume: just after 530pm and overnight - avoid being lost in the bulk spam received overnight by managers