If you are like millions of other people throughout the United States, you may be frantically trying to find a job to replace the one you lost. In fact, according to the most recent figures, our country’s unemployment rate is getting frighteningly close to the 10% mark and many experts predict it will bypass this point before things get any better. So, if you are one of the many jobseekers out there, it has never been more important for you to set yourself apart from the competition in order to give yourself the best chance of finding a job. With these 5 must-dos, you will be certain to do just that!

Keep Your Search Focused

Although you might be feeling as if you should just take any job that comes your way, it is important for you to keep your job search focused and to look for a job that suits your job skills. Not only will you set yourself up for disappointment and resentment if you just take any job that comes along, employers are less willing to hire those who come off as being willing to take anything that comes there way. Just as you should be looking for a job that is a good fit for you, employers are looking for someone who is passionate about the job and dedicated to sticking around for the long haul.

Extend Your Network

The majority of jobs are not actually advertised in the newspaper or online. Therefore, your best chance of getting a good job is to extend your personal and professional network so you can find out about openings that are not advertised. If necessary, do some cold calling and contact the human resources department of companies that might need someone with the skills you have to offer.

Create a Resume Filled with Achievements

When creating your resume, think about the things you have achieved in your previous positions and how those achievements might be relevant to the job you are applying to. Rather than creating a “one size fits all” resume, tailor it to suit the position you are applying for. In addition, keep it brief and professional looking. Your resume should never been more than two pages long and it should be printed on plain white paper without graphics. If you are hand delivering your resume, however, you should print it on slightly heavier paper so it stands out a little from the other resumes on the human resources desk.

Prepare for the Interview

If you make it to the interview stage, this is your big chance to win over your future employer. To make certain you are prepared for the interview, ask a friend to conduct a mock interview with you. Look up some common interview questions http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/interview-questions.asp on the Internet and asking your friend to pretend to be the interviewer. Practice looking the interviewer in the eye and answering questions in complete sentences without using pausing words such as “um” and “like.”

Offer a Solution

Employers are looking for more than someone to simply fill an open position, they are looking for a problem solver. Therefore, before you even create a resume for the job, take the time to read the job description and to learn more about the company so you can create a convincing cover letter that demonstrates why you are the best person for the job.