Your closest co-worker just got a new job...and it makes you crazy because that could have been you. You're as qualified as her; you have the same background and experience…why weren't you the one who got a new job? Oh yeah, because you actually have to apply for a job in order to be offered it.

How many times has this happened to you? You are technically job searching but you only casually look through job postings not having any intention to apply for any of them and you haven't really gotten your resume and cover letter in the best shape possible. So what do you really expect to happen? It seems that many people are waiting for the Job Search Fairy to come and drop the perfect job in their lap. As you may have guessed, it doesn't work that way. So, what can you do?

Get Out of the ‘Wish Mode'

Stop wishing for a new job and start actively looking for one. It's a common situation: you look through job postings and picture yourself with that company, doing that job, earning more money. Sound familiar? Or someone close to you got offered their dream job and you're still sitting on the sidelines wishing it was you who was moving onto bigger and brighter career endeavors?

You need to take your job search into your own hands and be proactive. Don't sit and wish each day away. Work doesn't have to be such drudgery.

You just have to…

Buckle Down and Do It

You've been putting off getting your resume and cover letter up to par and that can be a huge force that holds you back. If you're not confident with your job search documents you send out, chances are you're not going to get a whole lot of calls for interviews.

If it's a task that you don't want to tackle yourself, don't. There is no law that says you have to write your own resume and cover letter. In fact, a professional resume writing service can garner very positive job search results, in most cases. It is money well-spent if you choose the right company for you.

It's a win-win situation: you don't have to stress about writing your resume package and you can be assured that the package you send out is above average…exceptional in many cases.

Now, It's Time to Get Excited

You've got everything in place and you're ready to start applying. So, instead of just daydreaming about the jobs you see listings for, apply for them. Today. Don't wait until tomorrow or next week. Take the time to apply right now and you'll see that you'll get into a pattern of acting immediately. It's a good habit to get into. You'll get a lot more results that way. Why? Simply because you'll end up submitting your resume package more often.

Every time you submit your resume, just think: “This could be it. This could be my new job.” Isn't that exciting? You never know what will come of your applications right away but the possibilities are endless. That alone should get your blood flowing and your heart pumping.

Now get out there and take charge of your job search. There's no time like the present.