What if I told you that most folks in today's complex marketplace are doing it wrong? As a result they're taking months to accomplish what could be done successfully in a matter of days. To do right by your commitment to finding a new job you need to be guided by three golden rules. Master them and you virtually guarantee your job search success!

GOLDEN RULE #1: No employer will be interested in you if he/she can't be convinced that you can make a real contribution to bottom line or that you can make the employer's job easier. If you fail to communicate that in your interviews, resume and written or spoken messages . . . you're OUT!

The burden is on you to prove you can make a difference. That means you have to research what the organization's goals are and specifically what the hiring decision-maker is looking for. And then be prepared to present specific contributions.

If you think that somehow an employer will figure out what you can do by reading between the lines of your resume or second-guessing your interview presentation . . . well, they don't have the time or interest to do that. Besides, if you can't show how you bring value, there's someone else right behind you who can.

GOLDEN RULE #2: YOU are in charge of finding a new job . . . and only you! If you leave finding a new job up to chance by using passive, uninvolved strategies you just LOST!

For example, hoping that posting an electronic resume to a half dozen job search services like Monster or HotJobs will get you the job you deserve is worse than wishful thinking. It's delusion! The same applies to answering endless ads or expecting recruiters or agencies to handle everything for you.

GOLDEN RULE # 3: The most valuable asset you have that can guarantee you a speedy and lucrative job search are your CONTACTS. These are people you already know starting with relatives, friends, neighbors, religious leaders, business associates and customers, people you buy things from (like insurance, financial services, contractors, etc.).

However, you can't turn them off by asking them to help finding a new job. You DO want to ask them for advice by telling them about your career/job change plans and asking them to refer you someone with information about the organizations or individuals you've targeted.

The good news is that a carefully-crafted plan can walk you through the process step-by-step and have you entertaining job offers inas little as 14 days!