Employment Hint #1: Write an excellent resume

One of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make is to not have an effective resume (called a curriculum vitae or CV overseas). If you've never written one before, now is the time to beef up your skills in this area. You can actually find help from a number of sources, including at your local library and on the Internet. There are also many online firms that will write resumes for you, but be wary. If you're just starting out in your career, it's unlikely that these services will be very helpful. Instead, stick with less costly methods for putting together a resume.

Employment Hint #2: Tell everyone you're on the lookout

One of the best ways to find employment is to tell every person you know that you're actively seeking a job. For many persons, the first job is found through friends. It's really the law of averages ? the more people who are aware of your employment search, the more chances that a job offer will come through.

Employment Hint #3: Check online and print sources for employment

Don't forget to look through your local paper for employment classified ads. Though this might seem "low tech" in today's cyber world, it's a great way to find your first job. You can also try looking online at Hotjobs, Careerbuilder, and Monster. Just be wary of any employment "opportunity" that seems too good to be true, because it probably is.

Employment Hint #4: Don't stay unemployed for long

Even if you have to take a low-paying job, it's important for you to continue to make money while searching for steady employment. If you have to flip burgers for a while, so be it; at least you'll be showing some initiative. Many first-time job seekers (and even mature job seekers) forget that there's no shame in taking on a minimum wage job to pay the bills until a higher paying employment option comes along.

Employment Hint #5: Join a professional group

If you've graduated from college or university with a professional degree, why not invest in a membership to a local organization? For instance, if you have a degree in accounting, there could be a professional accounting nonprofit in your area. By becoming a member, you may just hear about employment openings that aren't offered to the public. You'll also meet people who could help you get a job or who would be willing to employ you themselves.

Remember that the savvy job seeker always exhausts every avenue and never gives up. When you're looking for employment, it can seem as if time is just standing still, but if you play your cards right, you'll find a job long before your bank account has fizzled out.