Many of us can feel a bit overwhelmed when attempting a new job search.

Does my resume look professional? Does it accurately position me for the job I want? How do I find the best recruiters to partner with? What job boards do I use?

It can all seem a bit overwhelming. While these issues are important during a job search, there are other, more personal items, which are equally important. Additionally, success with these items can go a long way in saying "Ciao" to a more focused and more successful job search.

C = Confidence

Many times job seekers can feel somewhat insecure when going about a job search. Maybe youre in the market because you have been underutilized or underpaid in your current position. Maybe youre ready to make a change in a new direction. Maybe youve just been laid off. Each of these scenerios can make you feel less marketable in your job search almost as if you are damaged goods. To that I say, Change Your Mindset!

Dive into your job search KNOWING you ARE an asset to an organization. Your experience and knowledge are real commodities. Besides, its not like you're the only one in the market with your current circumstances. Think about it. The reason youre looking for a new job is mostly irrelevant to everyone other than you. Get past it and focus on the skills and knowledge that you have and those you bring to a new organization.

I = Investigate

There is more to a successful job search than just looking at job boards, submitting a resume and waiting for a call. First, a job search is a great opportunity to review WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. You may discover this is the best time for a change in career direction; to do something other than what youve always done. This personal investigation can allow you to redirect your efforts toward a position that will bring you greater long-term satisfaction.

Regardless of direction, investigation also entails how you move forward. Investigate your target industry to best understand its global needs. As you move forward into actual interviews, Investigate the company to understand its unique needs. Focus more towards the job needs, and how you can best present yourself as the answer to the specific needs of the position. Dont forget a job search is a two-way street. Your investigation should also provide you information about growth potential, industry and company culture. Two similar positions in different companies can be significantly different in their long-term satisfacation to you, depending on the culture and growth variable you can uncover through research.

A = Assertiveness

If confidence is a mindset of knowing you are an asset, assertiveness is the ability to present yourself professionally and to fully understand the process for moving forward. Once you decide on a path, move forward with a drive. Request meetings with those you know and with leaders in your target industry. Ask questions and educate yourself on the status and needs of the industry. If you find an opportunity you wish to pursue and for which you know you can do an excellent job go after it with Gusto! Let the hiring company know YOU ARE THE PERSON FOR THE POSTION. Also, during the job search process, ask questions!! Never leave a meeting or an interview with questions still on your mind. Be assertive and present yourself as an asset and never leave with unasked questions.

O = Ownership

Never leave your success in the hands of someone else. All to often, job seekers will work hard at identifying their desired career path, work hard on their resume, find a desirable posting via a job board or recruiter, submit their resume and then wait. They wait for the phone to ring. They wait on an email response. They wait, and if no response is provided, they give up and move on. DONT BE THIS PERSON. No one is responsible for your success, except you. Follow-up on resume submittals, re-connect with executive recruiters. After an interview, reach-out to the company contact if several days have gone by without their follow-up. Do not wait for others to connect with you. You connect with them! That contact may ultimately be the difference between success and a prolonged search.