If you are looking for a job, whether you are a fresh graduate or someone who wants to move to something else, then you should already know that the job search is not an easy road to travel. This is part luck and part knowledge. Since there's not much you can do that will raise your luck for sure, here are some guidelines to help you increase your knowledge on how to conduct an effective hunt for that perfect job for you.

-- Get your resume together, and make it impressive. Before you even think about giving out your resume to prospective employers, make sure that it is something worth looking at. You would be surprised at the number of people on a job search with a resume just the same way as yours, so you need to find something to make yourself stand out (and don't forget that these people are also looking for ways to stand out.) Whip up a resume and show it to people who are successful in the field that you are thinking of entering. If these people aren't available to you, you can always refer to job counseling books and experts on the internet so that you can know if your resume will be effective or not.

-- Narrow your search. When you're looking for an exact job, you will have an easier time looking for it. Instead of looking for "writing jobs," you should narrow it down and choose what kind of writing job it is that you are looking for. Do you want to climb the career ladder in publishing? Then include jobs available in magazines, publishing houses and newspapers in your job search. You may have to start out in an entry level job, but this is just one step in the right direction.

-- Network. This isn't just about meeting people; it's about meeting the right people. Everyone that you have made contact with in the past, present and future are all connections that could possibly lead you to the career of your dreams. Make sure to attend the right functions, seminars and conventions for your chosen field.

-- Turn to the internet. Our world is quickly becoming a globalized world, and our international communications still largely rely on the internet. This is also applicable to your job search. There are a vast number of websites that you can make use of to look for the specific job that you may be looking for. This could even open you up to opportunities from many different places all over the world.

When you are conducting a job search, just remember that it isn't going to be quick and painless. For a lot of people, it may even be long, hard and painful. But don't be dismayed. That perfect job is out there waiting for you, and all you need to do is to find it.