It happens time and time again. Someone loses their job but it’s not the specific job they are upset about losing, it is the fact that they are now jobless. Many people hold jobs that they are not particularly attached to or invested in, rather they hang on to it for security. If you have recently lost a job that fits this description, then read on to discover the five steps that you need to take to secure yourself a better and more satisfying job.

Step 1: Be willing to embrace a simpler lifestyle to increase your career options.

You need to decide what is most important to you – what is your ideal career. If it is most important to you that you maintain your current lifestyle, then salary will be the driving force behind all your decisions; however, if you are open to embracing a simpler lifestyle, this will open up a whole slew of career choices for you to explore. If freedom is important to you then that would be a deciding factor… so you need to do some soul searching.

Step 2: Determine your career necessities.

In order to target your job search into a certain industry, determine your career necessities. In other words, discover what you need in a job in order for you to feel fulfilled and happy. Once you find out what is non-negotiable, tell your entire network. Someone within your network may have a career suggestion for you based on this, or certainly enlist the help of a career coach.

Step 3: Train effectively for your desired career path.

Once you know your career path, you will probably need to undergo some training. If not, you can move forward. Keep in mind that there may be multiple possible routes and, if there are, choose the most time efficient one. You probably don’t have the time or money to complete another degree. So try to come up with an alternative that will give you some practical training within the industry and profession. A great option is to enlist the help of a couple of experts in the field. Ask them what you should read, what workshops or seminars you should attend, are there any association and even if they would allow you to shadow them in their jobs.

Step 4: Create focused, content-rich job search documents. A powerful resume and cover letter are essential components to a successful job search. It is basically impossible to conduct a job search without a resume. This document is an advertisement about you, which means it represent you in your absence, therefore it needs to communicate your skills, qualifications, experience, and the value you can bring to an organization. Furthermore, it needs to be created in a concise and visually appealing manner load with keywords and accomplishments. This piece of paper will either open doors for you or keep them closed. It is the first impression you will make on an organization regarding your value to them and your professionalism. Don’t take the development of this critical document for lightly, or you will have regrets.

Step 6: Perform an intensive job search.

Most people are sporadic in their job search. They may answer one or two ads a week, not utilize their networks, and keep their job search part time. Those that search for jobs in this manner are more unlikely to succeed. Your job search will be quicker, more encouraging, and more successful if you perform an intensive job search. Apply for multiple job opportunities in your desired field for which you are qualified, enlist the help of your network, and utilize the potential of the hidden job market by conducting cold calls. By making your job search a fulltime activity, you will be more successful, more quickly.

Step 6: Negotiate wisely.

When you receive a job offer, remember to negotiate wisely. It can be effective to delay negotiations by asking to set up an appointment at a later date. By telling the employer that you have received another offer as well, you will be strengthening your position. Delaying negotiations will give you time to sense what you could reasonably negotiate, as well as help you to gauge whether or not this job is a perfect fit for you.