Planning, preparation, and investigation are at the heart of what it takes to present ourselves in a favorable light with prospective employers. Add to that a good attitude and you are well on your way.

Here are 7 planning and preparation tasks to work through before you pick up the phone - or write that application.

Know What You Want to Do

This might seem like common sense, but is something a lot of job seekers fail to consider.

Think about your ideal job. What kinds of tasks and duties would you enjoy performing? Is there a specific type of company culture you would prefer?

Create a list of the most important features of both the job and the company prioritizing what is most important to you.

Knowing the specifics of your ideal job and company will help you create a guide for yourself to follow in your job search.

Instead of applying for every job you find, focus your search on the characteristics of your ideal job. You also want to be sure your skill set matches the requirements of the position.

In other words, don't apply for jobs that you are not qualified to fill. This only wastes both your time and the employers

Create an Awesome Resume to Stand Out from the Crowd

Your resume is the representation of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

It's also your only chance to make that crucial first impression and tell employers why you are a perfect fit for the job. So you'll want to choose your words wisely and maximize the empty space on a page.

Your resume should look professional and be well-written. You can try to write it yourself, or if you're struggling with this, find a professional resume writing service to do it for you.

A poorly written resume is an immediate turn off for employers and a swift dismissal for them to schedule an interview with you. This is why it's so important you get your resume right. Here are some quick tips for an awesome resume:

• Always keep your resume current and up to date
• Customize and tweak each resume for the job you're applying to
• Look for keywords in the job description and use them in your resume
• Properly format your resume – use a professional font and styling
• List the most relevant info first for each job position you are applying to
• Be sure to include important achievements related to the job
• Keep it short, relevant, and all on one page

Include a Cover Letter

Cover letters are to resumes as covers are to books. Potential employers do read them. Below are a few tips on how to write a compelling cover letter: Customize your message to the specifics of each job.

• Use the hiring manager's name, if known. If not, address the letter to the head of the department for which you are applying. You can usually find this information online.
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• If you can't find a person's name, use the title of the manager such as "Sales Manager" or "Director of Marketing."
• Make your first sentence compelling and engaging to grab the attention of the hiring manager.
• Be sure to mention the job you are applying for and why you are the best fit for the job.
• Instead of repeating what is on your resume, give an overview of your experience and accomplishments.
• Don't talk about what the company can do for you but rather what you can offer the company.
• Show enthusiasm for why you want to work for the company.
• Use the hiring manager's name, if known. If not, address the letter to the head of the department for which you are applying. You can usually find this information online.

Own Your Past

When you get to the interview phase of the job application process, you can rest assured you will be asked some uncomfortable questions such as:

• Why did you leave your last position?
• Tell me an example of something you did wrong at your last job.
• What didn't you like about your last boss?

Rather than fear such questions, be prepared. Briefly describe factual responses but focus on the lessons you learned from your experiences.

Take Advantage of Your Contacts

You never know who knows who. Talk to your family and friends and let them know you are looking for a job. Also, mention the type of position you want.

It is highly possible that your neighbor is good friends with someone at a company where you want to work.

Getting a personal introduction to a potential employer will put you at the head of the line for a job opening. You will still have to sell yourself, but you will have a head start.

Be Yourself

Although you do want to present yourself professionally during an interview, you don't want to try to be someone you are not.

Don't Forget the Follow-Up

The job application process is not completed when you walk out the door after an interview. You will want to send a follow-up email or letter that does far more than just thanking the hiring manager for his time.

Show your enthusiasm and motivation for the job offer. Write about how much you want the job. Include how the interview confirmed why you are a good fit for the company and how you can help them.

Briefly describe how your key strengths are a good fit for the essential requirements needed for the job position.

Conclusion

Look at your job hunt as an exciting time of your life and as a learning experience. You might not get the first job you want.

However, if you stay positive, learn from your experiences, and follow the above suggestions, you will land your next big job in record time.