Dear Matt: I'm about to start a new job search but have not had to do it in so long I don't know how or where to start. Can you help?
Matt says: Before you get started, take some time to assess what's important in that next job. Is it the opportunity for professional growth? Less stress or responsibility? A shorter commute? Do you want to work for a small or large company? Do you want to completely change your career path?
"There's no magic formula — a job search is hard work, and it takes discipline and persistence," says Damian Birkel, author of "The Job Search Checklist: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back to Work After a Layoff."
Whether you are rebounding after a layoff or simply starting a new job search, many of the same tips and strategies apply. To get started, Birkel recommends finding the answer to these questions:
• What did I like best — and least — about my last job?
• What were my most important and satisfying accomplishments?
• What were my most significant failures? What kind of negative feedback did I receive?
• What was missing from my last job that I want to seek in a new position?