Job search? I'll have a root-canal instead, thanks.

Anyone who has been in the unfortunate position of looking for a job knows how hard it is. That whole "hardest job you'll ever have is looking for a job" thing is irritatingly true! A job search is an ego-sucking, head against the wall banging train ride into the pits of despair. Trust me. I know.

Over the years I have watched my husband look for work a couple of times. He tackles the whole process in much the same way everyone else does despite my best attempts to intervene and interfere. The downside to being married to a recruiter? I have an opinion on everything job search, interview and resume related. I'm sure you hadn't noticed.

Here is a brief glimpse into the typical job search:

Day 1: Confidently get out old resume and begin updating. Add most recent position. Check. Update contact information. Check. Change font to make it look "fresh." Check. Correct random spelling errors not noticed the last time it was updated (oops!). Check. Log into various job search sites to look for job postings. Apply to one or two that look like perfect matches.

Day 2: Confidently log into email to look for responses to previous day's applications. Log into job search sites to look for job postings. Apply to one or two that look like perfect matches.

And so it goes. By the end of that first week his confidence is waning and his temper is flaring. The job boards have the same old stuff and instead of applying to things that look like a fit, he is applying for absolutely everything. This is done in an effort to prove that these job boards are, in fact, a front for an organized, International spamming ring rather than a link to actual jobs.

Sound familiar?

The key to a good job search is planning. You have to know what you are looking for and what your limits are. On that first day of your job search you need to consider where you would like to work, how much you need to get paid, whether or not you are willing to travel or relocate, etc. Once you figure those things out the job search part becomes a more focused and, hopefully, slightly less frustrating process.

Now that you have lined out what you are looking for, pull out your old resume. Look it over. Have you gotten more education or certifications since you last updated? Have you had any major career accomplishments since then? Does the format effectively display your experience level at this point? This is a step you can't afford to skip - especially if a lot of time has passed since your last job search.

With newly spiffed up resume ready to go it is now time to start applying. Job boards are a good source of possible positions, but you have to work your network, too. Many of the positions out there aren't going to be filled through a posting on one of the job boards. They are going to be filled because a well-respected employee brings a qualified candidate to the table. I hate to jump on the social networking bandwagon, but those Facebook and LinkedIn accounts connect you to former classmates and colleagues who can help you expand your knowledge of what companies are hiring. In addition to that, there are a myriad of groups that regularly hold social events and those events are great avenues to meet people who can potentially help you. A young professionals group, ToastMasters, the local Chamber of Commerce, industry specific associations...the list is virtually endless.

Staffing and recruiting agencies are also a great source of opportunity. One of the things I hear a lot is, "Why would I take a temp or contract job when there could be a permanent position out there waiting." Well, I hate to argue with that logic, but here is a little tip:

THER IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERMANENT JOB.

You assume just as much risk accepting a so-called permanent job as you do with temp and contract opportunities. Idaho is an at-will employment state. That means your job can go away at any time for any reason. What an agency can do is help you get your foot in the door and that enables you to prove yourself just like any new employee would have to do. Temp and contract positions get you in front of decision-makers within the company and help you expand your knowledge, skills and your network.

I can't guarantee that these few things - planning, reworking your resume, social networking and using agencies - are going to result in the "most fantastical job ever," but I can guarantee they will help keep the frustration level down. By having a plan and working that plan you will be able to see progress and that in itself will make a huge difference.