My advice for job seekers. If you're employed and see layoffs and pay-freezes coming, start your search early. Don't wait to be laid off - you'll lose a lot of your bargaining power. If you're already unemployed, it's time to consider what you'd REALLY LIKE to do. DO NOT look for a similar job in a similar company. If you're an engineer, maybe this is a good time to get into sales or marketing, or start a different job in a totally different type of company. Find something you LIKE to do.

Find the right job-search firm ("head-hunter"). That's not easy; don't pick the first one you find. Register with more than one if you can. A good one will expect exclusivity; before you sign anything, make sure there is a time limit, and define the conditions for doing your own search.

Here are 10 steps to landing the right job for yourself:

1. Looking for a job is a full-time job (40-hour week). Don't "feel" unemployed. Recognize your own value.
2. Determine where (location) you want to live and work. Slowly expand the area to easy commuting distance.
3. BEFORE you apply, study an employer's website. Pick companies you like. Measure yourself against their needs. Don't stretch just to get an interview; if you don't fit, you may be wasting your own time.
4. Don't mail your resume to "Human Resources", or to a title. Find an individual's name; first phone that person to introduce yourself. Mail, fax or email your 1-page resume (summary) directly to that individual. No one will read 2 or 3 pages till the interview.
5. When you connect, talk about your specific knowledge of the company (gleaned from their website). Talk about specific jobs and how you fit. Don't force-fit.
6. When you visit, don't just give passive responses. Be assertive. Ask specific questions about the company, the people, products, markets, growth plans.
7. Ask people you're talking with about themselves. Ask to be shown around - take interest in the people, the culture, the facilities. They'll respect your interest.
8. When asked what you'd like to be paid, don't act greedy, or anxious. Don't give that lame, old response, "This is what I make now." Ask what the position pays? What are the prospects for advancement? Look for things like employee ownership and performance incentives. Look for a position that suits your plan for yourself.
9. Don't agree to anything at the interview. Ask for a formal offer, and suggest that you'll think about it. And think about it. Is this a company you can be excited about? Is this a job where you can spend the next 5 years?
10. Don't accept the first offer that comes along. Respect your own value. Ideally, you should choose between 2 or 3 good offers. Don't go to the highest bidder. Pick the company you can be happy with in the long term, the people that value YOU the most.

Hey, you experienced job-seekers out there, if you can suggest improvements for these "10 rules" please send me some feedback. Search professionals, I'll welcome your comments too.