You have an idea about your dream job, your salary requirements, and the perfect benefits package. You've done all your homework and know exactly where you'd like to work. However, the big question still remains: how do you get that job?

According to What Color Is Your Parachute?, by Richard Nelson Bolles, the five most ineffective ways of job-hunting are: "1. Using computer bank listings or registers (this doesn't lead to a job for 96 out of every 100 job hunters who try it). 2. Answering local newspaper ads (depending on the level sought. The higher the level, the less effective). 3. Going to private employment agencies. 4. Answering ads in professional or trade journals within your field (this doesn't lead to a job for about 93 out of every 100 job hunters who try it. 5. Mailing out resumes by the bushel.

Bolles' contention is that these methods don't usually work and when they do, they only work for a few job hunters. However, he does concede that there are some lucky folks for whom one or more of those methods work. Also, these are the most common strategies for job-hunting to which most of us turn.

Instead of these five most commonly used methods, let's explore some of which Bolles says are the most effective.

At the top of the list is what Bolles calls the "creative job-hunting approach." This is basically doing good research on the job you want and then utilizing your contacts to secure an interview. This method is said to be successful for 86 our of every 100 job hunters.

Other effective methods of getting a job - according to Bolles-are applying directly to an employer in person, asking friends and relatives for job leads, and using the placement office at your alma mater.

B. OTHER METHODS OF SUCCESSFUL J0B SEARCHING

No matter what job-search method you use, it takes patience and hard work. You must have a back-up plan. If plan A does not work in landing you a job, switch smoothly to plan B. If your contacts' leads don't pan out, try going to professional organizations in your field and look at their employment opportunities. Instead of taking a full-time job for a small company or large corporation, you might opt to take several part-time jobs in your new career, or work from your home. If you can't find a job directly in your field, you might take an assistant's or paraprofessional's position, just to get in the door. You can always move up when the position you desire becomes available. just do your best work and polish your manners and the right people mill surely take notice of you.

C. ONLINE J0B SEARCHING

The Internet is all the rage these days. You can find anything from books to airline tickets and everything in between. Most assuredly, it's a great option to assist you in your job search. You can post your resume online, make contacts in your new career, join professional organizations in your new field, and surf the Net to find further information about companies that interest you. When you're surfing, you'll probably find out about more information than you want. That information can lead you to potential job sources. All -you will need to begin your online job search is a computer, a modem, and a Web Browser. You can also access job information through any of the commercial online services. You might have to pay for some of the job search services, but the important thing is to be careful when you do anything online. Crooks can access online services as well as pull a scam on unwitting job seekers. Please be careful that this doesn't happen to YOU.

D. EDUCATION

If you're changing careers, you might have to get retraining and go back to school. There are some pros and cons to this. When choosing a particular school to train you in the new field, choose wisely. A diploma program might be more advantageous to you than a degree track program if you already have a degree. Search for the program that's really best for you and will give you the best training for your new career. While in school, go the extra mile and join professional organizations and make as many professional contacts as you can. Learn to network because that can serve you well. Also, please realize that having credentials from a school in your new field doesn't necessarily guarantee you a job. Once you have your diploma in hand, utilize those memberships and contacts before you engage in your job search. 

E. SALARY NEGOTIATION

If you're discussing salary negotiation, you should have gotten through the entire interview process. Then, there are some hard and fast rules to remember. Bolles writes: "1. Never discuss salary until the end of the interviewing process, when they have definitely said they want you. 2. Never be the first one to mention a salary figure. 3. Before you go to the interview, do your homework about how much you'll need. 4. During the interview, try to determine whether the salary being offered is fixed or contains room for negotiation. 5. Before you go in, do research on salaries for your field and that organization."

F. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to salary, you'll definitely want to get some kind of benefits package. A typical package would include health insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), life insurance, contributory pension plan, stock options, profit-sharing bonuses, merit increases, even transit passes in some cases. Your benefits package could consist of any or all of these or more than these. If you'll be a managerial employee for over a year, you might want to get a contract stating the terms of your employment. That's just an extra protection for you. if you don't get it, don't sweat it.

G. DRESS CODE

Leave the tight jeans and other inappropriate clothing at home. You're going to work and you don't want to send out the wrong message by the way you're dressed. You should invest in some power suits: simple blue, black, and pinstripe pant and skirt suits and separates that can be mixed and matched. Buy a supply of white blouses and other neutral-colored blouses to wear with them. Men who wear power suits are usually respected in the workplace. Who says the same dress won't work equally as well for women? An old adage says that it's hard to yell at a person who's wearing a suit. Suits command big respect for the people wearing them. Accessorize your power suits with basic jewelry and basic matching pumps. You need not look like a fashion plate when going to work, unless doing so is, a part of your job. When dressing for work, the operative words are neat, clean, and professional.