Job hunting is a lot like fishing. You might get lucky and land the big one on your first attempt. On the other hand, you could invest a lot of time and effort casting out numerous applications and end up having nothing to show for it. No one can guarantee either will happen, but there are ways to improve your chances.

When I was a kid I did a lot of fishing in my summer holidays. For years it was all about luck. Find some water, bait a hook, cast the line ... and hope. When an uncle of mine started joining us on our holidays, he taught me how to be a bit smarter about my fishing. Later, as a recruitment consultant, I realised that much of what my uncle had shared with me is relevant to the typical job search.

Be clear about the job you want

Effective fishing means using the right bait with the right equipment - especially the right-sized hook - for the type of fish you are trying to catch. The same applies to job search.

The tone of your application letters, the detail and emphasis in your resume, the way you dress for, and answer questions in, the interview. All of these will be different, dependent on whether you are going for a CEO role or a junior administrative role, or something in between.

Target specific industries and companies

My uncle taught me the importance of finding good spots to fish: rock-pools, deep water channels, sheltered areas, and so on. Job hunting is the same: the more targeted you can be, the more chance you give yourself of landing the ideal role.

Find out which organisations are most active in your desired industry and approach them. Read trade magazines to become familiar with what is going on and who's who. Apply directly to your 'dream' employers: whether they are actively advertising or not.

Ask around

Perhaps the most important thing I learnt from my uncle was the importance of local knowledge. We were always asking the locals where we should fish. Sure, they may have sent us to the second-best place and kept the best to themselves, but we were still better off than all those 'random' fishers.

The lesson: don't be afraid to ask. Ask former colleagues, customers and others in your industry what they know. Ask people who report the news in your industry. Ask friends and neighbours.

Advertise yourself

Fishing was a topic of camping conversation whether we were actually fishing or not. My uncle would always be chatting to people and he would always, in these chats, turn the conversation to fishing. Nearly every time, he was able to glean additional local information as a result.

You can use a similar strategy when searching for a new job, particularly if you've been made redundant. The important thing is not to keep your situation to yourself. Let people know, when the chance arises, what your situation is. Your local community, former bosses, pretty much anyone. When you do this, you effectively gain an army of job search assistants and increase your chances of finding out about the plum job that hasn't even been advertised.

Use technology to help

Walk into a modern fishing supplies shop and you'll realise that the pastime has moved well past the era of a hook hanging from a stick. While it's easy to go overboard, the fishing experience can be made much more pleasant through use of some quite inexpensive, readily available tools.

The modern job hunt is no different. There are job search websites, networking tools like LinkedIn and Twitter, and all sorts of resume-building and personality-testing widgets out there to try. You may not use them all, but do spend some time getting to know what's there so you can make a considered decision about where to invest your time.

Job hunting need not be a completely random hit-and-miss affair. By using the proven strategies of others, you'll greatly increase your chances of catching a prize-sized job in a short time.

Chances are if you are getting bored during your interviews, so is the audience and the interviewer.

One of the most common and dreaded (I might add) attachments I am prone to receive as an interviewer, are Questions that either my guest or publicist has diligently typed up thinking that they are being prudent as well as thoughtful of me, the host.

Now don't get me wrong. I appreciate anything that makes my job easier, a good bio goes a long way, but when it comes to questions, well, I want to ask questions I want to ask!!!. Ones I don't even KNOW I am going to ask.

You see, I think it's my job as an interviewer and radio host, to get curious about my guest. I take great pride in reading the books I am sent by authors, and I love to explore the depth of their work, the author behind the book as well as said book might change/help the reader.

I want to ask the question I think my audience wants to know the answers too. I figure that if I am curious and conversational, then my listeners are being entertained as well as educated.

Now Listen UP. There is a big difference between being well prepared for an interview, knowing your material inside out, and just reading answers off a sheet of paper.

The more interviews you do this way, the more you will begin to resent them.

I am often told that my guests had the best time, it was the BEST interview they've had so far. What a wonderful host I am, etc.

I believe they feel this way because there is energy in the room. It isn't the same old same old routine.

Like I said earlier, I have a conversational style that lends itself to opinions, differing points of view, while at the same time, making sure that my guest is the important person in the room and that they are well taken care of. It's my job to make them look good.

I prefer to engage my guest in a transformational conversation, one that is interesting to all of us, guest, listener and host.

The way I see it, if I am supposed to ask a series of questions that are put in front of me, then I don't need to listen to the answers. I am just waiting to ask the next question.

I think it's better for all of us if I Listen to what my guest has to say, and then proceed with curiosity and sincerity to find out more about them.

Author Autobahn - The Fast Lane To Book Marketing And Promotion!

You spent a lot of time writing your book, doing the research, and bringing it to life. You've gone through the editing process and have gotten it published. Now you're expected to go full-throttle with promotion? That's where we can help. Each member of Author Autobahn is a previously published author with the know-how you need to boost book sales and get noticed. You the most bang for your buck, the very best and most up-to-date online advertising, promotion, marketing and sales services-guaranteed! Let us shift your promo into high gear!

1. Obtain the name, title, correct spelling and PRONUNCIATION for all interviewers. This information will come in handy when you mail or email your interview thank you letters.

2. Know the position for which you are interviewing and review relevant duties and responsibilities. Be sure to ask about short and long term goals for the position during your interview.

3. Note the location/address of the interview. Find out where to park; the best way to get to appointment by train, car or bus; where you should check-in when you arrive; and if any barriers exist.

4. Secure interview schedule and agenda in advance, if possible. Be sure to confirm the time, location, and contact person at least 24 hours in advance. To be safe, take down the name of the person you are going to interview with as well as their assistant or HR contact.

5. Research the organization and/or job. Check the company's website for information or go to the library and research industry and corporate relevant publications, look in the newspaper, and/or ask friends/colleagues/family/professional networks. Also, by researching the company you will be able to ascertain the professional benefits, stability and growth potential of that company and what that means to you. Be prepared to answer the question "Why do you want to work here?

6. Prepare and practice for questions you may be asked. Have "prove it" answers ready. Practice linking soft skills (work traits) to some answers. Begin to recall major achievements. Memorize your resume. Interviewers will ask you questions based on information provided in your resume.

7. Compile questions you need to ask and write them in your note pad. You should always have three questions prepared. One of the questions should recap the key responsibilities of the position.

8. Collect and have handy information for completing an application, including full addresses and phone numbers of employers and schools.

9. Pack for the interview (briefcase or folder): extras résumés, reference list, pens, company card file, note pad, tissues, mints, application information, certificates of training and any items you were asked to bring. You should always have a minimum of two resumes on hand.

10. Dress conservatively and practice good grooming. Avoid heavy
make-up and scents. Remember to clean nails, shine your shoes and clean your eyeglass lenses.

Keep in mind that an interview is similar to a sales call.

You must distill VALUE.

Show an employer that you are a wise investment worth their time in training and development. Let the interviewer see who you are as a manager, problem solver, team member/builder and resource developer/manager with humility. Remember, you're an intelligent, innovative and proven professional and with lots to offer but at a fair price.