Over the years, we've gotten to know quite a bit about Cary.  So likewise, I'll let you in on a few secrets about me.  There are a few facets to my professional life.  As you know, I'm an intern with Salon for Cary as his research associate.  Most of the time in this role, I'm going to be researching topics he is writing about and finding other sources of information to you to review.  

I'm also a recruiter.  And the type of recruiting I do is often called headhunting.  Companies ask me to find people for them to hire with specific skill sets.  My specialty is software developers in Austin, Texas.  That's where I live. 

I've been doing this job for years, and I'd like to share some ideas with you.  I am going to use this as a starting point for an ongoing series on job hunting.  

Let's kick things off with some basic advice.

1. Looking for a job is an awful lot like dating.  It's important to have some idea going in what type of job and company is more likely to be a good match for you.  You want to reach a little bit, but also have a good sense of what is in your league.  And, even if you are, don't act desperate.  Any person in charge of hiring can smell desperation a mile away.  
2. When someone asks you the inevitable question, "what do you want to do?" it is best to have a specific answer.  A response of the form "I can do anything, I'm just really hard working" doesn't help.   
3. If you are not working and are actively on the market, make it well-known that you are looking for a job, and what type.  As you already know from point 2, you should have a clear and concise way of explaining to people what you want to do.  And you never know what friend might know someone who knows someone who can help you find a job.  
4. There is no more dreaded phrase in hiring than "I just want to help people."  Do not utter this sentence.  Ever.   
5. Proofread your resume. And then have your most detail-oriented (or better, downright anal-retentive) friend proofread it for you as well. 
6. Very often, when looking for jobs, it truly is who you know that is going to make the difference.  Be friendly to everyone, be professional and do not burn bridges.  The world is a deceptively small place.
7. When you are being interviewed, be honest.  But don't offer excessive detail, particularly when it involves aspects of your personal life.  Employers aren't allowed to ask and you do not have to offer this information.  I know you're very proud of your kids.  But this is probably not the time to talk about them.  But I mean it about being honest.
8. After an interview, it is very acceptable to send a thank you note.  Generally via email works fine.  But please, do not send lots of notes asking if you got the job, or generally making a pest of yourself.  
9. Sometimes you won't get any indication of whether or not they've decided to decline on your application.  This is part of the process.  Please don't get annoyed.  It's just what happens.  It's not that the HR person, or whoever happens to be in charge, doesn't care.  But their attention has gone elsewhere.  And these days, it's not as common to send a rejection letter.  They've moved onto someone else - so should you.
10. Did I tell you to proofread your resume?  I mean it.