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Job hunting can be stressful ' trawling through the papers, browsing the internet, worrying about the state of your CV - but with just a little thought and planning, you could find yourself closer to your next job.

1. Get some advice

If you're buying a house, you get advice; if you're starting a business, you get advice; if you're changing jobs, you just go ahead and do it. Once you've decided that you want a new job, why not take the time to get some advice? Find out which companies are growing, what sort of salaries are being offered for the sort of work you do and what prospects are available for someone with your skills or qualifications. Get impartial advice on your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where some additional training or experience may be useful. By getting some advice before you look for a job, you will be better prepared to select the right job for you.

2. Sort out your CV ' now!

There's no shortage of CV advice and guidance on the internet, but a lot of people must be ignoring it because agencies and employers are still receiving lots of poorly written and planned CVs. Your CV is the first contact your future employer has with you, so it's vital you make a good impression. If you're not confident about producing your own CV, then invest in professional advice ' it's worth it if it helps you to get a better job in the long run.

3. Research

Once you've been called in for an interview, there's no excuse for not being properly prepared. The more you know about the company, the more confident you will be at interview. Nearly every company has a website, and most will send you product and corporate information if you ask for it. This research will also allow you to ask informed questions at interview.

Follow these three basic steps and you should find yourself in a much better position when it comes to selecting and applying for your next job.