I get all sorts of questions when working with individuals as they transition from one career to the next - or even start at the beginning. When do I discuss my salary requirements? How do I answer the question about why I am leaving? How do I change industries or break into a company where I don't know anyone.

The list is long.

But there is one question I get over and over again. And it is the most important one: How do I get started?

Believe it or not, many people change jobs multiple times without even trying. Someone approaches them - a friend, a colleague or a recruiter - and asks if they are interested in a new role at a different company. Yes. That is correct. These people weren't even looking. (That is why companies have to work so hard at engagement - but that is a different story for another article.)

But it is worth repeating - people can change jobs multiple times throughout their career without trying. The jobs just land in their lap. Along the way, they sometimes find themselves in the unfortunate predicament of actually having to look for the job.

And they aren't sure how.

So....if you ever find yourself trying find a job because one didn't fall out of the sky, here's 3 ways to getting started:

Before going any further, I need to shout this out - MOST JOBS ARE FOUND THROUGH NETWORKING. HOWEVER! Companies still want your resume and will research you via LinkedIn. That's why this is step #1. Get your ducks in a row. As a bonus, polishing up your resume and LinkedIn profile helps remind you of your amazing accomplishments and what you can do. It's like interview prep 101.

What? What's that you say? Don't start with searching for jobs on LinkedIn? That's right. Start with determining WHERE you want to work. That means you will need to do a little homework. You will need to figure out what you are looking for in a company and do the research. But you will be 10 times more successful if you go after a specific company rather than a specific role.

I am sure by now you have noticed that I still haven't suggested you search for jobs. That's because the job will come. People forget that not everyone posts jobs. Or that a job might not be available now but it will be in a few months. Or that the company might be using different titles and you wouldn't know if the job you wanted existed unless it hit you in the face.

Network first. Connect with people at the company you want to work for. Ask them questions about themselves and why they love it there. If you are making a personal connection, they will think you might be a good fit. Then they will feel more inclined to connect you with someone else.

Eventually in this process you will find out if a role exists - or will exist - at one of your target companies that you might like. The company will be much more likely to interview you and you will be much more likely to succeed because you did your homework, know why you love the company and will be able to sell yourself.