Searching for a job can really suck, especially if you find yourself searching after being fired.  The frustration of searching online, submitting resumes into a blackbox - never to be heard from again - or just being flat out rejected can be humiliating, debilitating and just plain sucks.

It may seem like for some people, jobs just fall in their lap.  And for other people, it can take months and months of looking, networking, applying and interviewing.  Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to make the job fall in your lap.

But there are 3 things you can do to make the job search process a little more pleasant.

1. BEFORE YOU NETWORK, GET YOUR RESUME AND LINKEDIN PROFILE IN ORDER

This seems like a no-brainer but sometimes people are so anxious to start looking, they apply with an old resume or one that would benefit from being updated, polished and taken to the next level.  Here's the thing - you only get ONE CHANCE to make a first impression.  So be patient.  Update your resume and LinkedIn profile so that when you meet with someone or are ready to submit your resume, you are giving it your best shot.

I have worked with people that have applied, then updated their resume, and wanted to re-submit the new version.  Most of the time, that never works.  Instead of creating a good impression, you are giving the impression that you rush, that you weren't prepared and that you weren't thoughtful about the process.  And then potential companies think that is how you will behave at work.

So get your resume and LinkedIn profile up to snuff first...before submitting anything or talking to anyone.

2. RESET YOUR MINDSET - THE JOB ISN'T GOING TO FALL INTO YOUR LAP

Yup - we'd like the new job and perfect offer to fall out of the sky but it won't.  You need to prepare yourself that it will take work to get a new job.  It will take preparation (resume and linkedin), research (figuring out what you want to do and the right type of company for you) and it will take practice (practice for interview to make sure you succeed).

Ever see American Ninja Warrior on tv?  They practice.  And practice.  And practice.  And a lot of them fail but they keep at it.

Even if you had an interview today, and another tomorrow, and another the next day, it would take a few weeks to put the offer together, negotiate and start a new job.  Give yourself at least a few months (in your head) to find a new job.

3.  PUT IN THE TIME TO MAKE THE JOB SEARCH SUCCESSFUL

You can't just apply online.  I feel like I should say that again.

Louder.

YOU CAN'T JUST APPLY ONLINE.

I'm sorry folks.  That may work for some people, but 80% of jobs are still filled through networking.  So, if you want to be successful, you need to:

1. Do your resume and linkedin/profile
2. Make a list of target companies
3. Identify people you know - or can introduce you to people - at these target companies
4. Network
5. Apply for opportunities that exist by letting someone else submit your resume for you
6. Practice for the interview
7. Interview
8. Negotiate
9. Home run!

Looking for a job is like being an American Ninja Warrior.  You're tough but you may fall a few times before succeeding.  And that's ok.