Success is the goal everyone has. We just all define “success” differently. For those who define success primarily as “professional success,” one of the most important keys to success is in securing the absolute best opportunities. In this way individuals are able to ensure they position themselves within the best industries, the most promising growth oriented companies and the most desirable functional roles.

So how do you ensure you are the one that secures these opportunities over your peers and competitors? Several ways; you must constantly network with peers and associates at work, trade shows and through on-line tools like LinkedIn. However, you should also develop relationships with top Recruiters that have a track record with the most sought after firms in your industry, and of course, maintain an updated resume that effectively highlights your experience and more importantly the value you bring to potential employers

You’ve say you’ve done all these things, and you want to know what else you must do. You must Interview exceedingly well, and by that I mean knowing your background and understanding the value it brings to a potential employer so you can effectively market your experience to the hiring firm. (If you need specifics? Check out “Behavioral interviewing,” “Sample Interview Questions” and “Selling Yourself over the Telephone” on the Candidate Resources page of our website.) However, beyond the ability to showcase your experience you must above all else communicate with enthusiasm and convey definite interest in the company, the opportunity and the job the company needs to have done. Far and away we’ve seen more people not get the right opportunity because a competitor communicated more interest in the opportunity.

So with the markets continuing to soften there are even fewer choice positions to consider. So don’t be left wondering what happened and making excuses about how the company could have gone with another candidate when you had everything they were looking for. It’s your job as the candidate to make sure they know you want their job.