I was recently asked by Monster.com to provide some job search tips, and here's what I had to say:

“If you’re not working, your job search is your job,” says Todd Cherches, CEO of BigBlueGumball. “Approach it as a job or a project. Set milestones and deadlines. Set quantifiable goals.” Doing so helps you dedicate the time and effort your job search requires to be a success.

Focus, but don’t limit yourself

Cherches says it’s important to aim for what you want, but also to keep an open mind in case something unexpected comes up. Don’t settle for something that’s one of your deal-breakers, but don’t dismiss unexpected opportunities out of hand simply because they don’t match up with what you’re hoping for.

“Target your search, but don’t limit it,” he advises. “Years ago I got a job offer to be the head of leadership development for a financial services company. A Wall Street firm was absolutely the last place I ever thought I wanted to work. It turned out to be the best job I ever had at a terrific company. If I hadn’t been open to considering this option, I would have missed out on an incredible three-year career experience.”

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