HOW TO FIND A JOB.

Byline: Ben Sullivan Daily News Staff Writer

Blessed are today's job hunters. Not only is unemployment at a near-record low, but more resources than ever are available to help a person find work.

Occasionally, an ideal job will land in your lap just when you need it. More often, it takes persistent digging and a little patience. The trick is to think of finding rewarding work as a job unto itself. Analysis, planning and execution can make the difference between finding a killer position, winding up with a stinker, or worse, getting nothing at all.

Step One: Don't quit your day job

Sad but true, finding work is often easier - and usually less stressful - when you're already employed. Having a steady income will give you the freedom to not jump at the first offer that comes along. Also, employers tend to look more favorably on someone currently holding a job. On the flip side, if you've been laid off or fired it's out of your hands. And hunger can be a brutally effective motivator.

Step Two: Identify your target

You need to know what you're after before you can find it. ``What fires you up? People need to know the answer to that question before they start looking,'' said headhunter Rob Sullivan, author of ``Working Your Way to the Bottom,'' a guide to job searching and career changes. ``Equally important, what doesn't turn you on? If your current job isn't doing it for you, what's missing?''

Step Three: Assemble your tools

Compose or update your resume and a generic cover letter. You'll need to adapt each for the specific jobs to which you apply, but it's helpful to get the lion's share of the work done at the outset.

Step Four: Find where the jobs are

Start with the obvious: Newspaper classified sections carry dozens if not hundreds or thousands of job listings, with the benefit of being geographically focused.

The Internet has emerged as another powerful tool, with a dozen or more national sites offering positions in all categories, especially in the computer sciences.

Placement firms can be your friends in high places, assuming you offer the sort of skills they're after. The companies tend to fall into two categories: Contingency and retained. Either way, make sure they don't ``float'' your resume without your permission. Having your current boss find out you're on the market can spell trouble at work.

Step Five: Take charge

Spread the word among friends, family and trusted colleagues that you are on the lookout for gainful employment. Putting your own ``old boy'' network into action can work wonders.

Similarly, if you know you'd like to work at the local biotech firm in the marketing department, call the head of marketing there and introduce yourself. ``Talk to them on the phone for a couple minutes. Ask them, what do you look for in candidates for this job? What do you wish candidates in this industry knew?'' Sullivan said. People feel less pressured when you ask for help and advice than when you put them on the spot for a job. Happily, however, it often achieves the same effect.

Step Six: Follow through

As with print and online classifieds, any tips from friends and family should be followed up immediately and with gratitude. Keep a running contact list of people you have called, spoken with and how the situation was left. Also, don't lose steam. Set aside an hour a day for hunting, letter writing, cold calling and researching potential employers.

Step Seven: Reward yourself

At the end of each week that you've done what you set out to do, relax. The right job is out there and your methodical approach will eventually track it down.

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