So how does one land a job interview?

Before you can showcase your abilities at a job interview, you first need to get called for an interview. That does not have to be rocket science. It could be something as simple as making a phone call. Keep in mind that each company may have its own method for inviting applicants.

In many cases, when a company is hiring, they may advertise in the newspapers, or on an online job site. In that case, the process for contacting them will be included in the message. Do follow it. For example, you don't want to phone a company that's asked applicants to walk in with their resume. If you ignore their instructions, you'll most likely not get called for an interview because you've already proven that you won't follow instructions!

Other times, a job lead may come from a friend who's working at the company that's hiring, even before any ads have been put out. If so, it would be fine to ask your friend to hand your resume and cover letter over to the right person. If your friend? doesn't actually work there, call up the company and ask about the position as well as about their application procedure.

Like to think a little out-of-the-box? Here's an idea -- consider doing work on a freelance basis, either part-time or full-time. There are actually large numbers of people who work from the comfort of their homes. And very profitably too. But you do face one big problem -- connecting with companies who have work to offer.