Landing a job can be a difficult task, especially if you’re working full-time and trying to find something new. The last thing many people want is to come home and continue to be on the computer looking for a job but you need to approach the job search differently. Treat it as you would a business deal. Create a plan of “attack” and use strategic thinking to land a job.

Here are some helpful tips to for a successful job search.

Brainstorm: Take time to strategically plan out how to approach the job search. Sit down and determine exactly what you are looking for in your next position. You cannot produce an effective resume or cover letter without some idea of where you want to be therefore you need to take the time to brainstorm and really think of where you want your career to go.

This might be the longest part of a job search, but do some soul searching and really figure out what you want out of this next career move. This is a critical part of the job searching process so do not skip over this step.

Plan: Once you’ve discovered what you want out of your job search, it’s time to assemble the pieces together – your resume, cover letter, and any other documents supporting your plea. If you’re tied up with your current job and can’t find time to revamp your resume, consider using a professional resume writer. Investing in a resume writer frees up your valuable “job search” time and in turn gets you an effective resume that will grab people’s attention.

Tackle the Job Search: Once you’ve set a goal and assembled the tools you need, then it’s time to start the job search. Set up email alerts for positions or titles you’re interested. This can save you a lot of time. If you approach the job search in a strategic manner, you should be able to customize your resume for each position.

These strategic steps will help maximize your job search, landing you a job in the filed you want.