Are you wondering how to find work despite being turned down by company after company? Perhaps you are discouraged by your career search because you don’t know exactly what these companies want. Sometimes, you feel like Phil Connors in Groundhog Day, as the cycle repeats ad nauseam. The cycle stopped for him when he figured out what he needed to do to finish the day correctly.

For you to stop your career search cycle, you may need to figure out how to find work beyond the methods you are already using. Following are three huge areas career seekers need to focus on. Do your best to improve in these areas and you may well be on your way to landing an interview… and impressing once you get one.

A SENSE OF PURPOSE YIELDS SOME OF THE BEST RESULTS

You need to be proactive in your job search. The best advice for knowing how to find work is first treating that career search as a job itself. Find the time to look for work each week.

To make that search most productive, know what you want out of a career. Point out the things you are looking for and find open positions that fit those characteristics.

IT ALL BEGINS WITH PROFESSIONALISM

Professionalism starts before you can land an interview and must be maintained after you’ve been to one. You must be prepared to sell yourself, your abilities, and show a general knowledge of the company you’re applying to.

For starters, you need to present yourself in the best light in your résumé and cover letter. This involves research. Generally, you need to do more than some rudimentary research on the company you’re applying to. Tailor your résumé to appeal to the position you want, include keywords, and highlight the most relevant information. Also, make sure to proofread your résumé. According to a 2013 survey from CareerBuilder, 58 percent of résumés will have typographical errors. Typo mistakes on your résumé and cover letter will automatically rule you out of a job position. It is also off-putting to hiring managers to see typos and incorrect information in cover letters.

If called in for an interview, prepare for it. Use your knowledge of the company to your advantage and have some questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Additionally, look the part. If the company requires dress attire, that is what you should wear for the interview.

NETWORKING CIRCLES COULD SHOW YOU HOW TO FIND WORK

Hiring professionals will agree that networking can show career seekers how to find work. When you’re on a site like LinkedIn, take a look at the profiles of successful professionals. Make a note of how they present their experiences, how they promote their companies, and how many connections they form. This will show you how to find work and sell your abilities. Additionally, your presence on social media, specifically on LinkedIn, will expose you to many of these professionals, especially those in the career field you’re hoping to join. Here’s a secret: Most positions are not filled by responding to job postings, but by being referred and recommended by your connections.

Now that you know more about how to find work, keep these tips in mind as you continue your career search. Good luck and have a happy Groundhog Day! Hopefully, it doesn’t repeat…