I wanted to be a graphic designer since I was about 13 when I redesigned a poster for the movie Live and Let Die. It was cool. Had an alligator. Through high school I would crank tunes in my room and redesign logos for every band I listened to.

Once in college I began pursuing a career in advertising, wanting to be an art director or copywriter. I was going to be a star. That’s what all the professors told me. “You’re going to have a great career in advertising” they said.

So what did I do to make it happen? Nothing.

I partied. I fell asleep in class. Oh I did my work and got good grades but that was it. I assumed I would have a career. I didn’t have internships, had no summer jobs in the industry. Did not go on informational interviews. Didn’t do any networking.

Nope. I drank beer, played basketball and did not worry about my career. Ooops.

So when I graduated I shopped my advertising portfolio around town and…got a job as a busboy. Parents were really proud. It took me nine months to finally break into the advertising business.  Six years into my career I quit a job without another lined up. But I had not planned. I had no network and few job prospects. I pounded the pavement for months (yes….the old way by actually walking) and finally landed another ad agency role.

From my job search as a graduate and as an unemployed professional, I learned a thing or two about finding work.

After 7 years I became disenchanted with the ad business. I left and morphed into recruiting and staffing. I had empathy for job seekers based on my history. I could also teach from my experiences. I knew what to do and what not to do to find a job.

If you are in school still, don’t do what I did. Get an internship. Network. Engage with the school and your professors. Plan ahead.

Today it’s a challenging job market for many skill sets. But still everyday I see good candidates doing bad things. Things that do not help them get a job.

Take note.

-If I can’t find you, I can’t hire you. Do not name your resume file “resume”. Add your phone number to your e-mail signature. If I am on the run and need to pull up an e-mail to call you, I need your phone number.

-Send thank you notes or e-mails. It’s a lost art. It shouldn’t be. Graciousness never goes out of style.

-Showing up for an interview without doing your homework. If you don’t care enough to find out about the company and role, why should the company care to find out about you?

-Realize hiring is a two-way street. It’s not the hiring company’s job to figure out why they should hire you. It’s your job to present your case in the best way possible. And be prepared to interview the company. You may be showing up to work there everyday. There must be something you want to know about it.

-Package yourself in a clear and consistent manner. Brand yourself. Know who you are. Understand your strengths and your weaknesses. Be honest and realistic.

-Don’t be too timid and don’t be too obnoxious when pursuing opportunities. It’s a balance. Be confident. Hold your head up.

-Market yourself. Look for opportunities and look for jobs. Jobs exist. Opportunities are created.

-Constantly evolve. Don’t get tired. Don’t lose your edge. Stay relevant.

-The old adage is true. Finding a job is a job. Work at it every day. And if you do, give yourself a break. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Drink a beer. Go play basketball.

But then get back to work.