Whether you're unemployed or working but entertaining thoughts of moving on, finding a new job is an involved process that takes lots of commitment and hard work. Sifting through job openings can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Searching through that proverbial haystack, however, is even more difficult when you're forced to compete against hundreds of others doing exactly the same. But finding a job, and doing so quickly, doesn't need to be so difficult. The following tips should help cut down on the trials and tribulations of looking for work.

• Network. Recognizing you're not the only one looking for a job is essential to finding one you really want. Recruiters' inboxes are overflowing with the resumes of potential applicants, so you need an edge. Where most job seekers find the most success is through word-of-mouth. Family, friends, former co-workers or anyone else you have regular contact with outside of your current office can all be great sources of information when looking for a job.

• Get organized. Keep track of your job-searching efforts. Finding a job can be a drawn out process, as recruiters typically must sift through large applicant pools before setting up any interviews. Keep a separate file on all jobs you've applied to, complete with a job description and copy of the cover letter and resume you sent to that particular job. Keep these files easily accessible and organized, as you never know when you might be contacted by a prospective employer.

• Know what you have to offer. Examine your strengths and work on communicating those strengths. Effectively explaining what you do best is your best chance of landing that dream job, so practice illustrating how your skills apply to each position you're seeking and how those skills ...