When you're thinking about starting to search for a new job, it's important to be intentional and strategic. 

Here are the top five things to consider.

1. What are your own goals and motivations?
   
   Understand why you want a new job. 
   
   Is it for better pay, more meaningful work, career advancement, flexibility, or perhaps for a healthier work environment? 
   
   Clarifying your goals can guide your search and help you better evaluate certain opportunities.
   
   
2. What's your key skillset and value proposition?
   
   Take stock of your current skills, experience, and accomplishments. 
   
   What makes you stand out from others? 
   
   Knowing your strengths can help you tailor your resume and potentially pitch yourself more effectively.
   
   Perhaps you've already identified other professionals who may possess similar skillsets to yourself, either now or in their past, so as to identify how they got to where they are now.
   
   
3. What are some relevant job market and industry trends?
   
   Research which industries are hiring, what job roles are in demand, and the current salary trends being seen. 
   
   This can help ensure that you set realistic expectations and identify where your skills are most valuable.
   
   
4. Are you networking enough to re-ignite previous connections and to forge new ones?
   
   Start reconnecting with previous professional contacts you've established, both online (e.g., on LinkedIn) and in real life. 
   
   Many job opportunities can come through referrals, and networking can certainly help to uncover some hidden openings or perhaps give you an edge in the process.
   
   
5. Are logistics and timing right for you?
   
   Consider your financial situation, ideal start timeline, willingness to relocate, and how much time you can realistically devote to the search process.
   
   This cam help you pace your job search sustainably.

Land your dream job

Step forth with confidence and remember the old saying: "Failing to plan is planning to fail."

So do your homework, get prepared, and go find that fabulous dream job that's waiting with your name on it.