If you're aware of where companies are seeking applicants, you can position yourself to increase your chances of getting found by hiring managers. One of the important job search strategies you can use is to focus your efforts on the same job sites that companies are using to recruit.

Use the job search engines to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests and the location where you want to work. Narrowing your search criteria will save time, help you focus your job search, and give you highly relevant job listings to review (and fewer non-relevant listings to weed through).

When you're conducting a job search, you need to make it easy for employers to find you online.  Employers, who can be inundated with resumes when they post jobs, often seek passive candidates (qualified candidates who aren't necessarily looking for 

work, but who may be interested if the right job comes along). Here's how to ensure companies can find you.

Create profiles on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites. Use your name for the URL, if possible.  When prospective employers search for you online, those profiles typically rank high, so you will provide recruiters, employers, and contacts

with a strong, positive, and professional impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

The job market is crowded, and one of the most valuable strategies you can use is to make sure that you stand out from the crowd and show the hiring manager that you are a candidate who should be selected for an interview. One way to do this is to have a target list of companies you'd like to

work for, and focus your efforts on making a terrific impression on the organization.

It's important to take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you are applying for. The hiring manager will be able to immediately see why and how you are qualified for the job.

You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview with a targeted resume, than if you send a generic letter and resume.

Networking is still the way most people find jobs, and the job search strategies you use need to include networking—either online or in person.  Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in 

touch with someone who can. Join LinkedIn Groups so you'll have access to job listings posted for Group members and more people to network with. Set up information interviews with professionals at your target companies to get more information about an industry, job, or company.

A job interview, of course, is what is going to get you a job offer—or not. Take the time to prepare.  Research the company before you go for the interview, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to

impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

It's really important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you interviewed with. Candidates who send thank you notes get hired more often than those who don't. Use your thank-you note as an opportunity to reiterate why you're the best candidate for the

position. If you flubbed an answer during the interview, you could also use your thank you note to clarify.

There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful and meaningful employment.   From age-proofing your resume and cover letter, to highlighting your years of experience in a positive way, review these tips targeted at helping 

mature job seekers land interviews and get hired.