Finding a new job isn't fun. It is hard work, time consuming and occasionally soul destroying, but in fact not nearly as painful as staying in a job you're no longer happy in. Are you practising your avoidance techniques right now? Read on for what you need to do to make the process easier, more enjoyable and less stressful.

Get ready

Make sure your CV is up to date, displays your skills and experience as well as your career interests and what you want to do and learn next. Put together a generic cover letter which you can tailor to specific applications quicker and easier as and when you find them.

Although you're not yet at interview stage, make sure you're prepared for it. Have you got something to wear? Do you need a haircut? You could be asked to attend an interview at short notice, so make life easier for yourself by getting these things sorted in advance.

Keep in touch with people in your network. Keep a list of all the people you liked and respected who have left the business, who you went to school with or have worked with in a previous employer. Stay in touch periodically so you can activate your network when you're ready. Be open about the fact that you're looking for a new job as you never know who they might know.

Also look at expanding your network, volunteer, join clubs, go to local networking events - make sure you meet new people and have their contact information. If you are thinking about a new career, focus this activity in the new career area.

Research

Take some time to think about what you want out of your career. Are there aspects of your role that you want to change, what sector do you want to be in, who are the ideal employers in this arena? There are more ways to research a job today than ever before - blogs, forums, networking sites, all providing valuable information on jobs or companies. If you're interested in a specific company set up a Google News Alert to send you news as soon as it becomes available. Research and make contact with Recruiters who will be able to help you identify opportunities and support you with your research.

Act

Apply! Don't be hesitant - yes it takes time to tailor your application, to research, but if you follow the above steps up front, it becomes quicker and easier. Dedicate a certain time slot every day to managing your job search and applications. If you treat it as a daily task, you'll be efficient and ahead of the game! Stay organised, keep a log of all of your applications and the stages you're at. That way you'll avoid making duplicate applications and when a company calls you back you'll know exactly who they are and what the job is.

Keep it in perspective

Be sure to have more to your life than the job search! Family, friends, a hobby, etc. Do the job, don't be the job. Individuals who have other interests and other contacts independently from work can often be more confident and resilient, they are the ones who find it much easier to brave the quirks of the job market. And finally, be patient. Finding a job in today's market is not easy and it may take a while. Don't give up hope, you'll get there.