My brother is a marathon runner who recently had his best time ever in the New York City Marathon. He's got a hectic full-time job and he's middle aged, so it was a really big accomplishment. He spends a lot of time training and staying in shape.

Talking to John about the race and what led up to it was a good reminder that a job search isn't a one shot deal. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and everything you do leading up to winning the job search competition, and it is a competition for each and every job, and getting a job offer matters.

Every part of what you do when you job search, including looking for job postings, online job searching, writing cover letters, dressing for an interview, sending a thank you note, job searching (or not) from work, and using social media can make - or break - your job search.

These top job search tips include tips for resume writing, cover letters, curriculum vitae, interviewing, phone interviews, working at home, online job searching, using your network, finding work at home jobs, and more advice to help you find a new job fast.

Related: Top 10 Job Search Tips | Online Job Searching

_{Image Copyright Lisa Gagne}

It's important to remember that even if you have gone on lots of interviews, it is a good idea to brush up your skills and take some time to practice interviewing. A job seeker who had been reviewing our job interview questions and answers told me "I've been reading your pages recently and am happy to say that I had my second interview yesterday. You were of tremendous help. 75% of your probable questions were asked and answered as you suggested."

I'm always interested in adding to the list, so if you've been asked some difficult interview questions that you don't see here, please let me know.

Also, note that there are some questions that are usually referred to as illegal interview questions and although it's legally-risky to do so, it is not necessarily against the law for interviewers to ask them. Here's more information on illegal interview questions.

Job Interviews

• Interview Questions and Answers
• How to Follow-Up After a Job Interview
• Interview Guide
• Tough Interview Questions
• Types of Job Interviews

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I'd like to expand our collection of cover letters, resumes, CVs, and other employment-related letters. If you have a cover letter, resignation letter, thank you letter or other job search related letter, resume or curriculum vitae that you're proud of, I'd like to consider adding it to our samples.

Simply send it to me via email, along with the form giving us permission to use it. I'm looking for samples that reflect all levels of job seekers - from students to experienced professionals. If you'd like credit for your letter, let me know or, if you're concerned about privacy, let me know that, too, and I'll edit or remove your personal information. Thanks in advance for your help!

Also, if you have a cover letter writing tip to share, add it to our list. In a tough job market, a little advice can make a big difference.

If you're looking for samples to review, take a look at these sample resumes, cover letters, curriculum vitae, resignation letters, thank you letters, letters to accept, or decline a new job, and more career-related letters you can use for your job search correspondence.

More: Cover Letter Examples | Cover Letter Tips

_{Image Copyright Alejandro Raymond}

A holiday job used to be a way to earn some extra money to cover presents and pay a few bills. Now, according to a survey from job search engine SimplyHired.com, the majority of holiday job seekers are those who just need a job - any job.

SimplyHired reports that 66% of job seekers are looking for a seasonal job because they are out of work this holiday season. 24% of job seekers simply need the additional income and 8% need money for school expenses.

If you're looking to earn some extra money during the holiday season, it's quick and easy to apply for the holiday jobs that are available - and there's not all that many, so apply everywhere you can. I picked up a few holiday job applications at the mall the other day and they are so simple that they only take few minutes to complete.

Before you go, make a list of the information you need to apply, so you're ready to complete an on-the-spot job application. Dress appropriately, be ready for an interview, and you may get a holiday job sooner than you expected!

Related: Holiday Jobs | In-Person Job Applications

_{Photo © Morrighan}