Sometimes you're more than they can handle -- overqualified for the position, with too much experience and/or education. Rather than downplaying your work experience, focus on other areas that make you a more desirable candidate than the new and overeager competition. Your advantage lies not just in your job knowledge but in your understanding of the work world. The key to convincing people to hire you is to emphasize that you are a loyal, stable worker with a solid history of excellent performance who is looking for long-term employment.

You just got a call back from that company you had the interview with and…you didn't get the job. Although you may be bummed out, transform this rejection into an opportunity for self-improvement. Politely ask the caller for feedback on your application and interview skills and the overall impression you made. Many employers will be happy to (briefly) discuss your strengths, weaknesses and suitability for the position. Use that feedback to make changes to your resumé, cover letter and interview behaviour so the next time you answer the phone, it's to say "yes" to a job offer.

You're applying to everything and anything and going nowhere fast. Instead of giving up the game in defeat, consider switching gears instead. Focusing your search on jobs that match your interests and values can more quickly move you along the path to employment. Look for companies whose philosophy is similar to your own and have products or services you feel passionate about. Even if you lack experience, showing enthusiasm and fitting in with a company could give you the winning edge you need.

No matter how attached you are to your iDevice, turn it off during a job fair or an interview. It's a big no-no to answer your phone while talking with a potential employer. If you're waiting for life-and-death sort of a phone call, do make sure it doesn't occur during the time when you're trying to focus on the possible employer. You're going to look rude if you answer a call and, yes, this applies to texting as well. Your busy little fingers may be extremely well-trained in seeming as unobtrusive as possible but they will be noticed and disqualified.

Although a job fair may have a casual atmosphere, this doesn't mean that anything goes. It's best to cover up tattoos and body art, and never, never show up in track pants (especially ones with Juicy written across the seat). Same goes for torn jeans, baseball caps and belly tops. While you're at it, leave T-shirts with the sexy slogans, marijuana leaves and profanity at home. Trust me, no employer needs to know how hot you are to handle.

You got hired and it turns out that the job is a job from hell. Too bad, just grind your teeth and bear it because there's been all that effort that people put into hiring you -- you can't just walk out of the door, right? Wrong. By quitting a job you hate sooner rather than later you will not only save yourself a lot of grief but also will preserve your well-being overall. Stress can affect your psyche and your physical health and there's nothing more stressful than an ill-fitting job. If you're asking yourself if you should quit, you should -- your heart's not in it. Damage control and get out.

Does the thank-you letter have any influence on whether you get a job offer or not? Probably not, especially if the interview was dismal and your resumé is lacking. However, for many bosses, that one extra gesture may be what tips the scale in the favour of one candidate over the other. If your potential boss doesn't care for thank-you notes, that's fine, no harm done, but if she or he does, a thank-you note means you've definitely met his/her expectations. Keep the letter short and sweet and remember to address it to the right person -- ask the receptionist for proper name spellings.

Sifting through job boards for the perfect position, scanning sites for industry updates -- whew! -- job searching can suck up a lot of time. But there's a better way to keep track of what's going on, than scouring the Internet each day. Set up a Google Alert for each company you'd like to work for and you'll be sent posts about hiring plans and other news. This timesaving tool will also help you to impress an interviewer with how up- to-date you are on company or professional news.

It's okay to fire off quick emails to your friends or co-workers but it's a different story when you're looking for work. Sending "thank u very much for the fab Interveiw" to a potential boss only serves to make you look careless, not carefree. So proofread each email for spelling or grammar mistakes and double check that you’re sending them to the right address. Additionally, make sure they project the right tone, choosing polished and polite over cute and casual.

When you're looking for work make sure everything, even your email address, projects the right image. For instance, if you want employers to see you as a tech-savvy professional, use a Gmail account rather than one from hotmail or -- horrors -- AOL. As well, avoid addresses that come across as cute (please don't mention kittens anywhere). And, sadly, unless you're under 35, refrain from including your date of birth in your address. Finally, don't use an email that implies you have a drinking problem, hate authority or are legally insane.

Before you run off to cry in the corner after being passed over for a job, stop. There's a lesson to be learned here. There's nothing wrong with going back and asking where you fell short. Maybe you just need a bigger portfolio or your interviewing skills are not up to par -- whatever it is, get the interviewer to give you specific feedback. This way you'll be able to ace that next interview and maybe even land a job.

Everyone wants to have a dream job but when it doesn't come along it shouldn't mean giving up. While you're courting your dream gig, consider giving other jobs a chance and look into interning or volunteering at the place where you really want to work. The new experience will help pad your resumé, add more references, and, who knows -- maybe it'll also add some skills that you can apply to the dream job when you do get it.

There's no point delaying calling back a potential employer. You might not feel brave enough or the dog might've eaten your phone, but it's still best to call back as soon as you can. Companies usually get in touch because they're ready to start interviewing. You don't want to miss out on an opportunity just because you need to psych yourself up before making the move. Get pen and paper to write down all the info -- such as time and directions -- then count to 10 and dial that number now.

Good. It shows you can read. So, when it says "no phone calls, please" on a job ad, it means no phone calls, please. We're not saying that you don't get it, but a surprising number of applicants don't. The bottom line is, nobody wants to hire people who can’t follow basic instructions. They're not being ambitious or radical by calling -- they're being annoying and eliminating themselves from the "Yes" pile. Good thing you're not like those people.

Once in a while a job ad comes along that seems like it was made for you. It will practically have your name on it -- except that it won't have your name on it but it will just beg you to add it. Don't spend the next few days or weeks dreaming up the ways you will approach this ad -- get your resumé and cover letter ready and send it off now! Companies don't wait long before interviewing candidates -- and no one will consider you after the deadline is up.

Being asked to include salary expectations in a job application often makes people uneasy. Although it's awkward to talk money, don't ignore the request. In a sentence towards the bottom of your cover letter, indicate a salary range and say that it depends on benefits and opportunities for growth. This will show that you're both flexible and looking for a place to set down your roots. Don't mention salary in an application unless you're asked; otherwise, it'll seem that you’re only interested in the almighty dollar.

New graduates face a tough time on the job front. If you're having trouble getting your first full-time job, be strategic. Use your part-time jobs, volunteer positions, internships, school groups and other activities to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've developed. Emphasize that you're a hard worker who is eager to learn and grow with the company. Finally, be willing to take an entry level position, even if it's not exactly what you're looking for. Once you've got that first job under your belt, it'll be easier to move into a more enticing second one.

You don't need to be a modern-day Picasso to boast an excellent portfolio. These days, anyone can have one. To build a portfolio, collect certificates, positive feedback, samples or photographs of your work, letters of recommendation, awards and any other materials that will show you off. Don't wait until you're job hunting to create one -- start today. That way, you'll have things ready when you need them. With a record of your accomplishments in hand, you'll have something concrete to show on your next job hunt.

We may live in a culture that idolizes youth but, in the work world, older employees have unparalleled value. If you're a seasoned worker applying for a job or eyeing a promotion, don't get intimidated by the younger competition. While the young'uns may be on top of the latest technology, you've got wisdom acquired through years of experience. Play up the soft skills you've refined over the years -- negotiation, teamwork, leadership -- and emphasize your interest in keeping up with new trends. That way, you can show them that you're solid gold.

You're one of the lucky ones: your expertise and experience make you a real catch on the job market and you have four job interviews lined up. At the first, you get an offer that's too good to pass up, and you accept. You can't be bothered advising the others and simply don't show up for the interviews. Although you may think those companies are useless to you now, it's a small world out there. You never know when you'll run into those people again while doing business or the next time you're pounding the pavement.