Finding a job is tricky. You need the perfect balance of time and money. This is just the surface criteria, since it only grabs your attention. Then there must be an opening at the job, and you have to be qualified to fill that spot. Not only that, but you must be better than everyone else who applies.

You never know when the opportunity will strike. My latest opportunity came at 1 a.m., at a house party from a stranger on a back porch who just happened to be switching jobs himself. There would be a full-time opening, one that I was qualified to fill. He must have overheard a conversation, and we started up our own. I had a job interview less than a week later.

There were plenty of people at this party that I didn?t talk to, but I did talk to this guy. Who knows who else was there, what web they wove and What opportunities I missed.

Everyday, we run into interesting people that we?ve never seen before. Talk to them, especially when on the look out for new employment. Nepotism is a good way to find work, but it is not the only way.

But no matter what, you have to brag about yourself a little bit. Each of us is more than what a one-page resume and references can say about us. But in order for that to come across to a prospective employer, we must talk about ourselves. You have to be convincing while telling your story. After all, there are a group of others who are fighting for the same thing. You must grow to hate them, as they are the enemy.

Sometimes this can be hard. A funny thing about college is that you make friends. Many of these friendships come about because you see certain people around a lot. Much of the people you see around are in your major. Many of those in your major are looking for the identical job that you are. This is an exception to the hate rule. You don?t have to hate your friends, but flattening their tires when they are scheduled for an interview is just harmless fun. A real friend will understand.

Seriously though, it is competitive, and therefore, there is no use in withholding anything that could possibly give you a leg up. If you don?t feel comfortable selling yourself, maybe you?ll feel more comfortable at Taco Bell.

This is why you must keep your eyes open for opportunities that just happen and it really could be anytime, anywhere. Maybe that guy sitting next to you on the bench as you wait for the downtown light-rail can hook you up, or knows somebody who can. Talk him up; let him know your story.

If somebody has already heard good things about you before your interview, you?ve put yourself in great shape. They mark a star by your name before they even meet you, and all you have to do is show them that you are who they think you are.

Could Russ Edmondson himself know of a job for you? Find out by e-mailing him at [email protected].