Job-hunting can sometimes prove to be a tedious and challenging event. If you’ve suddenly found yourself without a job, or you’ve made the decision to leave your current place of employment, here are five ways you can maximize success when searching and applying for a new position.

1. Tap Into Your Network

Some people try to keep their personal and business personas separate. That's fine, but you can still capitalize on your networks to help you land the job you want. There's always the opportunity to meet someone new, so network actively. Chances are good that someone in your network may know someone outside of your immediate network that can help you out. Consider networking through:

• Alumni groups
• Social media
• Associations

2. Clean Up Your Social Media

While you're tapping into your social media networks, be sure to clean up your accounts. There's something to be said about putting your best foot forward, and that goes for social media as well. Recruiters and employers use social media to get a bigger picture of who you are, so make sure your accounts reflect the best image of yourself. Tidy up your language, photos, and links to content that might cost you a job.

3. Update Your Resume

One of the worst things you can do is apply for a job with an old, outdated resume. Comb through your resume as if you were the potential employer. Make it easy for the company to see why you'll make a great addition to the team. Specifically, update your resume by:

• Following a consistent and appropriate format
• Keeping the resume concise - no fluff, just facts
• Highlighting relevant achievements and skills for the position

4. Research Companies & Positions You're Passionate About

You'll find much truth in the adage, "Choose a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life." Look for companies and roles that spark your interest. Don't waste time and effort applying for jobs or companies that don't mean anything to you. Successful businesses invest in people who believe in their causes as much as they do, so do a little soul searching first to find the best match for a job at a company you'll love.

Conduct a personal inventory of your interests and decide what you'll love to do and go from there. Once you find your match, make sure your application reflects the role that you are applying for!

5. Ask Insightful Interview Questions

You've taken the time to research yourself, jobs that interest you and companies that will feed your passion. Now take the time to show the company your interest in it and the role you're applying for. Review and research the company so you're as familiar as you can be, but take notes on what else you'd like to know. Come to the interview prepared with questions that will show you want deeper answers than what's listed on the company website.

Some starting points would be questions about:

• Required travel
• Typical workdays
• Management styles
• Relocation possibilities
• Advancement opportunities

The goal is to show your interest in becoming a part of the team, so be sure to keep things professional and don't get too personal. Avoid "yes" or "no" questions and keep the focus on learning about the company.

With these five tips, you'll be well on your way to finding a fulfilling job with a company you'll love!