While you may be doing everything right, ignoring just one or two steps in the process may keep you from getting a job, especially in this fierce market. Here is a checklist that covers some of the major links in the job-search chain.

THE RESUME—Make sure it is up-to-date and tailored to the types of jobs you are seeking for. Have someone else look at your resume. If you cannot afford a career coach, give your resume to friends or family members to scrutinize. Have copies of your resume printed so that you are ready to hand them out at interviews.

COVERING LETTERS—Maybe you’ve set up a few basic styles in advance, but that’s not enough. Each covering letter should be designed to suit the job for which you are applying.

THE WARDROBE(衣橱)—Check your wardrobe to ensure that you have the appropriate professional dress, including shoes, ready for interview.

NETWORKING—Don’t isolate yourself from others. Network through e-mail messages, phone calls, appointments and meetings keep you in touch with the outside world and prevent you from becoming depressed.

APPLICATION—A glance at huge online job sites isn’t usually the best way to find a job. You are more likely to succeed through the people you know via networking.

INTERVIEWS—If you’ve got plenty of interviews but no return calls or job offers, take a look at your interviewing skills. This is one area where investing in a career coach may pay off. But if you can’t afford one, try to find a job group or service that conducts free mock(模拟) interviews.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS—Finally, recognize that looking for job is rather difficult. Even at the best of times, a job hunt is often about rejection, and that can be hard to endure. Staying in touch with family, friends, professional networks and fellow job seekers can help you to maintain a positive attitude and a sense of perspective.

Learning how to apologize is similar to learning any new behavior. It may feel awkward and may not be polished at first. 【小题1】 There are several tips that will help you as you learn how to apologize.

First of all, wait until the right time and you are in the right place. Although public apology is often appropriate, discretion (谨慎) should be used. 【小题2】 Remember, you will be raising a topic that may recall a bad experience or bad feelings. Be respectful as you approach this task.

Be direct and brief in your approach. Acknowledge the fact that injury has occurred and then take responsibility for what happened. Be sincere in expressing your regret and demonstrate your willingness to take ownership of the situation. 【小题3】

Even if you follow these steps, be prepared for rejection. Sometimes, the person apologizing has an expectation that the apology will lead to immediate forgiveness and acceptance. 【小题4】 If you think of the offense (冒犯) as an emotional bruise (瘀伤), think of the healing process as the color changes we see as a bruise heals.

【小题5】 Knowing when to keep one’s mouth shut is a virtue. Keeping quiet may be very difficult, as post-apology listening is not easy. We may hear unpleasant observations from another about our own shortcomings. We may hear the expression of anger. One of the ways we let others know we are truly responsible and accountable for our mistakes is by listening to the other party pour out the feelings associated with our actions.

If you’re looking to get on top of your personal finances, but don’t know where to start, there are plenty of simple lifestyle swaps (替换) that could help you make your money last longer.

Go for own-brand foods

Branded products are well known for being more expensive than own-brand items, even though there’s generally not much difference in flavour. 【小题1】. Save the extra pennies for fresh goods instead of put them in your savings account.

Try creating your own takeaway

【小题2】. A great way to reduce the cost is to make your own, also known as a ‘fakeaway’. It can be just as delicious at a small amount of the cost. Cooking tools have boomed in the last two years and for good reason. While ordering costs much, a set of household tools will set you back less than dining out.

【小题3】

People often stay with their bank or credit card provider because it seems annoying and inconvenient to change, but in reality it’s not and doing so could see you harvest the rewards. For example, you can look at six key aspects: interest rates, overdraft (透支) limits, monthly fees, cash back, benefits and payments with contact. 【小题4】

Swap the gym for home workouts

Gym memberships can cost a small fortune, but if there’s anything we’ve learned to embrace (欣然接受) in the past two years, it’s home workouts. Buy a bicycle or basic weights that will save you money in the long term, or try an online class. 【小题5】. This will not only let you reconnect with nature, but it’s all free, too.