Will 2011 be the year of your new job? After working with 7 cohorts of women jobseekers and dozens more individually, I’ve come to see what separates those who arrive at that magical moment of receiving an offer from those who don’t. Make sure the following are part of your job search this year:

1. Focus: It’s much easier to target companies and jobs when you know what you’re looking for. By spending time upfront making sure you’re clear and excited about your career path and targets, you’ll produce much better results. Sharpen your focus by using exercises in career books, working with a coach, or contacting your alumni career office.

2. Prioritizing your job search: Many of us have competing goals. We want to lose weight, find the love of our life, visit the south of France and find our dream job all in the next 6 months. The women I work with over the course of my 5-week class start to see results because they are focused and active for an extended period of time on a daily basis. Some receive offers amazingly fast, and I believe this is in part because they’ve upgraded their efforts. I have a handout called One Thing a Day, based on an earlier blog post, which outlines daily steps people can take toward their goal.

3. Savvy jobseeking skills: I’m defining savvy as being at your absolute best for every stage of the process, from maximizing networks in your field to crafting a solid resume, writing sharp cover letters, and honing interview skills. Employers want to hire great employees. Your task is to be ready to showcase what you have to offer. If your skills are rusty, then it’s time to invest in the process. There’s no getting around it.

4. Persistence and perseverance: I’m convinced that half the battle with job searches is hanging in there. A job may be posted in January, but the employer may not get around to interviewing candidates until late March. A person you met last June may have the perfect opportunity awaiting you this February. The people who see results understand that finding a good job, one that you love, means committing to the process in the long term and finding ways to sustain yourself along the way with confidence that your new job is on the way.