Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed people has risen by 7.6 million, reaching 15.1 million. For job-hunters, that's a lot of competition — not to mention the currently employed people looking for a new job.

If you're one of the many people considering a new job, start developing your strategy for taking the next step in your career. When it comes to finding work, consider the following preparation tips and resources gathered from IMT's archives. (Tomorrow we will publish Pt. II in the Job Hunt series, which will provide post-preparation tips and resources for finding a new job.)

Assess Your Situation.
For recent college graduates trying to enter the workforce for the first time, it is important to understand that focused effort, job-hunting skills, persistence and resilience will overcome any obstacles to the job search, even in today's competitive employment market. See Career Advice for the Class of 2009

If job-searching while employed, ask yourself whether you need a break or if it is really is time to search for greener pastures. See Overworked or Burned Out?

Is it possible to find a more satisfying job role with your current employer? See Changing Jobs, Not Employers

Evaluate Your Skills.
Whether you want to switch jobs or shift careers, you must develop a strong understanding of yourself. See Breaking Down the Door

Many employers are looking for workers who have very specific personal attributes, so inventory your strengths and weaknesses. See The Road to Success for Wallflowers

Consider diversifying your job skills through additional education and training. See Top Schools and Scholarships for Industry Sciences and Alternatives to Employer-Based Training

Know the Labor Market.
Which cities and regions have the best job prospects? What is the state of your industry in other locations? Where is there demand for the type of work you do (or want to do)? See Employment Outlook for Second-Half 2009 and Global Jobs Outlook: Cautious Hiring Despite "Talent Shortage"

As more people look for work among fewer available positions, you may want to expand your search by considering relocation. See The Long-Distance Job Hunt

Know Your Value.
Evaluate your previous year's performance, then make sure to look ahead toward the future and establish new goals and a timetable for accomplishing them over the next performance period. See Tips for your Annual Performance Review

Monetarily speaking, know your worth. Compare the salary you want to the salary at your most recent position, and research the industry-average salary in your field to have a better idea of the compensation you can expect. Factor in not only your education, skills and achievements, but also what the market is able to pay for your position. See 2009 Supply Management Salaries, How to Get a Raise and How Our Compensation Changes in an Uncertain Economy

Understand How Others View You.
The annual performance review is a valuable tool for career growth because it provides the opportunity to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses (according to management) and the chance to reassess your own goals. See Tips for your Annual Performance Review

A bad reference can torch a job prospect. Job seekers should try to line up outstanding references, who aren't necessarily the contacts with the most impressive job titles but those who can speak persuasively about your merits. See Seal the Deal with References

Be smart about what personal information you make freely available online. Most recruiters and hiring managers these days can do basic research on job candidates by simply typing applicants' names into Google to see if unsavory personal activity or incriminating information is online. To determine how your colleagues or potential employers view you on the Web, take the time to do a quick Google search. What pops up can either make or break your online reputation. See Tips for Protecting your Online Image

For tips on getting hired, see Pt. II in the Job Hunt series, coming tomorrow.