For many, the start of a new year also means beginning a new chapter in your career. Whether  you are a recent grad or an established professional looking to switch things up, the process of looking for and securing a new job can be tricky. A few weeks ago, Mashable shared “7 Tips to Revamp Your Job Search for 2014.”

As you begin the journey toward finding your next (or maybe first) job, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Don’t be a copycat candidate – You can’t rely on tactics that have worked for other people. Use your personal experiences, preferences and career goals to create a strategy that works for you.
2. Learn to look at job titles differently – Remember, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover (or title). Even if the words PR or communications aren’t in the position title, your skill set may still be a great fit for the requirements of the job.
3. First impressions are everywhere – Yes, that includes your social media accounts that you think are private. Make sure everything is in order.
4. Be prepared to land the job – No interview is just informational. Treat every meeting like a formal interview.
5. Be strategic with social media – Not all social media sites are created equal when in comes to landing a job. Start by finding out where hiring managers in your desired industry spend their time, then connect with the people/companies you are interested in working for.  
6. Network with your peers – It’s not all about connecting with senior management. Your relationships with your peers can sometimes make or break new job opportunities.
7. Be realistic – Make sure you can deliver on any promises you make to a potential employer during the hiring process.

What tips do you have for those entering the job search journey? Share them in the comments below.