Embarking on a job search is a lot like heading out on a backpacking trip. Sure, you could show up at the trailhead with only a liter of water, a granola bar and an indomitable spirit. But come the afternoon, after the biting flies have found you and your granola bar is a distant memory, your energy starts to flag. By nightfall, as the cold sets in and you realize you're lost, you know it's time to turn back.

Just like a backpacking trip, a job search requires preparation to be successful. You need resources to help you navigate a course and stay energized and motivated. OK, so you're not going to get hypothermia if you don't prepare well for your job search. But you get my point.

Here are the kinds of resources that are invaluable for your job search success:

Supporters

Rare is the person who can land the job they want with no supporters. Supporters come in several forms; trusted friends for emotional support, mentors who can coach you and perhaps open a few doors, and contacts who work in your industry and for organizations that interest you.

Of course to have supporters you need to be able to ask for the kind of support you need. This isn't easy for many of us to do. However when you're supporting others and responding to their requests for feedback, information or an introduction, asking for support becomes much easier.

Information About Organizations

You've read about how important it is to know as much as possible about an organization before you interview, but did you know that there's a lot of information to know that you can't find via Google? Luckily with an Internet connection and your library card number, there's a good chance you can have access to it.

Many larger U.S. library systems provide access to its card holders to Internet databases for researching companies. Also, chances are if you’re a college or community college student, faculty member or staff, your institution’s library offers remote access as well.

Obviously public companies are much easier to find information about than private companies, since they are required to file particular information with the SEC. However, if a private company is large enough, there will be information on it available somewhere.

Databases on business and finance that you can access through your library system include ABI Inform Trace & Industry, Business & Company Resource Center, Business & Industry, Mergent Online (public companies only), and ReferenceUSA.

It’s a good idea to read what has been written about the companies you are researching. Two databases of magazine and newspaper articles that can help you do that are Onefile and Proquest. Visit www.bizjournals.com to search the archives and view full-text articles of this group of over 40 regional business journals.

If you live in an area whose library doesn’t offer access to databases from your Internet connection, you can visit them in person. While you’re there, you can conduct even more focused research by looking at Lexis Nexis Corporate Affiliations, International Directory of Company Histories, Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys or Ward’s Business Directory of U.S. Private and Public Companies. Ask a business librarian to walk you through these resources.

Networking tools

Although there isn't a tool that will actually do your relationship building for you, using LinkedIn and Twitter can help you connect with new (and old) people quickly and easily. There are many other social media tools that serve a similar purpose, but the popularity of these two make them essential tools for you.

Of course don't forget about the tried-and-true professional associations for your industry. There's a professional association for pretty much everything you can think of, from bridal consultants to rodeo photographers. Local chapters are excellent places to find knowledgeable and connected industry insiders who can provide invaluable information about their field. They're great places to get involved and increase your visibility, too.

Job Search Advice

Everyone needs a little advice now and then. The trick is to find the right advice for you and to limit your consumption. It can be tempting to put off more important aspects of your job search as you continue to collect article after article on crafting the perfect resume.

There's a lot of solid and free advice to sort through, and my advice (yes, I realize that I'm giving advice to limit how much advice you seek) is to decide on a couple of things you want more information about, dive in and read a few articles, and then proceed on your own.

Of course I recommend you start with any of the Career Collective members' blogs!

Energizers

Let's face it - searching for a job is draining. This is the time for you to shore up your internal resources by doing things and seeing people who energize you. This might mean running, getting out into nature, reading a good book, seeing favorite friends, enjoying your kids, petting your dog, cooking a fabulous meal, or whatever makes you feel good.

The best backpacking adventures happen when preparation meets flow. You want to have the essential equipment with you to keep you safe, but you proceed with a flexible attitude. Trail unexpectedly closed for repairs? Double back and choose another route. Weather colder than you expected? Grab that extra layer from your pack. Your site more glorious than you could have imagined? Spend some extra time there.

Similarly in your job search, when you rely on your invaluable resources you're in good shape to weather changing conditions and unexpected surprises.