If it’s time to change things up and find a new position, make sure you stand out from other applicants, says Bill Holland, author of Cracking the New Job Market.

Seek specialized resources. Mom-centric staffing firms, like Mom Corps, tailor searches to their female clients, including working mothers seeking flexible schedules.

Get online. If you’re not on LinkedIn, sign up ASAP. Many headhunters and recruiting managers routinely search the site for job candidates, so merely posting your resume could land you an interview.

Get offline. You never know when a job opportunity may present itself, so be sure to cultivate your personal connections face-to-face. Getting ahead often depends on who you know, so maintain professionalism and network, network, network.

Tip
Be open to new contacts. Job leads can come from unexpected sources—even the school playground!