Between the internet, friends and family you may be getting lots of advice on how to handle your job search. Information may start to directly contradict each other; provide alternative paths, or just be plain confusing.

1. Only seek advice from people whose opinion you value and who has expertise related to your job search. This could be industry or function expertise, or a strong knowledge of the job search process.

2. Thank those that provide unsolicited advice but don’t incorporate their suggestions unless you have gotten a second opinion and feel confident the information is correct.

3. Recognize that the human relations area and job search specifically is part art and part science (mostly art). In some situations there is no right or wrong way to do or say something – it has to be aligned with your beliefs and skills.

4. Don’t feel you have to defend what actions you have or have not taken to-date. The way you handle your job search is unique to your personality, and your time table.

On the flip side, there are valuable resources that can benefit you in your job search. Don’t try to do it alone. Take the time to review each step in the process and optimize all the tools at your disposal. Try not to devote too much time to web resources. You can trick yourself into believing you are spending a lot of time on your job search but never get to implementing the actions that will benefit you the most.