With so many people in the market searching for a job, how can you dramatically increase your chances of getting a job interview when the numbers are not stacked in your favor?

First, only apply for jobs you are qualified to do

If a position calls for a specific set of skills and educational level and you do not have the work history or scholastic background they desire, do not waste your time. In a competitive market place, the employer will have a substantial amount of candidates to choose from during their initial screening. Due to this large volume of candidates, a recruiter will always bypass the applicants that do not possess the main qualifications they listed on their job posting. This one tip alone will save you a lot of time and allow you to focus your efforts on pursuing opportunities that best match your experience. It will also help you avoid the disappointment of one more unsuccessful application.

Next, you need to ensure your resume matches the job you are interested in pursuing

Too often job seekers send the same resume to every position they apply for. This is a huge mistake. A recruiter will never consider you for a job if it appears your experience and skills do not match what they are looking for. Read through the job posting you are interested in a couple of times. If you have what they are looking for, make sure your resume reflects it.

Another common mistake made by employment seekers is submitting a resume without a cover letter. Not only should you submit a cover letter, but—just like your resume—you should update it based on the position you are applying for. The body of the cover letter should include the name of the position you are interested in, a synopsis of your experience and how your background would complement what the organization is searching for as described in the job posting.

Be ready to list references as requested during the application process

Not listing them will make your application incomplete and make a potential employer question the reason for this omission. So be prepared and get your references before the application process. Strong professional references are people you worked for, not the friends and associates you worked with. Personal references are usually provided so an employer can verify your character and should exclude family members. Community, religious and educational leaders with whom you are affiliated with would be ideal to list as personal references.

Most important: be a go-getter

Do not wait for the ideal position to find you. You must be willing and determined to find your ideal position. This includes calling and visiting organizations to express your interest in working for their company.

Finally, it is critical you leverage your network

Let everyone in your sphere know you are in the job market. Express what you are searching for and follow up on any leads they may provide.

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By following these simple steps, you can develop a plan that can lead to financial freedom.

Step 1: Start an emergency fund

• Most financial gurus suggest people should have between six months and a year's worth of income set aside for emergency purposes. However, this figure is unrealistic for the average person. Until you are debt free, the average family should only save between $1000 and $3000 for emergency purposes. It is critical this money is placed in a separate account and not with your primary funds, or you will spend it. It is also important to use this money for emergencies ONLY. It should never be spent on everyday living expenses, special occasions or holidays.

Step 2: Get out of debt

• It is important to eliminate your debt before you start participating in most investment programs. (With the exception of your company's retirement program up to the company's match amount.) Dollar for dollar it usually makes more financial sense to pay off your creditors first. One of the reasons behind this is the high cost of credit verses the average rate of return on investment accounts. According to bankrate.com, the average credit card carries an interest rate exceeding 14.5 percent, which is higher than the average rate of return on many investments. Be smart—do your homework and know how much interest you are paying on your credit accounts verses the rate of return on a potential investment. If your credit accounts have a higher interest rate, always pay them off first.

Step 3: Live on a cash basis

• Many people supplement their lifestyle by using credit. This is a huge and costly mistake. Buying something on credit could more than double the cost you pay for the item depending upon the interest rate you are being charged. If you do not have the financial means to pay cash for a non essential item, don't make the purchase.

Step 4: Get educated -

It's your responsibility to understand the risk and benefits associated with any form of investing. Strive to be an educated consumer. Read books, attend a class and do your research online. Morningstar is one example of the many helpful websites filled with financial news and information regarding different types of investment options. And don't be afraid to hire an expert. Find a financial planner that fits your needs and has a strong background with solid experience.The Financial Planning Association provides a search engine that allows you to look for a planner and investigate their history.

Step 5: invest in your future -

There are many investment options to choose from, depending upon your financial goals and current economic situation. The following steps provide a good foundation for anyone planning for retirement.

Participate in your company's 401k/403b up to the company match. Doing this will provide you an instant rate of return equal to the percent they are willing to contribute—it's free money.

Open a ROTH IRA accountand contribute the maximum amount of money based on the program's guidelines. Contributions to this account are made using after-tax dollars. However, the account grows tax free, saving you a substantial amount of money over time.

Monitor your investments on a consistent basis.This is crucial. Be committed to not only reading but understanding your statements. This will allow you to make appropriate adjustments to maximize your return.

Be in it for the long term. Saving for retirement is considered a long term investment plan (greater than 10 years). If you invest on a consistent basis, your money will continue to grow until you reach your goals.

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When I first starting coaching clients, I thought people would seek my help because they desired to develop a healthy relationship with themselves and other people. Initially, I was surprised to learn their main objective was not love, but money. Like most people, they thought money would be the answer that solved all their problems. If they had more of it, they would live happily ever after and never have a care in the world.

Not only would money solve their problems, but it would also take away the pain they felt inside. Yes, being financially stable has its many advantages, but if you struggle with negative feelings about who you are and no longer believe in yourself, then all the money in the world will not purchase the inner peace you are looking for.

We often develop our individual worth from other people's opinion of us. In a world full of imperfect people, this is a serious mistake. Too often we hear how we are not good enough and could never measure up. After a while, many people start believing what they hear. They begin to feel life is overwhelming and downright hard. Emotionally, these people are not healthy. They often struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness and have an inner sadness that is difficult to explain.

From my experience working with people from all over the world, this problem is global. However, there is a solution. You are not meant to live a life of hardship and pain. You can begin to love yourself from the inside out. Here areĀ three simple steps to start you on this transformational journey.

Step 1: You need to take complete ownership of your life

No matter how difficult your circumstances appear to be, you have the inner power and ability to embrace positive change.

Step 2: You can control your emotions and change your negative self-image

Part of this is realizing your individual worth is never defined by the thoughts and opinions of others. Do not let their negative actions change your inner knowledge that you have unlimited potential.

Step 3: Stop blaming others!

You are the authority of your life and responsible for your personal happiness. Positive change will never occur when you place blame on anyone or anything for your misfortune and how you feel inside. Being personally accountable for every aspect of your life will allow you to take control and make the changes you seek. This includes the ability to leave situations that are dangerous and unhealthy.

A new found freedom will occur once you take ownership of your life by embracing the possibilities, no longer listening to the negative opinion of others or placing blame on anyone or anything for your situation. You are now what I call an empowered person and well on your way to loving yourself so you can experience life as it was meant to be. Magnificent!

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So why do some people struggle with recognizing their talents, or erroneously think they do not have any special gifts? One reason is that many people have a false understanding of what the word talent means. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition far exceeds a person's athletic, creative or artistic aptitude. Other definitions that can be used to describe a talent could include a person's characteristics, general intelligence, or natural ability.

Another reason people feel they are not talented is they compare themselves to other people. Yes, on the surface it might appear someone is more gifted than you are. However, think about the dedication and sacrifice they made to perfect their craft. When we think about a talented person, we normally do not consider the countless hours they spent in training and practice to be the best they can be.

Still trying to figure out your unique qualities and gifts? Here are some action steps to help you find them.

Action Step 1: Make a list of all the things you are interested in

Your interests are the gateway to help you uncover your hidden talents. Your list can include anything! Some suggestions might include gardening, writing, cooking, traveling, playing a musical instrument, learning another language or being the best parent.

Action Step 2: Review the list and circle the things you feel are most important

The circled items are the things you should feel passionate about doing. They should make you feel excited and happy. If they do not, you need to remove them from your list.

Action Step 3: Focus on developing the things that are most important to you

Developing your talents will take commitment, dedication and work. This is one of the reasons why you need to be passionate and excited about the interests you want to focus on. If you do not feel passionate and excited about developing your interests, you will lose the motivation to do what it takes to further develop them.

Some ways you can develop a talent could include taking a class, joining a team or club, or hiring a coach.Remember to stay focused and take the time necessary to learn and further explore your interests. Feel like you are short on time and might not be able to dedicate as many hours toward developing your talents as you would like? Then reorganize and prioritize your life by exploring the ways you spend your time. People spend countless hours surfing the internet, watching television, listening to the radio, texting and talking on the phone. By limiting these activities and you will be absolutely amazed at much time you can create.

Action Step 4: Share your gifts with others

Do not wait to perfect your talents before sharing your gifts! As you continue to develop and further refine them, look for opportunities to use your talents to bless the lives of other people. Doing this will help you magnify your gifts and will lead a more rewarding, healthier and happier life.

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According to his bestselling book, Attract Money Now, Dr. Joe Vitale explains "Limiting (Unhealthy) beliefs are like thieves in the night. And some of your beliefs are much more costly than others."¯ What a heavy price victims pay. They allow their unhealthy belief system to rob them of their hopes and dreams.

Empowered people have a positive outlook and passion for life. They do not view challenges as failures, but an opportunity to learn and grow. These types of people are resourceful and are always looking for solutions to their problems. They are filled with hope and have a wonderful expectation of what the future might bring. They also have a healthy belief system that lets them know anything is possible if you love and believe in yourself.

As Kevin Hall mentions in his acclaimed book "Aspire,"¯ empowered people are pathfinders. In summary, he explains a pathfinder will discover and follow a unique path that will lead them to a life of purpose and meaning. So how does one become a pathfinder and make the transition from victimhood to empowerment? By learning to love and accept yourself by the choices you make. This can be accomplished by following these 10 simple steps.

Step 1: Choose not to listen or allow negative self-talk to get in your way

Every time you listen to these poisonous messages, it will stop you from taking the action necessary for positive change.

Step 2: Choose to eliminate destructive behavior and addictive habits that keep your life from progressing.

Step 3: Choose to be a person of high moral character whose words and actions reflect the grand traits of integrity and honesty. By doing this, you increase your self-respect and worth.

Step 4

: Choose to forgive others and yourself. Love can never enter into your heart if you are harvesting ill feelings of resentment and anger. Recognize that everyone is imperfect and subject to mistakes. It is important to know that forgiveness does not justify an action that caused you harm. It only allows you to release negative feelings that cause you pain.

Step 5: Choose to care for your bodies physical needs

Strive to eat a balanced diet, exercise on a regular basis and get the proper sleep your body requires. As Mother Teresa plainly states, "To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it."¯ What a great comparison! To keep your bodies healthy, you must consistently care for your physical needs.

Step 6: Choose to participate only in activities that are wholesome and uplifting

If you continuously decide to engage in behavior that is not healthy, the message you send yourself is quite clear. "I am not valuable and important."¯

Step 7: Choose to serve others and care for their needs

Get actively involved in your community. Volunteer your time at a local charity or organization that uplifts you. In his National Bestselling book, The Go-Giver, Bob Burg and John David Mann explain one of the secrets of success come from the power of giving. If you focus on other people's needs, you automatically reap the reward of unexpected returns.

Step 8: Choose to walk in gratitude on a daily basis

Decide to give thanks in all things, openly express your appreciation for acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. According to self-help guru Lisa Nichols, "Gratitude anchors you to the source of blessings and comfort and gives you confidence that you'll always be taken care of, aided and guided. You move forward in your life fearlessly, with joy and excitement. You know that you're going to have even more to be grateful for as time goes on."¯

Step 9: Choose to establish and build a personal relationship with the Divine

Recognize God's hand in your life. Come to understand there is a power greater than yourself who loves you and wants to see you succeed and be happy. View God as a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers your prayers. Someone that is standing in your corner ready, willing and able to provide you with the direction you seek.

Step 10: Invest in yourself and get the help you need

Give yourself permission to invest in the future. Read inspiring books, attend workshops and work with a coach. Find someone that can provide you with tools and insight required to overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from living an abundant life.

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As I was listening to story after story, I could not help but take a personal inventory of my own actions as it relates to family finances. Although I'm not guilty of any of the major infractions mentioned above, I have not always asked for my wife's advice before making certain purchases.

At times, this has caused friction in my marriage. My wife felt left out and frustrated, and I felt like I was being treated like a child. Our conversations often escalated, along with our voices and emotions. Too often these issues were left unresolved, causing strain and leaving bitter feelings of resentment and anger.

According to an article posted on the website CNNMoney, "Financial infidelity: Catching a Cheating Spouse,"¯ staff writer Jessica Dickler explains "Having an affair isn't the only kind of cheating that can ruin a marriage. Whether it's hiding the extra money you earn, keeping a secret bank account or hiding purchases from your spouse, so-called "financial infidelity" can take just as harsh a toll on a marriage."¯

As stated by a USA TODAY article entitled, "Many Marriages Today are 'Til Debt Do Us Part," correspondent Kathy Cho suggests, "If love is the tie that binds couples together, money is often the wrench that pries them apart. Money conspires to antagonize couples. It sometimes invites divorce"¯. Here are some quick tips to help guarantee a stronger, financially-healthy marriage.

• Do not hide purchases from your spouse. If you feel the need to hide something, then chances are you should not be buying it in the first place. Remember, your ultimate responsibility is your family's welfare. Consistently making unnecessary purchases can easily place you on the road to marital difficulty.

• Do not hide debt obligations from your spouse. Secretly owning and accruing credit card debt can cause financial hardship and stress and could potentially ruin your marriage.

• Do not keep secret bank or investment accounts from your spouse. One of the components of a successful relationship is trust. Keeping secret accounts is a violation of this trust and can cause resentment.

• Do not hide money, bonus pay, tax refunds, or any other form of compensation from your spouse. Don't justify keeping secret money for emergencies. Remember, we should be as honest with our spouses as we expect them to be with us.

• Speak with your spouse and set weekly spending limits. It is important to discuss your definition of personal money to avoid possible misunderstandings. Some examples of items that could be purchased with personal money include hobby supplies, fast-food, and inexpensive entertainment such as books or CDs.

• Develop a family budget and set financial goals as a couple. Make a commitment to never make a purchase outside of the family budget without discussing it with your spouse.

• Hold monthly "Money Talks"¯ with your spouse. Review the family budget and discuss areas that might require more discipline and management. This is also the ideal time to pay bills and audit your accounts.

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