According to a 2011 Gallup poll, 71 percent of Americans are actively "un-engaged" in their jobs. This means that the majority of workers in the United States simply aren't satisfied with their current position, which boils down to a nation at odds with itself. If you're searching for a more fulfilling job, you're not alone.

People look for jobs for a variety of reasons: you need income to pay your bills, you want to further your career or you simply aren't satisfied in your current job. Whatever the reason for your job search, here are five tips to make this one count.

1. Self-assess

Finding a job you love involves knowing yourself and what you want. To do this, you might have to ponder several things about yourself. What do you enjoy? Do you have specific talents or skills that could be of use? How does your past job experience and education fit in?

Despite some claiming that either your passion or the pay should come before all else, it's best to base your job search on a mix of what you want and what you're good at.

Consider what you want most out of your job. Is it a large salary, fulfillment, prestige, the opportunity to advance or just great benefits? As you prioritize your needs and wants, you'll have a much better idea of what jobs to apply for.

2. Stick to your guns

For some, it might seem appealing to apply for every available position at the pay level you're looking for. However, this strategy will likely leave you dissatisfied and looking for a better job a short time later.

To avoid wasting time in your current search (and avoiding future searches), stick with that list of "wants and needs" you made earlier. Even if you've been looking for the perfect job for six months, it's always better to hold out for the job you actually want. Don't necessarily take the first offer you get — good things can come to those who wait.

3. Pursue your curiosity

The best way to know if you'll enjoy a position is getting to know the company and job beforehand. While it's impossible to fully understand a particular job in advance, it is possible to get an idea.

Many companies offer informational interviews for you to get to know the company and more about the industry it's in. Contact a hiring manager to set one up. You can also use this interview to network and build a relationship with different hiring managers.

Find out as much about the company and its culture as you can. Is it a company you'd be happy and excited to work for? Sites like Glassdoor.com provide company reviews from past and current employees that will give you some insight into their culture and policies. The Better Business Bureau can also give information about a company's reputation, its management and if any complaints have ever been filed against it.

Lastly, internships are a great way to get a feel for a company's culture, values and day-to-day functions if you're available to do that. Although some internships are unpaid, they often provide the experience you need to move forward to bigger and better things.

4. Focus on a few companies you really like

Sometimes less is more. If you know the field you want to get a job in, start doing some research into companies that offer similar positions, benefits, culture, salary and career advancements you're looking for. A great way to do this is to set up Google Alerts for the companies you're interested in so you can receive notifications when those companies are hiring.

Another idea is to reach out directly. Even if you don't see job openings on the company's website, it never hurts to contact them first, either by calling, emailing, or sending in your resume to let them know you're interested in working with the company.

5. Customize your resume and cover letter

If you're looking for jobs, you're likely writing cover letters. While they might seem like a tedious task for job seekers, they do provide employers with a quick overview of who you are and if you're what they're looking for.

Make your cover letter reflect any unique traits you have to offer and what you want to accomplish in the position. Avoid using fluffy, vague or cliché statements. Instead, focus on helping the reader understand who you are and how you can succeed in the given job. This is also the time to share any career accomplishments you think might be relevant.

Your resume should also provide a small sample of your skills, education and experience. Remember, the more specific you are, the better you'll stand out to the employer. Most importantly, a thorough cover letter and resume help establish a truthful relationship from the beginning.

Don't forget to make adjustments to your resume for each job you apply to, highlighting the experience and traits you have that will work best in that given position.

Now that you've customized your resume and cover letter, take a look at KSL Jobs to create a customized job search to find the job you've always wanted.

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