If you’re not looking for a job yourself, odds are, you probably know someone that is. With unemployment rates hovering around 10% in Washington State, it can be difficult right now to find a job, it’s far from impossible. R.B. Sheridan said it best, and most simply, “The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed.”

1. When the environment gets harder, push harder. Wake up earlier. Make more new contacts and connections. Don’t go to one networking meeting a month – go to four. Don’t submit 5 or 10 resumes per week – put in 5 or 10 resumes per day.
2. Make sure your resume is updated and fresh – don’t use stale cover letters or send tired emails. Let them know you’re a survivor and a hard worker – give them examples of how you are surviving during tough times, stretching your budget, and making it happen. Let them know that your perseverance and dedication translate directly into increased revenue for their business.
3. Be proactive – and quickly. If you meet someone, or learn of a possible opportunity, don’t wait. Take up a policy of following up on the same day. Email, call, write thank you notes, or otherwise follow up– immediately.
4. Don’t get locked into a broken method. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try something new. Try rearranging your resume, or take it to a professional and have them look at it. Try using new subject lines in your emails. Widen your search terms when looking online. Try going directly to companies you are interested in and approaching them before they have openings advertised. Be professional in your doings, but get their attention.
5. Add to your karmic bank. If you have information that can help other people, now is the time to do it. First, because it’s a good thing to do. And second, by putting the time and effort into helping others, your name will come up in more situations which could benefit you in the future.
6. Make sure you’re in a good frame of mind to answer phone calls, go to interviews, and make new social/networking connections. Do what you have to in order to make money enough to get by – whether that’s a part-time job, doing freelance/consulting work on the side, or advertising your services in the local papers or Craigslist. Do whatever you have to in order to keep yourself in a good frame of mind to get the job you want.
7. If you live in an area where jobs are scarce, consider moving somewhere where jobs are more available. Try businessweek.com for listings.
8. If your industry is floundering in the current economy, think about moving to a related profession that is doing more hiring than your current one. HR World and Career Hub both have comprehensive lists of industries which do well, despite a down economy. Didn’t love your last job? Perhaps now is the time to switch to a new career!