Perhaps you’re among the hundreds of thousands who have recently been laid off. Or maybe you’re still employed but wondering how to proceed if you do lose your job. Here are some useful tips for helping you conduct your job search effectively:

Get going! You may be tempted to take some time off before beginning your search, but that’s unwise. The sooner you roll up your sleeves and get to it, the sooner you’ll be off the unemployment rolls.

Make your search a full-time pursuit. Finding suitable employment can—and should—be a full-time job in itself. Plan to spend at least a full 40 hours a week engaged in job-hunting activities.

Cut unnecessary spending to the bone. Assume that it may take several months to land that new job. In the meantime, you’ll probably need to hunker down and reserve your spending for essentials.

Request a letter of recommendation from your former supervisor. Make sure potential employers know that your termination had nothing to do with your job performance.

Make use of free resources. Could that resume use some polishing? Are your interviewing skills a little rusty? You’ll find plenty of useful information on the Internet and at your local library.

Don’t restrict your search to want ads. There’s no harm in answering them, but don’t expect much to come of it. Remember, you’re competing with hundreds, or even thousands, of other applicants. What’s more, most job openings are never advertised. So be creative. Arrange informational interviews; make cold calls … and network, network, network!

Implement a networking strategy. Spread the word far and wide that you’re in the market. Make a list of people you’ve recently worked with, including co-workers, key department contacts, customers, and vendors. Get their permission to use them as references and potential job leads. Regularly attend job fairs and workshops. If your college or professional organization offers a “jobs wanted” or “jobs offered” service, sign up for it.

Strengthen your skill set. Whether you’re relatively new to the world of work or a grizzled veteran, it’s always a good idea to broaden the range of skills on your resume. Look into free training programs offered by state and private employment agencies.

Let your light shine. When you do land an interview, don’t be shy. Remember, the product you’re selling is you. Try to project enthusiasm, self-confidence, and competence (but, of course, don’t come across as arrogant).

Don’t give up. Unfortunately, job hunting is mostly about rejection. Don’t take it personally—just keep plugging! Remember, it’s also a numbers game: The more employers you contact, the greater your chances of finding the right job. It may take a while, but you will find that job.

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