With today's economy you won't have to search hard and long to find someone who has been affected by the "recession". Everyday more and more jobs are cut loose by companies in order to save money. I myself have just fallen victim to my first layoff in my professional career. Am I hurt? Yes. Am I angry? I'd be lying if i said no. Am I going to sit at home eating donuts all day and watching re-runs of Jerry Springer? Absolutely not. Don't let this economy bring you down. I know this is surely easier said than done, but it is the truth. I refuse to let this affect me or bring me down day in and day out. In fact I already landed a job, but it took a little wit and a lot of persistence. I believe this advice that I have learned from speaking with other people in my same position will benefit you. So are you ready?

Rule #1

Searching online for a job actually makes your life harder! THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

That's right...it's true. Think about it...there's a lot of people out of work, and recruiters are bombarded day in and day out with hundreds of resumes that basically repeat the same things over and over again. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!! My profession is in the recruitment field so I do know what I'm talking about here. If a company advertises a job on Careerbuilder don't apply through that site. Instead, go to the company's website itself and apply. It sets you apart from the rest, and you will have an opportunity to fill out the application in full instead of just submitting a resume. This is in fact how I landed my job.

Rule #2

Do some leg work.

I know! I know! You're depressed you just lost your job and really aren't in the mood to go to companies and do some networking. Remember....resumes and online anything is very impersonal and passive. When people get to meet you and you can present yourself in a professional way you will have a big advantage over the guy that just submits his resume online. Networking is the key. So get out there!

Rule #3

Be your own boss.

Take this opportunity to explore some opportunities to make money online. There are plenty of opportunities out there that will actually allow you to work from them from the comfort of your own home. It is very easy, but you just have to put in the time.

Rule #4

Network, network, network!

Don't ever feel funny about getting in contact with an old friend and asking them to keep their eyes and ears open if a job comes around. Even if its been years since you've seen them.Everyone at some point in their life has been or will be in this position. It's a fact of life. So people definitely won't feel bothered if you ask them to simply keep an eye out, and an ear open for any jobs they think you might be interested in. Remember, companies love hiring people who are reffered by someone they trust. This is in fact probably the best way to land a job. The "old school" way..... if you will. Before the internet came in and gave us the illusion that its an easy way to get a job.

So with all this being said I wish each and everyone of you all the luck and godspeed in your journey to get back out in the workforce, and I hope some of this information will do you some good!