As unemployment rates rise and the number of available jobs dwindle, I think we can all give a collective middle finger to the US economy for the doom and gloom of 2009. Unfortunately, the outlook for 2010 isn’t much brighter. But before you give up hope completely and move back in with mom and dad, make sure you’ve fully exhausted your options. Here’s a list of 10 tips to re-energize your job search:

1. If you’ve already scoured Monster and CareerBuilder and maybe even picked up an actual (gasp!) newspaper and checked out the classifieds, you’re probably scratching your head wondering if these are the ONLY sources for Wichita jobs. Guess what – they’re not. Add sites like MyHuey, NationJob, Kansas Job Link, Craigslist and, for government jobs, HRePartners to your daily job searching repertoire.
2. Ask your friends. Sometimes a simple email or phone call can turn into a new gig or at least an interview. The bottom line is that it never hurts to ask.
3. Are you on Facebook or Twitter or, dare I say, MySpace? This is the perfect time to tap into your personal network. You’d be surprised how quickly word travels that you’re in the market for a new job and even more surprised by how quickly people are willing to help.
4. Speaking of social media profiles, more and more employers are checking them out as part of the qualification process. So take this opportunity to clean yours up. That means untagging unsavory photos, deleting blog posts and taking a close, objective look at the image you’re presenting to the world. While I may find your keg stand and beer bong photos impressive, chances are the HR department at your dream job will not.
5. Have you signed up for LinkedIn? There’s no better time than the present. Create a profile, add your employment history, start networking with friends, old colleagues, supervisors and making new connections. Check out the job listings posted on the site while you’re at it.
6. Contact local employment agencies like Oasis Staffing, The Specialists Group, and Staffmark. A simple Google search will reveal a long list of options. Employment agencies place candidates at temporary and long term temporary positions, and often do direct hiring. Even better? You’re likely to get some free career advice along the way.
7. While you’re spending time at the employment agencies, have them critique your resume. And then take their recommendations and give your resume a face-lift. If you’ve sent more resumes than you can count, feel like you’re completely qualified for the positions, but still aren’t getting interviews, your resume might be the problem. So fix it.
8. Ever been to a job fair? No? Now’s the perfect time to give it a try. Bring lots of copies of your updated resume, dress like you’re going to an interview, and get ready to answer lots and lots of questions. Sometimes employers actually hold on-the-spot interviews, so prepare, prepare, prepare.
9. Volunteer. For free. I know, I know, you’re looking for a J-O-B. One that pays. But while you’re out of work, you might as well use your time to do some good. After spending day upon day on the couch, watching yet another (shocking!) paternity test fallout on Maury, sending out resumes and g-chatting with your employed friends, why not get out of the house? Having a purpose – something to get you going every day – helps with the unemployment blues. As an added bonus, it’s a way to meet people, expand your network, and possibly even stumble upon a paying job.
10. It’s the right time to start looking for seasonal work as the holidays rush toward us like a speeding bus. Some stores have already put up the Christmas trees and lights and all that’s missing is a disheveled group of temporary employees. Before you think your resume makes you too good for sweater folding at the Gap, just remember that it’s a paycheck (and a discount) and that’s nothing to turn up your nose at. Plus, if you’re qualified, it could turn into long term employment.

Have a suggestion that didn’t make the list? Leave a comment and help an unemployed friend (or total stranger) out.

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Related posts:

1. [work] Five Tips for the Newly Employed
2. [work] Don’t be a Dumbass When Applying for a Job
3. [work] Welcome to the Unemployment Line
4. [move] Work Out at a Wichita Gym
5. [help] Volunteer with the United Way