Jane has been unemployed for a couple months now, and she feels like she isn’t getting anywhere with her job hunt. Everyday, she wakes up and heads to the computer to look for a job on the same five Web sites she’s been using the past two months. She applies for some positions online, but never hears back from any employers. Does this sound like you? If so, you might be in a job search rut! Try mixing up the strategies you are using in your search to help you stay motivated and ultimately land your next position. This is just a sampling of the many strategies you can use while job hunting.

Looking Online: This has become the most common way to look for a job because you can search online at any time of day or night from any computer with Internet access. Avoid ONLY searching Web sites with heavy traffic, such as Monster or HotJobs and remember to search both industry specific and company Web sites as well. Professional organizations often have a job finder section on their Web site, so if you are a member of one, take advantage of this service – after all, you are paying for it!

Networking: While looking online is fast and convenient, the bottom line is that many positions companies are looking to fill are NOT advertised. Discuss your career goals with your friends, family and mentors – you never know who will know someone else who can help you get your foot in the door of your dream company!

Cold Calling: Do you have a specific company in mind that you would like to work for? Try giving them a call to inquire about current and future job opportunities. This can be especially helpful with smaller companies. Even if they are not hiring at the time of your inquiry, ask if you can send in or drop off your resume anyway. Let them know you would like to be considered for a future position - you never know what can happen if your resume gets into the right person’s hands.

Employment Agencies: Employment agencies can be especially helpful if you are looking for temporary or contract work. Do some research to see if there are employment agencies out there that are specific to your field. Sometimes temporary assignments can lead to permanent positions!

Looking in the Newspaper: Some may consider this the “old fashioned way” of job searching, but looking in the classified section of your local newspaper can help you identify companies with openings in your area. Smaller businesses are most likely to advertise locally.