By Luisa Kroll

Keep Busy
Do something besides looking for a job. Consider volunteering for a nonprofit, consulting or taking classes. If the activity is relevant to your profession, it's a big plus. But doing anything is better than doing nothing.

Expand Your Network
Chances are you've already exhausted your existing network of friends and colleagues while looking for a job. Now expand your network or create a new one. Tap into alumni organizations, get involved in community activities, join professional associations, connect with your church or synagogue, or even take a wine-tasting class. You never know where you'll meet that person who will open that door for you.

Switch Industries
An estimated 85% of people switched industries to land new jobs in the past year, according to outplacement firm DBM. How do you pull it off? Obviously, you want to target those industries that are doing well and are hiring, such as health care or security. Still, it is up to the job candidate to convince companies he can easily make the switch. "You have to show you are hirable, not trainable," says Penny McBain, a managing consultant at DBM. Before applying, try to acquire additional training specific to that industry. Then tailor your résumé to that industry and particular job, in order to demonstrate you won't require extensive training.

Ask For Help
Career coaches can help improve job searches and tell people what they've been doing wrong, but they are expensive, especially for individuals who haven't been drawing salaries in months. Still there are affordable ways to get advice. The Five O'Clock Club, a New York-based coaching and outplacement firm (www.FiveOClockClub.com), offers a 10 session program; people attend lectures and then meet in small groups with a career counselor. Each week, participants get relevant assignments. Another low-cost idea: find a job search buddy.

Try Many Tactics
If you've been answering ads or working through search firms, consider taking a different approach. According to career-coaching firm The Five O'Clock Club, only 20% of jobs are found through search firms and ads. Contact companies directly, even if there are no job postings. Focus on connecting with people at 1 to 2 levels above the position you'd seek. Not sure how to find the names? Look through professional association directories in your field. Be careful not to become a pest, though.

Address The Gap
Don't leave a hole in your resume. It creates questions, not answers.

Stay Positive
The most important thing is to stay upbeat and confident. If you are glum or despondent, interviewers will pick up on it. Take time off to recharge, and don't postpone having fun until you get a job, advises career-coaching firm The Five O'Clock Club. Be sure to exercise, eat right and take care of yourself, because a positive appearance helps a positive attitude.

Lower Expectations
Be ready to accept a lower salary or to work for a company that's smaller than what you're accustomed to. Look in small towns or the suburbs.

This article, written by Luisa Kroll, was published in its entirety at Forbes.com.