1. Expand Your Search Area- Unfortunately, in some areas, the recession has really taken a toll on the job market. In these areas jobs are not only scarce, but also highly competitive. While relocation is always an option, your solution may be as simple as expanding your job search radius by 30 or so miles. This of course will make your commute longer, but you have to ask yourself if you?d rather spend an hour or two more traveling each day and get paid, or sit at home and not get paid.

2. Get more education- Going back to school can give you more opportunities than any other strategy on this list ? period. What if school isn?t for you? Have you thought about career education? Career education offers you the unique opportunity to learn practical skills in a specified profession. These schools often have employers that will hire graduates upon completion of an internship and/or apprenticeship. Try The Education Guide for career education schools in your area. 

3. Volunteer- Now I know what you?re thinking? volunteer work does not pay the bills. I realize this is true, however, this is a short-term mindset. Volunteer work affords you the opportunity to not only help out a cause you are passionate about, but also network with people in your community. Your goal should be to make as many connections as possible. Who knows, your hard work could even turn into a paid opportunity within the organization you volunteer for. 

4. Entrepreneurship- Everyone has some sort of talent. The problem is that most people, neglect to use their talent as a source of income. Now this may be due to time constraints or simply a lack of motivation; however, there?s no better time to use your talent than when you?re unemployed. Things like weaving, sewing, carpentry, freelance writing and creative design are all talents that can be used as a source of income. A great place to look for freelance work or advertise your own business is Craigslist. It?s the most widely accepted forum for free classified advertising on the Internet. 

5. Try a related career- Getting a job in your exact field may be tough these days, but there are certain fields that are still hiring. While these can be understandably frustrating, the best way to look at this is an opportunity to expand your area of expertise. Let?s use the marketing field as an example. During a recession, unfortunately companies usually look to the marketing department for ways to shave dollars off their budget. While marketing jobs have been hard to come by lately, there are jobs that are considered to be complimentary to marketing jobs. Such jobs may be in the form of sales, creative design or computer programming. Experience in any of these related fields will give you more leverage when trying to get a marketing job.