There is a lot of doom and gloom out there. With all the grim headlines, it’s pretty easy to feel down and out about your job search. If you were laid off, downsized, or euphemized, then it’s hard to stay positive and vigilant about taking a bright, successful next step.

The good news is that there are some recession-proof industries such as education, healthcare, energy, international business, the environmental sector, and security that are still hiring. There are also a few great tips for any job seeker in any industry to help with a difficult job search:

1. Network, network, network.
You’ve heard it before - networking is the key to getting a job. Recruiting directors want a safe, easy hire. If they met you at a networking event or if your name was passed along to them by a colleague, then you likely will stand out from the sea of candidates and resumes.

For some reason, many people dread this horrible word, “Networking”. Really, networking is just having conversations with your friends, family, colleagues, and peers. Here are just a few ideas to get started:

* Your friends’ parents
* Your parents’ friends
* Your dentist
* Your neighbors
* Your college professors
* Your alumni association
* Your hair stylist

Talk to everyone you know. Reach out, and let them know what you’re seeking. You may be surprised with all of the connections your Aunt Daphne has.

2. Join a professional organization.
Even though you are out of a job, you want to stay in the game. By joining a professional organization, you can stay up-to-date with industry news and developments. Of course, you also will meet leaders in your field. You can learn from them and make professional connections at numerous companies.

3. Volunteer your time.
Now that you have a little extra time on your hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to volunteer in your community. Serve on a board, organize a neighborhood recycling program, or design marketing pieces for a charity pro-bono. Helping others gets you off of the couch and thinking positively. You may even develop your skills and meet someone who can help you get a job.

4. Think differently.
If you’ve been out of work for awhile, it may be time to broaden your view on what your next step could be. Instead of one of the top, five advertising agencies, would you like to work at a regional agency or in the advertising department in-house? Maybe you can relocate or make a career change. You may even take a 10% pay cut, but you can bargain for an extra week of vacation. Think creatively on how you can make a successful next step.

5. Be Persistent.
It’s not going to be easy. Unfortunately, the game has changed a little bit, and companies can afford to be more selective. You’re going to have to network a lot, apply for numerous positions, and receive a few rejections. Hang in there. Follow up with recruiting directors if they don’t get back to you. If you didn’t meet anyone at the last networking event, go to another one. Who knows when you will be in the right place talking to the right person at the right time.