Bolles says you must find ways to inject some confidence and optimism into your life, because they’re essential to a successful job search. He suggests a routine that includes exercise, rest, and plenty of water.

Write down seven experiences at work that you enjoyed, and list the skills that you applied in each case. According to Bolles, job hunters typically rely on only one or two methods in their search; mailing our a hundred resumes or posting a copy online. Those might have worked before, but not now. Don’t limit your search to companies that have openings. Consider companies that you’d like to work for, whether they have openings or not. Contact them with the benefits you can bring.

Volunteer, shadow someone on a job you’d like. Get involved in your church and local civic clubs. “You want to take action every day, not sit around waiting for something to happen,” says Bolles.