Tips on finding a new job

On Monday, a number of major employers announced more than 65,000 layoffs, adding to the 2.59 million jobs lost since the recession began in December 2007. But despite the bleak economic forecasts, there are jobs out there for the finding. In Fortune magazine's annual survey of the 100 best companies to work for, 73 currently have job openings.

If you find yourself among the newly unemployed, here are a few tips on job hunting from the February issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser:

Create a networking plan. Make a list of people you can seek out for help and where the opportunities might exist. "The statistics say about 80 percent of people find a new position through a contact," says Ruth Hayden, a financial planner in St. Paul, Minn. Try to figure out how your job skills could be used in areas where companies are still hiring.

Do some creative outreach. Start by creating a profile on LinkedIn, a business networking site, and posting your résumé. Then you can send colleagues a link to your profile. Contact your alma mater's alumni and career-services offices to see if they can steer you to helpful contacts.

Decide if you need to change course. If your industry is facing an uncertain future, for example, if you're in the automotive, banking, or real-estate fields, evaluate whether a career change makes sense. You might need to go back to school to learn new skills that will boost your job prospects.

Search by clicks. The Internet is replacing the classifieds pages in newspapers. Search for jobs at major career sites like CareerBuilder.com, Monster, and Yahoo HotJobs. Do a Google search as well--you might find sites that list employment opportunities for specific industries.

Don't beat yourself up. The job search can be a disheartening process, and, considering the current economic climate, it could take a while to get back to work. Remember that you're not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek advice and help. You can start at ConsumerReportsHealth.org, where you'll find information on coping with stress and depression. And stay active. "Action is always healthier than worrying," Hayden says. --Gregory Brown