As many of you may know, finding a job isn't an easy task these days. Without something to make you stand out from the half million other unemployed people, it's nearly impossible. With so many, e.g., teachers being let go, your kidding yourself if you think you'll be next in line to fill their spot.

Every week I send out a bunch of resumes and individualized cover letters that highlight my unique talents, and in return--if I'm lucky-- I'll get a reply apologyzing for the vast amount of qualified candidates. They omit the part about how much better these "qualified candidates" are.  

After a while, say the last year, it gets pretty depressing (hence the true meaning of an economic depression) and you start doubting whether or not you are as good, at whatever it is you do, as you thought you were. Interestingly, I've noticed that men seem to take it the worst. Men, in many ways historically and culturally determined, are suppossed to be the bread winners, the providers of security. Nonetheless, what's a man suppossed to do when he can't even get a job at Barnes and Noble stakcing books on shelves. With analyst now showing that unemployment rates among men a full 2%+ above women, after a while you may start doubting your self-worth.

But, in line with my New Year's resolution, there's a bright side. With a bunch of indicators of an economic recovery on the horizon, such as unemployment numbers plateuing and the possibility of finally reachig the bottom of this mortgage meltdown with loans begining to reset, there is hope. So what are you to do? What is that one thing that will make you more then just a needle in a haystack.

The truth is, there really aren't any easy solutions and fix-all panaceas. If I had one, I'd be employed at my dream job right now. I do have some advice though. First, you should do all that you can to make that resume impressive. Make it esthetically pleasing, informative and functional. A resume is a quick, yet thorough synopsis of your professional and in some cases academic history. Second, apply everywhere you think your talents might make you a valuable contributor. It doesn't hurt to play a numbers game, even if you think your chances aren't too good at scoring that job. Third, research your employer. It helps to know something about the company, and mentioning it in your cover letter. All your cover letters shoul be individualized. Start off with a basic template, and modify as needed. Fourth, follow up on your submissions. Send a second email reiterating your interest in the company and available position. Don't sound desperate, but rather motivated and interested. And if you get that interview be prepared for it.

However, aside from all of this, you may just need to do some soul searching. The one thing that will make you stand out is if you can demonstrate your passion and drive. You want that person reading that cover letter, and examining your resume to truly believe what you are saying. Nothing will come across as sincere, frankly, if its not a job you want. You have to really-really... want it. That makes things tough. Often times, if you're fresh out of school, you may not really know what you want to do for the next two-three years. You just want a job, to move out of mom and dad's house, and finally have that independence you've been yearning for. Sadly, you won't get a particular job, if you don't know if you really want it.