Hi there! I empathize profoundly with what you're going through.

Job hunting is the most hateful activity I've ever had to do in my life. Here are some things I do.

Continue to read employment hunt and resume books. Go to the library to get them if I can't afford them.

Have a different resume for different positions.

Go to every job fair you can. I got hired by University of Phoenix Online after going to a job fair by accident, simply because it was ongoing in the unemployment office the day I went there.

State unemployment offices sometimes have people who can give you input into how you can fine-tune cover letters and resumes. They also may have free services, such as fax machines.

Use resources at your alma mater. The community college where I work offers faculty and students alike an opportunity for a mock interview. I used one recently, and the staff -- since I know them pretty well -- were kind enough to set it up like a committee interview, the kind I have. Three of them took more than an hour out of their jobs to do this for me! Then they offered suggestions about how to fine-tune my answers. They also will give feedback on resumes and cover letters.

Ask anyone you know in a professional or management job -- even unrelated to your field -- to give you feedback on your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills.

Call a job back and ask for feedback on how you might improve your presentation. They will be wary, in this litigious world, of saying too much, but you may learn something. Ask if they have any job leads for you to follow up.

Always write a thank-you note after an interview. It makes you memorable. Summarize your qualifications for the job. Handwriting is best. If it's a tech job, it's okay to use email.

If you really liked a firm or wanted a job, stay in touch with the hirer. Send an occasional email that includes industry news, something that might interest that person. Be sure and send a holiday greeting at year-end. Always a good time to let them know you are around.

Hide any tattoos and remove piercings, except for ears. You may not like to hide this part of yourself, if you have them. Wear conservative clothing -- no belly shirts and low-cut blouses, sandals or glitter. Unless, of course, you are applying for work in a creative or fashion industry.

Join a job search support group. If you can't find one of those, find a positive thinking group of people you can meet with regularly, such as a Master Mind group.

I liked a lot of my temp jobs and was fairly often offered permanent work. It was always office routine, not what I wanted, but it was reassuring to know that somebody wanted me. These are good way to pick up some pay while waiting for what you want and to make contacts.

I have suffered prolonged periods of unemployment, even though I have 19 years experience as a newspaper writer and editor, 15years as a university professor, and three degrees, including a Ph.D.

I always feel like I'm a failure, but especially when I don't have a job. From 2004 when I lost a good job, my mother had to send me money every month. I am 9 years from retirement, and I expect to be helping her out by this time!

So you are not doing so badly, SpazKatt. Don't beat yourself up.