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When you look through the job boards, there is a chance that you don't see opportunities that necessarily fit your qualifications or style. This can be frustrating to some, especially a job seeker who has been unemployed for some time.

There are opportunities out there - hidden gems - you just need to dig for them. You may not be able to identify them right away by just looking through the job boards, so you need to be proactive and seek them out.

The first step is to maintain a positive outlook - without this, you won't have the energy or motivation to go forward in trying to find opportunities.

Next, to be most effective in a job search, you have to:

• Determine what the ideal role is for you.
• Do your research and see which industries and organizations are good targets to help you achieve your goal.
• Figure out where you are willing to work, geographically

The idea is to create an opportunity that is a right fit for you. Don't limit yourself by just looking through open positions on the job boards.

Third, create high-impact resume materials that are easy to tailor and send out. For example, most applications take place electronically these days, so there really isn't a need to include the employer's mail address on the cover letter. While the formality may be nice and neat, the time it takes to either build a database of names and addresses, or individually type them on every single cover letter, slows you down.

A very important next step is to get the names of the decision makers in organizations that could provide you with a role that you are seeking to fill. This is tough because gatekeepers have been trained well to not let unfamiliar people through, especially in large companies. But, there are other ways to get the names you need if calling directly into companies doesn't work. 

• Get access to industry-specific trade show and conference program brochures to get the names of the presenters; they might be decision-makers.
• Visit corporate websites and read through press releases to see who was quoted; usually these are senior managers in companies who are experts at something, and most likely team leaders.
• Go directly to the "Corporate Info" or "About Us" pages to find names. Most times the executives listed on these pages are in the upper echelons of organizations, and getting access to them is nearly impossible. But, hey, if you're up for a challenge, go for it.
• Join an association or trade group. Note that memberships to these organizations usually aren't free, but building your network is always worth it.

The last step is to reach out to the decision-makers by phone. Follow up with sending them your resume materials the same day. You need to be sure to get their contact information first.

Note that organizations are going to need someone eventually; if not later, then right now. You might as well get the ball rolling and let them know you're ready to work for them before they even know that they need you. It may result in a part-time, consulting, or even full-time role - you just never know unless you try.

What it boils down to is that it is your job to initiate and engage decision-makers, introduce yourself, and then build a relationship. Nothing may come to fruition right away, but by planting the seed, who knows, several months later your fledgling relationship with a hiring manager you contacted may blossom into a new job.