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3.) You have no clear plan. Can you imagine a sports team entering a game without a game plan? From little league to the pros there is always a game plan is place. You study the opposition. Study the field of play. You play to your strengths while exploiting the opposer’s weaknesses. As a job hunter you must take the same approach.

Learn about different job search strategies. Conduct careful research on your field and industry. Learn as much as you can about your targeted geographic locations. Your industry may be dying in your local region yet blossoming another. Create a plan of action based on the information that you gather and implement it consistently. Keep track of your results and make adjustments as needed.

4.) You shy away from high-risk, high-reward job search techniques. It isn’t uncommon for a frustrated job hunter to reveal that they spend countless hours on their job search each day. The majority – if not all – of that time is spent in passive job search activities like surfing online job boards and combing through newspaper ads. These activities are convenient and feel safe. However, they are not the most effective strategies for landing your next job.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. If you are currently involved in a job hunt, networking should be an integral part of your strategic plan. Learn how to network effectively. If you are hesitant or perhaps shy, begin slowly. Practice with friends or family to raise your confidence. Then take the plunge. Realize that the best way to get over your fear of networking is to just do it. The more you network, the better you’ll become at this essential skill.

Remember that networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships with others. Keep in touch with the members of your network. Don’t just call upon them when you need something. Look for opportunities to support them as well.

5.) You’re trying to go it alone. A job hunt can be a lonely and devastating experience. Do not isolate yourself. Communicate with friends and family. Let them know how you’re feeling. Get support from others. If you can’t find the support that you need within your own circle, then join a job hunters group locally or online, buddy up with another job hunter and commit to calling each other at least once a week, or work with a job search or career coach.