You've been searching for a new job for the past six months without much success. Most days, you feel like you are beating your head against the wall. Maybe it's time to throw out your old approach and try something new.

Realistic Expectations

A few years ago, it might have been reasonable to look for an HR management job with your two years of HR experience. But now, employers can be more selective. A number of highly experienced people are now competing for those management jobs.

Setting realistic career expectations is key to conducting a successful job search. If you are not a seasoned HR professional, look for positions that will let you broaden your skills. You may not secure that management job this time, but you will be well-positioned when the economy turns around -- and it will.

Reevaluate Your Situation

If you are employed and seeking greener pastures, reassess your situation. Now that you have had a chance to look around, you might decide things are not that bad where you are. This is not a great time to be job searching, so if your situation is tolerable, consider staying put.

Review Your Resume

Your resume may not be attracting attention, and it could be time to spiff it up a bit. If you have some HR experience, you probably have a network of HR contacts. Ask them to critique your resume. Be open to their suggestions. You are close to the subject matter; don't take the criticism personally.

If you don't know anyone in the field, don't despair. Monster.com's Resume Expert Kim Issacs and Resume Advisor Karen Hofferber can help. Just post your resume (without your personal information) on the Resume Tips Message Board and get advice on how to improve it. The advice is great, and the service is free. But be patient. It takes time to do this job right.

Reevaluate Your Approach

Looking for a job is a full-time job in itself. If you are dedicating a few hours a week to your job search, consider kicking things up a notch. In this economy, you need to be going full steam. If you don't, you might be reading this article again next year.

Take a Break

Sometimes you just need a break from the stress of job searching. Give yourself permission to take a week or two off. You will be surprised how your outlook changes.

Sometimes all it takes is a little adjustment for things to click. Be open to making some changes in your job search strategy, and before you know it, you will be on the other side of the fence dispensing job search advice.

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