Q: I've been in job-search mode since January, following a layoff. I've made networking calls, posted my resume on Web sites, replied to Internet postings, made trips to get myself in front of people and scanned the classifieds. I'm reading books and articles on career issues. Two professionals critiqued my resume and said it hits the mark. I've attended a job search support group. I work out several times a week for good mental health. I've considered career coaches, but am hesitant because of the expense. Given that this region isn't hot for someone with international experience, I've concentrated elsewhere.

My questions: Is my experience typical for current economic times? What steps will improve the process and land interviews? How can I stay/get better motivated? What other professionals should I consider seeing? -No name please

A: It appears you're conducting a model-perfect job search. That's the good news. The bad news? You'll need to keep doing more of the same, with a few additions, for a while longer. The "while longer" is a function of several things. One, which you've already noted, is the economy. We haven't fully recovered. Another relates to salary. In general, the more money you earned in your last job, the longer it will take to find a comparably paid job. Another reason is that the more focused your expertise, the more difficult it is to find a similar position. Narrow professional fields host fewer jobs. Finally, it's nearly always harder to find a job when you aren't employed. Even savvy and sympathetic employers look warily at applicants who aren't currently employed.

Despite the "bad news," there are things you can do to speed your search to a satisfactory conclusion.

Reconsider looking beyond this region. While this may not be a "hot bed" for your expertise, don't rule out the possibility that folks in your local network know someone someplace else with connections to your industry. Create a list of everyone you know. Call and let them know you're on the market and that you'd appreciate them keeping you in mind should they hear of openings or know of anyone in your field of expertise.

If you haven't already, conduct an aggressive Internet and library search to identify companies with positions that fit with your skills. Check their Web sites for job postings.

Play "six degrees of separation." Who do you know who might know someone in one of those companies? Call them.

Get creative. Which of your skills are transferable to a different field? Can you write a resume that highlights those skills? If so, you can broaden your search pool.

Don't dismiss the idea of a career coach. You may need only one or two meetings to review your strategies and critique your resume and cover letter. Before employing a coach, make a list of what you'd like to accomplish. Interview prospective coaches and ask how each would work with you to accomplish those goals. Their answers will help you identify which coach is right for you.

As for staying motivated, facts help. Understand, for example, that your last salary means your search will take longer. The fact is, the more you've been paid, the longer it takes. Also, recognize that, on average, it takes 100 launched resumes to land one interview.

Beyond facts, create a schedule with 40 hours a week devoted to your search. If your motivation slides, work with a counselor to develop techniques for focusing forward. Keep your exercise routine.

Finally, consider volunteering. Most folks experience great personal satisfaction when helping a cause or organization in which they believe. Personal satisfaction can go a long way toward offsetting what often feels, in a job search, like personal rejection.