If you're looking for a job then there are several options you should consider. The job market is extremely difficult as more and more companies are laying off workers and few are hiring. Many unemployed individuals are wondering how to provide for themselves and their families but here are some tips that may help you land a job.

1. Networking
In this market it's very important to ask your friends, family, and acquaintances if they know of any openings. Since there are few jobs and so many applicants these people can really help you. Because they know you and your skills, they can probably put in a good word for you. But don't be annoying or pester them because that can backfire and you may not get a job or ever see them again.

2. Employment Listings
Check the employment listing in your local newspaper and websites like craigslist and ladders. Although you may not know anyone at the company you want to make sure to get an interview and let them know that you are interested in the job. And don't do it on an occasional basis you have to stay on top of it and go onto it every day at least. Because they might only accept a certain number of applications and you want yours to be among the first.

3. Check Company Sites
Many companies won't use job search sites to post their openings so you should be looking at the sites of companies you're interested in working for. And make sure that you write a cover letter with these and cater your resume to that specific job. Don't just hand out a generic resumes or they may not know how qualified you are for the job.

4. Door to Door
Nothing shows dedication than walking in and asking companies if they are hiring. If you call on the phone many companies will say that they're not hiring because calling around makes you look lazy. Whereas if you walk in and ask you can at least meet the receptionist and you can carry on a conversation to show that you have people skills and the receptionist can pass on her thoughts to the recruiters.

5. Writing Letters
Another tactic is to decide what you want to be doing and then send out a letter that tells about yourself and your skills to companies in that field. This may cause interest in you and set you apart from others. Plus even if there isn't any opening right away they may hold onto it and call you in for an interview when they do decide to start hiring. Advertise yourself and show them why you would be a great employee to have onboard.

The job search can be extremely frustrating and difficult but these 5 tips may help you find a job. Even in this tough economy it is possible to find a job but you have to put in the time and effort. Hopefully,after a short search you will be able to find a job but remember that the application process is something you have to be constantly engaged in. You can't just do it for a short time, get frustrated and quit it's a daily process that you have to struggle against in order to get one.

Don't let the 'top' thing fool you. The U.S. job market is going to be awful nationwide, with an estimated 2.7 million jobs to be lost this year. Some states, however, will take a smaller hit than others. Your chances of finding or keeping a job in these states, although not ideal, are better in these states than in others.

So if you live in one of the harder hit states and you're looking for a change of scenery, consider one of these top ten states for jobs in 2009:

10. South Dakota (-1.1 percent; 4,342 jobs lost) – If you can get used to cold and frigid snowstorms, this plains state is a fine alternative.

9. Nevada (-1 percent; 12,696 jobs lost) – Surprisingly, despite its strong emphasis on gaming and hotels, this state is holding its own against the economic crisis and has been able to lure tourism despite tightening pocketbooks with deals like a five-dollar steak and egg breakfast or thirty-dollar hotel rooms. You can be sure, however, that more people are opting out of the Bellagio to stay at the Golden Nugget.

8. Oregon (-1 percent; 17,737 jobs lost) – With a variety of industries, from shoes to international trade to agriculture, this state has the job market diversity to weather the economic storm.

7. Nebraska (-.9 percent; 8,374 jobs lost) – This home state of legendary investor Warren Buffett has also done a fine job withstanding the economic crisis, perhaps because of its high concentration of agriculture.

6. New Mexico (-.9 percent; 7,164 jobs lost) – With virtually no manufacturing, real estate, tourism, or financial sectors to speak of, this state remains unchanged by the financial meltdown.

5. North Dakota (-.8 percent; 2,809 jobs lost) – Something is going on up in then there plain states. My guess is agriculture, a few strong companies like Union Pacific, and a general lack of manufacturing.

4. Texas (-.7 percent; 71,930 jobs lost) – This state has performed well in creating job growth over the last few years by attracting large companies with tax breaks and jobseekers with a family friendly atmosphere. Plentiful jobs and an affordable cost of living should keep this state in the top ten for years to come.

3. Washington (-.2 percent; 6,939 jobs lost) – Like its northwest neighbor, this state enjoys a diverse job market, from computers (Microsoft) to fruit companies (you know, apples?). Its metropolitan center boasts a family friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a strong emphasis on health. These factors have made Seattle a magnet for big companies.

2. District of Columbia (-.1 percent; 633 jobs lost) – Okay, you know that big stimulus bill going through Congress to the tune of $800 billion? Well, guess where a huge chunk of that money is going. Why, to hire more government workers in nearly every agency from the CIA to HUD, of course. Where will those jobs mostly be located? In our nation's capitol, of course. So, business in other parts of the Beltway may crumble and fall, but we won't let our government fall, dagnabbit. No, we will make it bigger and better than before. I sure hope at least some of that money makes it my way…

1. Colorado (.8 percent; 18,708 jobs created) – That's right. I did not forget the negative sign. One state in the Union will actually experience positive job growth this year. Like so many of our top ten, this state boasts strong business growth, breathtaking surroundings, and a family-friendly environment. As soon as this report hits the general populace, unfortunately, those 18,708 jobs will be gobbled up like a house fly in an ant hole.

So, you heard it here first: Colorado is the new promised land. Note to other states: diversiying your industry make-up, family-friendly communities, and natural beauty matter. Of course, it's too late for the other guys to change that now.
 

 Here comes the wave of job losses! With the exception of one state (Colorado), Moody's Economy.com is projecting negative job growth across the country. Of course, some states will be harder hit than others. Some you may be able to guess (i.e. Big Five Auto states like Michigan); others may be a surprise.

If you have been wondering about how the recession is going to affect your state, check out this list of the worst 10 states for job losses in 2009. It may be time to either relocate to Colorado or strengthen your resume. Things are about to get rough…

10. Mississippi (-2.61 percent; 29,693 jobs lost) – With U.S. manufacturing, especially auto manufacturing, declining faster than ever, this blue collar state is hating life.

9. West Virginia (-2.7 percent; 20,409 jobs lost) – You should be seeing a trend forming here. States, like West Virginia, that have depended on manufacturing are getting hammered especially hard by the economic crisis.

8. Massachusetts (-2.8 percent; 90,025 jobs lost) – This may be evidence that, while the economic crisis is starting with blue collar auto workers, it will not leave white collar and education-sector jobs untouched.

7. Kentucky (-2.85 percent; 51,341 jobs lost) – Again, manufacturing jobs are getting hit the hardest. This is going to get really repetitive before I'm done.

6. Ohio (-2.9 percent; 154,938 jobs lost) – Repeat after me: the blue collar manufacturing job market is becoming a swirling vortex of doom. Get out while you can!

5. Missouri (-2.93 percent; 80,550 jobs lost) – Repeat. Manufacturing workers, abandon ship. Go back to school. Do whatever you have to do to get out before the roof collapses on you.

4. Florida (-3 percent; 231,265 jobs lost) – The other bad places to be in this economy are real estate and tourism. And Florida, unfortunately, has both. Quickly sliding down the backside of a huge housing boom, this state has more houses than it can sell. Add to that a huge drop in people willing to fork out the cash to visit Disneyworld and Miami, and you have a big problem for the Sunshine State.

3. Hawaii (-3.4 percent; 21,228 jobs lost) – The Aloha State's biggest problem? It relies almost solely on travel and tourism. When budgets on the mainland and overseas tighten up, the first thing to go is that yearly trip to Kona and the timeshare in Turtle Bay. Worst of all for this island state, there are no other industries in the state large enough to buffer the economy. Expect to see a lot of people relocating elsewhere from this beautiful but mismanaged state.

2. Connecticut (-3.45 percent; 56,882 jobs lost) – This state will likely be hit on two fronts. First, its blue collar manufacturing sector will suffer just like in other states. To make matters worse, however, the cash that used to come into the state from the Wall Street fat cats that call Connecticut home will falter. This drop in cash inflow will hurt every kind of consumer business in the state.

1. Michigan (-4.3 percent; 175,368 jobs lost) – This is no surprise. The fates of the U.S. automakers are directly tied to the future of this state. With the Big Five taking beatings daily in the news and in their performance, job prospects in this overwhelmingly blue collar manufacturing state are dismal. With no salvation in sight for automakers, employees are being paid to leave. My advice: take the money and get into another career. Auto manufacturing is not a good place right now for anyone.

That's the worst of it! New York, Iowa, Rhode Island, and Utah aren't far behind. Check out the silver lining later this week when we talk about the 10 best states. Okay, so it's more like a bronze lining.