Get The Big Picture on Your Career What You See Isn't Always What You Can Get  Do you network, actively forward CVs, follow up? Doing all three instead of relying solely on one can increase your chance of finding a job regardless of the larger labour market, according to Mags Corbett. "Job-hunting behaviour also affects how you see the job market," Corbett says. "If you change your job-hunting behaviour, the job market starts looking entirely different to you." Using a series of techniques, including networking, job seekers can begin to ferret out the elusive jobs that are not advertised. (These jobs are sometimes collectively referred to as the "hidden job market.") Part of finding these jobs involves being in the right place at the right time, Corbett says, and "some of it is "hard work." Companies behave like people in uncertain times: They cut down on spending. As a result, hiring decisions may be put on the back burner. A hiring decision that might usually take a week could stretch into months. Be patient. Follow up routinely, but don't overdo it. In an edgy age, pushy doesn't work. Use the additional time to continue your search. Plan Ahead  Give yourself ample time to travel to interviews, especially those in other counties.  Make sure you have contact numbers in case you run late or need to reschedule. Ask Questions, Set Goals  It's natural to question career goals and to reprioritise one's life altogether when you unexpectedly lose a job. You may panic. Work may take on urgent importance and a job search appear like a herculian task. The key is to stay focused. Reevaluate priorities if you like, but continue to set goals to strive for. : That every time I took the driver's seat, I "get the big picture." "Get the big picture, Chris," he'd say, making "L" shapes with his hands like a Hollywood director. "See the road, see the cars around you, see the sidewalk ... see the red light!" I rarely remember Mr. Ferguson's words of wisdom when I'm driving, but they did come to mind when I was writing this article. I thought his insight was especially useful for those people (including me) who get so wrapped up in their present job that they neglect to plan for their future career. The point is to keep your current job -- and all the day-to-day responsibilities that go along with it -- from giving you a serious case of tunnel vision. Map Your Career  One of my most memorable attempts to map out my career was when I was a goofy kid. The end result was far from realistic. If all had gone as planned (it didn't), just about now I would be settling into my success as a solo recording artist. Childhood fantasies aside, career planning is a valuable exercise. A career map allows your career to influence the jobs you take rather than vice versa. Anyone can draw up a career map, but the most successful attempts tend to follow a period of introspection and self analysis. You don't need a box of tissue and an analyst's couch for this, but you might want to take some career assessment tests online. Use them to find out what you're good at in addition to what you enjoy. This will keep you from slipping into childhood daydreams. Keep Your Skills Sharpened  There are few jobs that take advantage of your complete inventory of skills and interests. If your current job does not allow you to flex all your muscles, find another outlet. Take a class, volunteer for an organization or start a home-based business that will capitalize on strengths that are underutilized by your current employer. (One word of caution, check your company's employee handbook to see if there is a policy relating to "outside employment" or work you undertake outside the company.) Network Without Borders  Build your network around what you want to do, in addition to what you do. Some people assume they won't be welcome at an industry mixer if they don't work in that industry. I've never found that to be the case, but if you can't overcome the fear of being turned away just call beforehand. It's important, however, that you don't choose your events willy-nilly. If you attend an event hosted by an industry that you have absolutely no interest in, you may do yourself more harm than good. Know What's Out There  Even if you are happily employed, you owe it to yourself to know what kinds of jobs are available. It doesn't hurt to take a cautious look. By cautious, I mean that you need to use common sense. For example, looking for a new job while on the clock at your current job can be risky. Still if you have your own computer and network connection at home, there's no reason why you can't regularly survey available opportunities. Life happens. So do layoffs, new babies, sick relatives and once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities. No matter how hardworking and responsible you are, it's possible that you'll find yourself out of work for a significant period of time at some point in your life. The trick is to keep this sabbatical from hurting your long-term career. Keep Busy During a Career Break  Just because you're not employed doesn't mean you can't stay involved in your profession. In fact, it's much easier to rejoin the workforce if you keep your skills sharp and your knowledge current. Staying up to date doesn't require 40 hours a week. In this case, how much time you spend on your career is less important than how wisely you use that time. Here are some effective ways to stay connected to your career while not employed: • Find a freelance assignment or consulting project,  • Take a class in a topic related to your profession,  • Volunteer with an organisation or mentor,  • Read trade journals and industry news.  Also, be sure to maintain your network of industry contacts. They can be helpful when you decide to return to work.