Major effort Don't be afraid to implement multiple strategies for your job hunt.

Allison Hemming, author of "Work It! How to Get Ahead, Save Your Ass, and Land a Job in Any Economy" (Simon & Schuster New York, $13) suggests creating master resumes, cover letters and thank-you notes which you can personalize for each prospective employer. Doing so allows you to diversify your job search approach and can even result in more interviews. It's also a great way to stay organized and be proactive, says Hemming.

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