-- Robert Bates, Salem, Ore.

Robert: I commend you for asking this question. After nine months of looking, many job hunters give up instead of trying to find out if they should adjust their search technique. You may feel you have exhausted all your options, but there's plenty more you can do.

Job hunting is lonely and depressing when you do it by yourself, so I'd recommend finding a job-search support group you can join in your community. Check out CareerJournal.com's list of free job clubs for the name of one in your area. Your local newspaper also may publish the names and meeting times for such groups in the community-events section. Meeting and talking regularly with other job hunters, the group facilitator and guest speakers will help you feel less alone. You'll also get advice, search tips and names of more networking contacts.

And that's exactly what you need -- more networking contacts. The best way to find out about possible job opportunities is through others. And unless you've met everyone in the world, your networking isn't over. "If you have one friend, you should never run out," says Russ Jones, managing principal of First Transitions Inc., a Chicago outplacement firm. One person can introduce you to one more, and so on. If you aren't multiplying the names on your networking list exponentially, something is wrong.

Be sure to have a clear goal in mind when you talk with contacts, so they know how they can help you. You might want to practice a short spiel about who you are and what you've done, but do make it short. During the conversation, ask contacts if they know anyone else you can talk with. Don't limit your networking to professional people. Try to strike up conversations wherever you go -- whether it's the gym, dog groomer's or hardware store.

Good networkers are memorable because they're more interested in the people they contact than in themselves. Ask others about their interests, needs and projects and let them do most of the talking. Think of ways you can volunteer to help them. If you do run out of people to call, repeat the process all over again. Re-call the people you called earlier to update them on your efforts and inquire about their needs.

If you still don't connect well with networking contacts, check your attitude. Do you sound desperate or depressed? Both "D"-emotions will discourage others from helping or recommending you to employers. "When you get into the desperation mode, people back away form you," says Mr. Jones. Short of lying on an analyst's couch, you can change your mood by adopting another mood instead. How about being curious about where this turn in your life will lead you? Admit it, you have no idea where you'll end up, so why not view your search as a mystery you need to solve, instead of a calamity?

Keep trying your other search tactics, such as answering ads on the Internet and in print, but realize that these sources aren't always effective for all job seekers. You'll be better off developing a personal job-search plan with daily and weekly goals to achieve. It should include the type of job you want and the type of organization you want to work for. Make a list of such organizations in your target geographical area and find out the names of individuals who are in charge of hiring people with the title you seek. Learn about the problems they're facing and then try to gain an introduction to them. Barring that, write a personal letter explaining what you are seeking and why you'd be a good choice. It sounds much better to say, "I'm calling (or writing) because I excelled at XYZ in my last job and can help you with this issue at your organization," than to ask, "Do you have an opening for someone like me?"

Mention you'll call to follow up within the week, and then be sure to make the call. Even if you hear that the employer doesn't need you now, you've started a dialogue with someone who can hire or help you. Ask that person what they'd recommend you do to find the job you're seeking. Ask for names of other people to call or key groups to join. Soon you'll be so busy chasing leads, you won't have time to worry about your search techniques.

Since you've had interviews but no follow-up invitations or offers, you also may want to practice your interviewing technique. Again, be sure your attitude is upbeat and energetic. Be interested in the opportunity and the employer. Have a well-practiced answer to why your last job ended and how you can add value. It's hard to critique ourselves, so you may want to ask an impartial third party to tell you how you come across. Members of your job club can comment on the impression you make or offer names of good career counselors in your city who can help you with your interviewing skills.

If you make these changes, you'll change how you look for a job. Just doing a few things differently is sometimes all you need to re-energize your search. But please let me know if these tips are helpful. Many job hunters will likely identify with your situation and want to follow your story. Knowing you've landed a job by adjusting your approach will inspire them to alter their own tactics for the better.

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