Unemployment is painful, especially if you're ready and willing to get to work. Changing that situation quickly could depend on a proven job search strategy. Unfortunately, most job seekers don't use it or misuse it. But, if you can master it, you can turn your time looking for a job into a matter of days.

First, you have to understand an important unemployment statistic. Studies have shown that only about 5 to 10 percent of all new jobs are posted in classified ads or on the internet. The other positions are filled by word of mouth!

So, whether you're looking for a new job or making some other career change, the way you go about finding the majority of available jobs is to take advantage of "word of mouth." And you do that through a proven unemployment job search strategy called "networking."

Networking is a vital tool for gathering information, talking to the right people and locking up an opportunity that's right for you.

Accessing other people, especially ones you already know is simple and straightforward. The only complication is our reluctance to ask other folks for a job. However, if you can put that notion aside and simply approach others for "advice," you'll be amazed at how helpful folks are willing to be to "advise" you.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of networking:

1. Have your ducks in a row. Know precisely what you are looking for that's consistent with your talents and capabilities. And practice representing yourself out loud before you approach anyone.

2. Never ask anyone for a job or to find you a job. Always ask for advice. It puts you and your contact at ease. And they will feel much more comfortable opening doors for you if they don't feel under pressure, and you don't appear as desperate.

3. Prepare a contact bank. This is list of people you know who would be pleased to offer advice. Or they can introduce you to someone who can be helpful.

4. Be an assertive listener. Your task here is to acquire as much information and insight as possible. And then, when appropriate, ask your contact to introduce you to other people who can advance your networking. Some of these introductions may mean direct access to a decision-maker who may have an opportunity for you.

Your unemployment blues can be quickly resolved when you master the skills of networking. Fortunately there is a fabulous job search system that can teach you the skills of networking and show you how to lock up a good job in a matter of days!