By now, many people who were laid off two years ago have begun to diversify their job search. More intensity and diversity are smart ways to go about the search and the more you perfect these techniques, the better your chances of finding a good job. How do you diversify your search? This is key and will save you time and confusion if you take the time to carefully think about and then strategize your optimal plan for finding a job.

You have listed the skills you can offer potential employers on your resume. You have successfully documented your career thus far too. Now you know what kind of work will be a good fit for your training and skills. Next, and perhaps more important, it is time to conduct a self assessment that includes your interests, your values and a fresh look at how your particular skillset could benefit your next employer. One tried and true place to look for help with self assessment is in Richard Nelson Bolles' book What Color is Your Parachute.

Even in a tough economy, there are always job vacancies. Organizations continually start up, expand or replace workers. These jobs aren't always posted and you need to use the right method to find them. This puts the responsibility for the process of finding a job on you. Since you never know when an opportunity will present itself - be open minded and proactive. This is easier said than done after a long layoff but is a surefire way to uncover opportunities. You know to be persistent, but put this in the context of being proactive and you might see new ways to follow up, turn a "no" around and express a sincere interest to reinforce your desire for a job.

There is certainly an art to following up. Remember that the opportunity in the follow up is for you to be remembered and recognized in a favorable way. You do not want to annoy anyone and can use your better judgement to put yourself in the path of the opportunity. Become the most memorable candidate and be the one who receives the offer.