Hi All. I am writing to everyone on Jobcase because I have just been going through what everyone is experiencing here, the frustrations, feelings of self-doubt, loss of confidence, financial pressures, etc, and I want to let you all know a few things that really helped me. These are my opinions only, and so I hope I don't offend or upset anyone. My only objective is to pay forward my success at finding a job. I have indicated myself as anonymous, as I don't want to let my employer know this was my experience.

I have a family and I was looking for a job for a YEAR, with no success. I was nearing my breaking point, and then I found one. It is exactly what I was looking for, well into the 6 figures of salary, a hugely successful entertainment company (you all know its name) and an awesome work environment. All things being equal, I hope to be there for the rest of my career. That said, the first thing I want you all to know is DON'T GIVE UP HOPE. I know how hard it is but you must continue on and never give up. The beauty is that it can all fall into place. There is no guarantee but it is very possible (it happened to me). Here are some things that I learnt along the way that really helped me. I hope they help you too:

1. You are not alone - Jobcase really helped me to see that what I was going through was not my unique experience. Lots of smart, hard-working and qualified people find themselves in this situation. So, as long as you have realistic expectations of your skill and employability, know that it is not you.
2. The employment system sucks, but it is what it is - Unfortunately, most companies have to advertise their positions by law, but have filled them internally before the ad even goes out. If not that, the hiring managers are looking for someone so specific, that its almost impossible to match up your resume', especially when the first filter is by computer that looks for specific keywords.
3. Its a numbers game, and a keyword game - The answer is that you have to send out 20-50 resume's a day and you need to make sure that your resume's have enough keywords for each job you are going for that it includes you on the shortlist of applicants that go to the human HR person that is the second level checker (after the computer).
4. Make sure you use multiple channels - You cannot just rely on the web. Use agents and middlemen that hire on behalf of companies, go to job fairs and networking events. And then also use the web.
5. Its all about relationships - Build strong relationships with your current colleagues and the people you interact with during your job search. If they like you, they are more likely to think of you or push for you when an opportunity comes up.
6. (Sadly) Until you are hired, you are an 'item on the shelf' - Like a supermarket, hiring managers have thousands of people to choose from for the job they are trying to fill. When they read your resume', they don't see you as a 'human being', as they have no context of the pieces of paper in front of them. They will know that once they meet you and then hire you, but until then, don't take that personally, and if you know how they perceive all of the resume's they have, make sure that you 'shine' as product on the shelf that will catch and keep their attention until they decide to enter into a transaction with you.
7. I think the ratios of resume's to interview is probably (on average) about 200 to 1. Know that it isn't you. I had the same issue, and I am highly qualified. I must have sent out 2000 (yes, thousand) resume's to get my position. The proof is that I found the company that recognizes and appreciates my value and what I bring/add to them. Know that there is that company out there for you too. You just have to find and 'see' each other.
8. Stay positive - People feel if you are happy and positive and they prefer being around those people. I know its hard, but do things that keep you happy. Watch comedy shows, read jokes, make sure you laugh out loud at least 3 times a day. Its also better for your head and for the lives of your family around you.
9. No one gets back to you - Accept that if people pass on your resume', they don't want to spend any more time or effort on that 'resume'. You may get an automated email, but they are not considering your need to understand why they passed (so you can improve your resume', etc). They just want to find who they think is their right candidate. Its not personal, although it really sucks.
10. Don't rely on anyone else - People say they will help (and they might). Don't wait for anyone else to 'find you something'. You need to be active - VERY active, every day, in multiple directions. Your best position is when you have two opportunities to choose from, so you have to create those opportunities for yourself.

MOST OF ALL, use this challenging experience to focus on the good things and people in your life, and take time to appreciate them. Promise yourself that you will appreciate all the good moments in your life now, and as and when you get over this hump.

I sincerely have felt your pain and I know how hard it is. But know that it can and will all get better, because you WILL make it so.

Good luck.