-- Focus on you. There's a lot of competition out there, and laid off workers are getting frustrated and applying for anything they can get, including entry-level jobs. "Our site is focused on entry-level grads, and we've seen that there are more experienced people applying for these jobs. A lot of people with three, four and five years of experience," says Adeola Ogunwole, director of PR and marketing for CollegeGrad.com. Don't let this get you down. Instead, focus on what you have to offer, what makes you a good candidate. What a lot of companies are looking for right now is new energy and new ideas, and you have to show that you can bring that to the table.

-- Head to career services. This is one of the most under-utilized services on college campuses. It's a shame because it's also one of the most helpful. In the real world, resume-writing services and career consulting will cost you an arm and a leg, but the career services office on your campus will help you for free. Having someone with experience look over your resume, take you through a mock interview, and connect you with alumni in your field is absolutely invaluable. And it's not just for 2009 grads, says Pollak. "Theoretically, you can go back indefinitely. You may have to wait a little while because the priority is current students, but the vast majority of colleges will help alumni with their job search."

-- Be aggressive. "There's no secret playbook for a bad economy. You just have to work harder, be faster, make sure all of your documents are perfect. All of these little things add up to get you a job," says Pollak. That means getting the business cards of recruiters at job fairs, and following up with a note, thanking them and letting them know you'd appreciate an interview. It means having a coffee meeting or phone conversations with all potential contacts, following up on resumes you've sent out, and always sending a thank you note or e-mail to anyone who helps you along the way.

-- Consider other options. I understand that you may not find your dream job right away, and that's OK. It's better to accept a solid job, gather some experience, and in a few years, when the employment situation is better, you'll have the benefit of a great resume. Volunteering, too, is also a great way to gain some experience and contacts. Find opportunities at www.volunteermatch.org.