If you find yourself in this situation, and you’re getting to your wits end (not to mention the end of your savings or severance package), you might consider taking a so-called “survival job” while you wait for the economy to improve, or a new opportunity in your field.

Many people who’ve lost work in this Great Recession find themselves “overqualified” or “overeducated” for the jobs they’re applying for, which can be a tough pill to swallow for anyone who put in the years and spent the thousands of dollars necessary to earn a bachelors or post-graduate degree.

The hard reality for some, is that jobs in their previous line of work might not be coming back. In today’s rapidly-changing global economy, new technologies can wipe out entire industries in just a few years. Imagine being a VCR repairman right now, for example, or an employee at a photo lab.

And so the challenge in this situation is finding work that will pay the bills, and not drive you crazy in the process. You might consider taking a temp job, or working two part-time jobs as a way of creating that necessary income stream. Self-employment is another option, and with the Internet there are a wide range of home-based businesses you could go into with minimal experience and start-up costs.

There are also many offline businesses you could start from home, such as a landscaping business, petsitting, housekeeping, or assisting an elderly or disabled person by running errands, cooking, or helping with their housework. You could become a consultant, and share your years of knowledge while earning a good income at the same time.

Another option, if your job skills and experience can be applied  toward a continuing education course, is to become an instructor at a trade school or community college. This can also be a great way of networking and meeting new people in your field, and could even lead to a full-time position down the road.

You might also consider becoming a substitute teacher as a way of earning income while you wait for more permanent employment. Many school districts around the country are in dire need of good substitute teachers, and typically the certification requirements for subs are far less stringent than for those of full-time teachers. And who knows, if you find that you enjoy teaching, you could always go back to school and take the necessary courses in order to become a full-time teacher yourself.

Other survival jobs including becoming a taxi driver, a barber or hair stylist, or working as a cashier or clerk in a big box retail store like Target or Home Depot. Catering companies are almost always looking for workers. Or if you like to drive, you could get a CDL license and become a truck driver, either locally or doing longer-haul routes around the country.

Some additional survival job tips

• Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come along: think of a survival job as a bridge, as something to help pay your expenses while you wait for better prospects. It doesn’t have to be your “dream job,” and you might have to swallow your pride and take a job you wouldn’t have imagined yourself doing a year or two ago.

• Be flexible: you’ll need to have some flexibilty in some of these survival jobs. You might be working odd hours, or you might have to work two part-time jobs in order to make ends meet through this tough period of unemployment.

• Be willing to learn and grow: you might need to change your way of thinking about things, and be open to learning new things and moving in new directions. Who knows, your survival job might just lead you into an entirely new career, or business opportunity that you’ll find more lucrative and rewarding than your previous career.

• Don’t get discouraged: try to keep a positive attitude, and sense of humor about your situation. After all, being underemployed is better than being unemployed, and if you keep your eyes open, the opportunity you’ve been waiting for will usually come along eventually. As the old saying goes, you only fail when you give up and stop trying.

We’ve been living through one of the worst employment environments since the great depression, with millions of people listed as having been out of work for 12 months or longer. Some workers have had to take temp or part-time jobs, while others have dropped out of the labor force entirely.

Some unemployed workers have had to move back in with their parents just to survive. And many recent college graduates have been unable to find entry-level employment in their field of choice, and so have had to take lesser jobs, or go back to school to earn a graduate degree.

But it’s not all doom and gloom

Even in this tough climate, there are signs of improvement in the economy in general, and the job market in particular. The economy has been averaging about 150,000+ new private-sector jobs every month, which isn’t great, but is still a sign of employment growth as we head into 2013. And overall unemployment has dipped below 8% for the first time since the Great Recession hit in 2008.

Some sectors are showing especially strong growth numbers, including health care and retail, two industries that never really seemed to be affected by the recession. Other strong sectors including manufacturing, office workers, science and technology, and more.

Skilled and semi-skilled workers are also finding employment outside of these sectors, in areas such as construction, the hospitality industry, environmental engineering, the hospitality industry, security, and more.

So if you’re out of work, or underemployed and looking for something better, there are rays of hope on the horizon, especially if you have the right skills, or are willing to go back to school to learn new skills. The following is my list of the top 5 job growth sectors for 2013:

Sector #1: Healthcare

The health care industry has been the top employment sector for years now, and is expected to stay strong as the baby-boomers get older and the US population ages overall. The aging population, coupled with sedentary lifestyles and a high obesity rate among adults, is creating a huge demand for medical services of all types.

And it’s not just doctors and nurses who are in demand. There’s also an urgent need for more physical therapists, pharmacists and pharmacy techs, nursing assistants, fitness instructors, dental hygienists and dentists, nursing home and assisted living specialists, and more.

So opportunities abound in this sector. The good news is that many of these occupations don’t require a four-year college degree, and some don’t require a degree at all.

Sector #2: Retail Sales

Retail sales is another sector that’s showing strong growth, as consumer confidence improves and people are spending more than in the previous couple of years. Buyers these days are especially looking for bargains, and discount retail is showing especially strong growth.

This despite the rise in online sales in recent years. Many people simply like to get out and actually see and touch the items they’re looking to buy, and they prefer speaking to a knowledgeable salesperson who can answer their questions.

There are also good opportunities in selling high-ticket items like cars and consumer electronics, especially if you’re willing to become an expert in your field. Some of these retail sectors also pay high commissions, which can make this sector one of the better-paying opportunities out there.

Sector #3: Information Technology

Despite the dot.com meltdown several years ago, there is still strong demand for professionals in the Information Technology sector. Only purchasing from sites like Amazon.com and Ebay have grown at double-digit rates in recent years as more people become comfortable with buying their goods online. And the big social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have people spending more and more time on the Internet.

There’s also been a shift to digital in a wide-range of government and private-sector industries, as the “paper office” of the Twentieth-Century continues to disappear.  Almost every business and government agency has a website these days, and with mobile devices like tablets and smartphones growing in popularity, there’s expected to be strong demand in the IT sector for many years to come.

Sector #4: Science and Engineering

Skilled workers in the science and engineering fields will continue to have good job prospects into 2013 and beyond. The US is projecting a shortage in these areas in the future, as the country graduates fewer scientists and engineers than other industrialized countries like Japan and China.

These are also employment areas that are harder to outsource, as they normally require the worker to be present. Areas in this sector that are expecting strong growth include biology, environmental engineering, nano-technology, electrical and mechanical engineering, aerospace sciences and more.

Sector #5:  Manufacturing & Industrial

Many employers in the manufacturing and industrial sector report that they want to hire and expand their operations, but they continually have trouble finding workers with the necessary skills. These type of jobs can include mechanics, machinists and machine operators, assembly line workers, technicians, laborers, and truck and delivery drivers.

These are blue collar jobs that pay well, usually don’t require a college degree, and some companies are willing to hire workers with no skills or experience and train them from the ground up. Trade schools and community colleges also have programs to teach the skills necessary to land a job in this sector.

That’s good news if you’re graduating next near. According to recent NACE job outlook surveys, employers plan on hiring almost  15% more new colleges graduates from the Class of 2013, then they did from the Class of 2012.

Some industries and sectors are expecting more job growth than others. For example, employers are expecting double-digit hiring increases in such industries as finance, real estate, professional services, electronics and computer manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

Other areas of growth, and degrees that employers will be looking for, include bachelor-level degrees in areas like business, engineering, marketing and computer science.

Another finding in the survey indicated that while singing bonuses for new hires are expected to climb in 2013, overall salaries are not expected to rise as quickly, with slightly more than 50 percent of employers planning to increase starting salaries of bachelor’s degree graduates.

One item on the horizon that could throw a wrench into this optimistic job outlook for 2013 is if the country rolls off the so-called “Fiscal Cliff” on Jan 1. If lawmakers in Washington can’t reach a deal before then, tax rates will go up on all taxpayers in the US,. There are also billions of dollars in spending cuts that will take effect as well, including deep cuts in defense spending.

Most economists agree that this could send the economy back into recession at some point in 2013, and thousands of workers will lose their jobs in the defense sector alone. If we do fall back into a recession, then many companies will stop hiring in an effort to save money and “ride out the storm” until the economy starts growing again.

Another option that wouldn’t inflict as much damage to the economy is if the US does go over the fiscal cliff, lawmakers in Washington could then strike a deal where they lower tax rates on the middle class, and come up with spending cuts that wouldn’t have as much negative impact on employment and job growth during the new year.

That might be the best-case scenario at this point, and something to hope for as you’re celebrating with friends and family on New Year’s Eve.

Running around gathering up job applications before you’ve even decided what your next job should be might sound like a pointless exercise, but it can actually be a productive way of finding the right job. One advantage of gathering up job applications is that it forces you to get out into the community and actively market yourself to prospective employers. So look to grab an application or two whenever you go out as a proactive way of finding that new job.

Your strategy should be to apply to a minimum of 3 jobs every day. You should manage a list of contacts of everyone you directly or indirectly make contact with. Be honest during your interview, but also be sure to let your prospective employer know about your skills, education, knowledge and professional experience. Also consider using the services of a career counselor or employment service in your job search.

Always do your homework and get as much information as you can about any new career you’re considering. Career counselors or employment agencies are great ways to get career information. Find someone who’s knowledgeable about a wide range of careers, and who can help match you with a career that’s right for you.

Many people believe that an employment service will immediately give you a job, which is a myth. This is an idea that you need to get out of your head. Employment agencies are in business to help you narrow your job search down to a few prime prospects that meet your criteria. Which is a real solution that you’re not likely to find on a job search website, where dozens or even hundreds of job openings are tossed out of a search engine.

In today’s ever-changing job market, the job searching skills you may have learned in school might not apply any more. From the interview to the resume, the rules have changed. For example, never ask an interviewer something that you could have found on the company’s website, and avoid putting any kind of “objective statement” on your resume. And be sure to take stock of where you are, and where you want to go with a new career.

A well-planned career change usually beings with some honest self-assessment. Take an inventory of your likes and dislikes, your goals, values, interests, and skills. You just might possess the skills and knowledge to move into an entirely new career field without any additional education or training. Then sit down and set some ambitious, but realistic, goals.

A good place to begin your goal setting is by identifying your career desires, then put them in writing. This gives you a basic framework to follow when you set your career goals. Then, with your career goals written down, you’ll have a clear target to aim for.

Needless to say, the majority of people don’t last very long in careers that they dread. Your career plan should always involve taking an objective look at yourself and determining what you like and don’t like in a job. Another idea is to see a career coach or take an online survey that will help you match your personality traits with a new job or career.

Time spent going over your career plans will help prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that will come your way. Career planning isn’t something you do in college and forget about, it and can should be done at every step of your career. That way if you suddenly find yourself out of work or downsized out of your current job, you’ll already have a solid plan in place.

Your CV should not really go over 2 pages. To begin writing a CV the very first peice of information which should always be at the beginning is your full name, address and telephone numbers plus your email address if you have one. Do not forget to include your Linkedin profile URL also if you have one. Linkedin is a professional network and you can include your job history and also get recommendations from colleagues which are online so the exposure can be phenomenal.

After your initial contact details construct 5 or 6 sentences in a box like structure to really sell yourself and your achievements in relation to the employment you are looking for. Following this part display a short list of bullet points giving your key skills you have and try and keep it in relation to the job you are looking for. This allows you to put your main skills across really quickly as in general potential employers will not take a great deal of time looking at your CV before they either call you in for an intereview or decide not to proceed with your application. Make the best use of the first quarter of your CV as this is a very short space of time.

You will then need to list your job history down. Begin by bolding the employer name, the position you held and dates you worked for them, from and to. In a bullet point list put down all your achievements in the job. Talk about the skills you have and things you have done, but make sure you do not bend the truth.

At the end remmember to write down the school and university you went to and what qualifications to acquired. You may also put down your interests and what you like to do in your spare time. Ensure you check all the spelling and grammer, this is of course very important but often overlooked. Following these hints and tips you will be able to create a fantastic CV you will be proud of.

It’s true that each person is born with a unique set of talents and abilities, but most of us arn’t encouraged to develop or explore those attributes. It’s no coincidence that most of us find ourselves trapped in career fields or careers that don’t allow us to express who we truly are. Is it any wonder why so many people are bored or even miserable in their current careers?

A good exercise is to take stock and identify all of your skills that could be useful to your new career. Most of these “soft skills” like communication or interpersonal skills are transferable to a new company. Also valuable are any managerial or technical skills you might have. Then consider using the services of a career coach or counselor as you move forward in your search for a new career.

Always do your homework and get as much information as you can about any new career you’re considering. One of the simplest ways to get career guidance is to schedule a meeting with a career counselor or career coach. A good career coach or counselor who’s knowledgeable about a wide range of careers will be able to match you with a career that’s in sync with your skills and values.

Many people believe that an employment service will immediately find you a job, which is a myth. This rarely if every happens. Most employment agencies are there to help focus your search on the job prospects that best meet your skills and experience. Which is a real solution that you’re not likely to find on a job search website, where dozens or even hundreds of job openings are tossed out of a search engine.

A good employment firm will serve as a guide, helping to focus your search on the prospective jobs that best match your skills and experience. Which is a service you’re not apt to find on a job search website, where the job openings are often broad and ill suited to your specific situation.

On the one hand, you don’t want to exaggerate or boast on your resume, or during an interview. Nobody likes a braggart, especially an HR recruiter. So be truthful and list your objectives, skills, professional history, education, and knowledge. Highlight any special skills or experiences you may have aquired during your years on the job. Explain the value that you would bring to your prospective employer, and why you would make them a better company because of it.

If you’re not comfortable writing your own resume, you should consider hiring a professional resume writing service if you don’t have the time or the skills to put together a great one on your own. This will be money well spent, as it can make the difference between getting an interview or a rejection email.

Once you get that all-important interview, it’s a good idea to ask insightful questions about the position and the company. Ask the interviewer exactly why the position is available, and why exactly did the last person leave the company? And you’ll want to ask how soon they would they like to fill the job in question.

Always try to stay positive when asked about former supervisors and employers. You never want to badmouth or demean anyone in your past, as this is simply unprofessional and will usually turn off the interviewer. Also try to maintain steady eye contact. You want to appear relaxed during the interview, gesturing appropriately when you speak, then resting your hands comfortably in your lap. Speak clearly and confidently, avoid monotone patterns, and end sentences crisply.

Finally, get going and take decisive action in the direction of achieving your new career goals no matter how hard it seems. Action opens all kinds of unforseen opportunities and clarifies issues once you get moving forward. So aim high, keep your goals always in front of you, and take decisive action in the direction of the successful new career you’ve been dreaming of.

But finding a new job often comes down to a numbers game, and the more you network and get out there, the better your chances will be of finding a new position quickly. And you don’t want to be out of work any longer than you have to be. Studies have shown that the longer a person is unemployed, the harder it is for him or her to find a new job, as employers feel that their skills have eroded during the layoff. So get out there, and get going, as quickly as possible.

It might seem a little pointless to pick up job applications before you’ve even decided what kind of job to pursue, but trust me, it is a great way to find a great job. The thing about collecting job applications is that it gets you out into your community and helps you discover the companies that are hiring new employees. Sometimes finding that next job is as simple as going out every day and collecting as many applications as you can get your hands on.

In your daily job hunting plan don’t forget how significant the telephone can be for finding new job leads and meeting the right people. Work hard at developing a 20-30 second “elevator speech” highlighting your unique selling proposition. If nothing is currently available, make it a point to always ask for a referral. Effective use of the telephone can be very productive in chasing down new job leads and new job opportunities.

And don’t overlook the power of networking when it comes to finding a new job. Some of the best positions are never listed in the classifieds or on jobs boards, they’re usually filled by somone who knows someone. One helpful career networking idea is to participate in volunteer activities. You’ll be able to meet a lot of interesting and influential people when you volunteer in an area related to your job or career. Multiple career opportunities can be the result of volunteering, plus you’ll feel good about helping others. As you’re volunteering your time, you’ll also be showcasing your unique skills and talents.

Finally, set the wheels in motion and take steps today and tomorrow toward making your career goals a reality. A whole world of unforseen opportunities will open up when you take action every day in the direction of your goals. So with your goals in hand and a clear idea of the successful new career you’re aiming for, take massive action every day and you’ll be there before you know it.

Often, career success comes when you keep moving forward. And one way to keep moving is by taking small but significant steps each day. Those seemingly small but significant steps will lead you ever closer to finding that dream career you’ve been searching for.

Day 1 will probably be a complete blur by the end of the day as you take time to absorb everything. You will more than likely have info overload. It will be like going to school or college on your first day and there will be many uncertainties but this will ease with time. You have a brand new team to integrate with and find out how processes work and who does what and this is no different whether it is retail jobs or sales jobs

Usually one of the first things you will do is to meet HR who will go through things like working hours, holiday time, sickness reporting and more. A company handbook should contain all the information you need, you should make time to go over this. It will be required for you to go through company procedures, HR which are important so you should take note of these.

Getting to grips with your computer, setting up your workspace and getting all the things you need on the stationary front it a must. Making sure your computer works and you have access to everything you need like a checklist so you can raise any issues straight away so it can be dealt with promptly. This will improve efficiency going forward.

Most of the time you would have an introduction to the company and spend some time with other teams and departments. Finding out how your team fits into the overall organisation mechanics is very interesting and will help you understand your role better and even come up with ideas and suggestions to put forward. Your aim is to do well in your new role and be very successful.