If you’ve been looking for a new job for quite some time, and it’s just not happening, here are some suggestions of what might be getting in the way of your success. As the expression states, “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.” Start to take a new approach with your job search and see what new and different results come up.

You’re operating at 20% instead of 80%. When I’m working with a group of job seekers, I can usually predict who is going to get a new position first: the people who build momentum by putting in the time and energy it takes to conduct a full job search campaign. Do an honest self-assessment. If you’re not giving your job search your full attention, you may need to start ramping up your efforts to see results. If you’ve sent only two applications in the past three months, ignored recruiter phone calls, and had only one networking meeting, it’s likely you’re not doing enough on your search. (Note: This is not to be confused with the 80/20 rule mentioned in time management books, which refers to being more efficient in your efforts. What I’m talking about is simply not putting enough effort of any kind into your search.)

You’re doing your job search alone. Jobseeking can be a lonely task. It’s much more productive, and fun, to enlist the support of others. Two women job seekers I know created a 40-Day Challenge for themselves where they committed to sending one job application daily for 40 days. They are holding each other accountable for reaching this goal. I created the LYJ classes around the idea that most of us are more successful when we have support, encouragement, and accountability.

You’re focused on quantity and not quality. You could be sending out 50 applications daily, but if you’re not tailoring your resume and cover letter and doing zero networking, you may be waiting a long time for a response. Effective job searches are about spending quality time on each application, connecting the dots about the match for the specific employer, and using your networks as much as possible.

You are applying for the wrong positions. This indicates a lack of clarity about your strengths, interests, and abilities. Before launching into a job search, it’s important to do an assessment up front of your skills and what you’d like to do next, then see where there are opportunities that match. Even in a tough economy, it’s easier to do a job search when you’re focused and confident about the areas you are pursuing.

You’re not networking, especially not with your target companies. Do you have a list of 10 to 15 target companies? Have you started to tap your network for contacts at these companies before positions are posted? Are you using LinkedIn to build your professional brand and to learn where your contacts are working and in what positions? Have you let people know what you’re looking for? If the answer is no to any of these questions, it’s likely you are not networking enough. Remove your job application from the black hole of 500 other applications by using your networks. This is not optional!

You’re desperate and it shows. Just as nobody wants a date with someone who gives off lonely and needy vibes, no one wants to hire a candidate who is desperate. If your financial situation is dire, you’re not in a very powerful position from which to conduct a job search, especially for better-paid professional level positions. Focus on short-term financial stability first and then continue with your search. Try to adjust your mindset by accepting the present moment, and use daily affirmations to be a positive-minded future employee. This will help dispel any scent of desperation you may unknowingly be giving off.