You’ve updated your resume and uploaded it to a job search site. You check the new job listings twice a day. You’ve hired a head hunter to help you. But the money isn’t going to last forever and you haven’t gotten a job yet. The good news is that some of the best ways to find jobs also happen to be some of the cheapest.

Network
Ever look at certain Facebook friends and wonder why they are there? It may be to help you find a job. Estimates are that up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking, so make a list of everyone you could mention your job search to, from your close friends to the person who does your hair to the barista at the coffee shop. Make a goal of talking to 15 people per week about your job hunt.

Be proactive
One of the worst things you can do in trying to find a job is to sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. With so many positions being filled by those who network effectively, jobs are often only listed as a formality. Research companies you would like to work for and start selling yourself to them whether or not they have any openings currently. Even though they may not have a position available today, things can change quickly. By showing them your eagerness and your energy, you will have improved your chances when a job does open up.

Face time
If you’ve identified a company you’d like to work for, look for ways to physically go to that company. Use any excuse. Make an initial inquiry about any job openings. Drop off a resume. Check their website to see if they have any upcoming events that are open to the public. It may sound overboard, but it shows that you are serious about the company and that you are ready to put in the extra effort. Give them a positive personality to put with a name on a resume.

Volunteer
Donating time at a non-profit you feel passionately about gives your job hunting attack more prongs than a pitchfork. First off, you are meeting new people you can add to your networking pool. Second, you may add new skills to make you more attractive to a future employer. Third, you have an item to beef up your resume that looks a lot more impressive than “Spent the last several months watching child beauty pageant reality programming.” Fourth, the non-profit may like you enough to hire you full-time. To top it off, you get to do something rewarding to help others. It’s pretty hard to beat that package.

Temp or short-term jobs
While your focus may be on landing career-type work, don’t underestimate shorter term or even one-off opportunities. Not only do they help with your finances, but they can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a company and further expand your networking.

Create a blog
A resume tends to be a very passive and flat view of who you are and what you can do. A website gives you a lot more opportunity to show off your abilities and your knowledge. Free blogs that are easy to create are available through many providers. Use your blog to show what you’ve done in the past and what you would like to do going forward. Include the address on your resume and provide a link to your blog when you do online networking.