While Americans wait to see how President Barak Obama’s American Jobs Act will affect the economy, 14 million are still unemployed as of August. Though the job pickings seem slim, there are still ways for the unemployed to find jobs in this tough economy.

1. Network, network, network. The well-known method of mailing in your resume and hoping for an interview is outdated, and now the best way to get a job is to get out of your house and meet people. Career fairs held at local colleges and offices are a great way to meet possible employers and show them that you are the person they are looking for.
2. Create a social résumé. The world of social media is growing, and there are websites that can help introduce you to employers and employees in the field you wish to enter. Websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace allow you to see who you may know, and who they may know, that can connect you to someone in your professional field of choice. Some of these sites also allow you to update your résumé and send it to potential employers.
3. Consider self-employment. Consider your hobbies and think of activities you like to do that you can be paid for.  Talk to people in your community and see what they need help with and what you are able to do that can fill their needs.
4. Start the job search online. People make careers out of helping the average Joe find a job. Websites compile local and national job listings and make them available to you at your home computer.
5. Volunteer, it can lead to a job. If you volunteer at a non-profit, you could acquire a skill or connections that can lead to a paid job. Staying busy could also help you get motivated to find a job, and will offer you another position that you can add to your résumé. If you work hard and take the position seriously you may impress higher-ups who are looking to hire a full-time salaried employee.