I have been unemployed for almost a year, and I have been unable to find a decent job. My job search started to feel like a 10 mile race – Every phone interview I secure, it feels as though the employer thinks that I am lazy because I have been unemployed for this long.

What would you recommend I do to finish this excruciatingly long search and finally land a job?

~Mr. Still Looking

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Dear “Mr. Still Looking”,

First off, SL, let’s remember that we’re in a severe recession and only just pulling out of it. It began officially in December 2007.

Although this seems to escape some employers, who act as though no one should have been unemployed as long as you have, most are aware. When you are conducting a job search don’t forget about the art of social networking. Not too many people realize that the actual definition of networking is “interacting with people for mutual benefit”. There are unlimited reasons to network, and luckily for you, one of them is for your job search.

When networking, You — SL — need to let people know you are available and looking for new opportunities. You want to be on as many radar screens as possible. You also want to explore the “hidden job market”, those positions that are filled before they even get posted. Networking will help you to get more referrals, open more channels of communication and increase your chances of finding a great job.

So SL, you may ask WHO makes up your network and how do you grow it? Just about everyone you interact with. Your friends, colleagues, and business associates, your fellow church members, your spouse’s colleagues, doctors, lawyers, former classmates, air/bus passengers, and even the parents of your children friends.

While some people are better at networking than others, LinkedNow is more valuable because you can reach working professionals directly via private messaging or by sending a compliment.

The hard part, SL, is maintaining your network. Staying in touch takes time and effort for it to pay off. You have to develop a rapport if you want to be able to reach out for a new job. If you have difficulties re-establishing relationships or asking for a favor, or if you become discouraged, or if you feel embarrassed about approaching a colleague for advice, try these tips:

1. Sharing an industry article or interesting, non-gossipy buzz about a mutual friend or colleague can be a great start.

2. Be inquisitive about them professionally and personally and always be prepared to offer your assistance prior to you telling them the reason you are reaching out to them.

3. Follow-up is equally critical, so do send a quick thank-you email regardless if your network contacts were able to help you or not.

4. Stay in touch with your network on an ongoing basis, not just when you need something. Put them on your holiday card list, email them when you hear of their new promotion. Or simply organize a get together at your local Starbucks.

Q: My company has recently undergone a merger. In the midst of all the reorganization and layoffs, I have noticed that a colleague of mine has become “trigger happy” when small things go wrong on my project. I am concerned that this person is trying to sabotage me in front of others by pointing out my weaknesses. My first instinct is to ignore it, but it’s starting to affect how others perceive my work.

~Sabotaged

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Dear “Sabotaged”,

You are not alone. According to research conducted by Judith Briles, who explored workplace sabotage among professional women, two thirds of the 30,000 to 50,000 surveyed had reported to be “discredited” by another woman.

When a boss or colleague attempts to sabotage your career, or you feel you’re being sabotaged, you’re in the hard spot. Complain, and you’re no longer considered a team player or become accused of imagining the situation. Do nothing, and risk ruining your career.

Saboteurs are most likely to attack in a weak job market says Wendy A. Rothman, president of Wenroth Group, a consortium of business psychologists in New York. “When the market is bad, there is real insecurity because there are fewer jobs and more people competing for them,” she says. “You have a pretty good recipe for potential backstabbing.”

Start by keeping your cool. Showing a temper will erode your professionalism.

Don’t confront the saboteur. First, carefully consider the unpleasant possibility that your perceptions of the individual are wrong. List all events that led you to suspect sabotage. Does a colleague blame you for something you didn’t do, steals credit for your work, conducts meetings in your area of expertise without including you; fails to pass on messages, shares private information about you, and finally, discredits your personality in public. If you answered yes to one of these questions your suspicion maybe right. If you’re still uncertain, consult with a trusted colleague or mentor.

Now that you’ve confirmed and identified the extent of the problem, discuss your observations with your boss in private. After all, your boss’ opinion of you is the one that really matters and can positively [or negatively] affect your career advancement.

If your boss accuses you of imagining the situation, confronting the offending co-worker maybe the next step. Many of us feel uncomfortable when it comes to confrontation. Don’t feel bad. Remember, those who engage into this negative job behavior are always the least confident, secure people. They are bullies who attack those who will allow it. Once you remove yourself from their list, your destructive co-worker will likely move on to another victim.

Finally, before confronting your saboteur prepare yourself. Be sure to be able to state the issue in two non-emotional, factual based sentences. And, do it in the open at the precise moment when the sabotage is occurring or when you being made aware of it. In person, on the spot. Sounds scary? Of course. However, your failure to address this toxic behavior and confront your saboteur early on is likely to make your predicament only worse.

Common Signs of Office Sabotage

Here are the warning signs to watch out for:
1. If your manager starts to question you more often on things about your work performance or private life that he would normally not know.
2. If someone is forgetting to notify you about a meeting
3. If a co-worker gets you to agree with an inflammatory opinion then makes it look like it was your idea.
4. If someone digs into your personal life and speculates about it in the office.