You decided to return to work.  Congratulations.  And, you did all the right things to find the right job.  You partnered with a career counselor, completed the career assessments and created a prioritized career action plan.  Then you can created a blockbuster resume, targeted companies and networked until you were blue in the face.

After a few months, you may still not have a job.

But that doesn't mean you did all the wrong things.  The job search process is a journey.  There is no "beginning" and no "end".  Your career will always evolve and change.

However, you can do at least 3 things to jump start your job search process: 1.Use your network to jump start your job search process

List the individuals and groups you contacted.  When is the last time you followed up with them?  Ring, call , email or ping them.  Ask to meet for coffee.  Brainstorm.  Do they have any ideas for you - who you can contact?  Use your own network to expand your networking possibilities.

2. Brainstorm to jump start your job search process

Who else can you contact to network for a job?  There are millions of possible connections.  Did you contact your college?  Many colleges have job search connections for alumni.  Did you contact your alumni group?  What about individuals in your neighborhood, or through your community?  Did you discuss your job search process with individuals at any volunteer organizations or clubs?  Have you exhausted LinkedIn or Facebook or other social media avenues?

You spent a few years at home building a personal network for your children.  Use it.  Perhaps your friends do not work but their spouses/partners do.  Ask them for help.  This is often time a valuable, over-looked network.

3. Widen your net to jump start your job search process

Revisit your target company or industry list.  Is the list too narrow?  What other industries or companies might offer you the same opportunities, career advancement and personal career objectives?  Often times, there are industries and companies we overlook.

Don't be discouraged.  You can network yourself into a wonderful job and career.  Most often, I find people can be too limiting.  So take the time to broaden your search and scope.  Ask for ideas and feedback and you will find the job you want.