Last month 263,000 more Americans lost their jobs. Hopefully, most of those people have already started job hunting. In this economy the longer you wait to find a job, the harder it will be to find one. It's a theme I've been hearing over and over as I've interviewed companies, recruiters, and even the jobless the last couple of months.

Many who have been pink slipped have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. But, recruiters and job experts tell me some employers don't look favorably on a potential candidate who's been out of work longer than six months. So, if your search is extending that long, think about taking a class or perhaps getting certified in a special area. Recruiter Demetri Georgiadis says job candidates need to prove they've been improving their skills while on furlough.

Employers are being especially selective now because they can be and because it simply makes good economic sense. Recruiting and training a new hire can cost a company thousands of dollars. If the new employee isn't a good match, he or she could be cut loose again, forcing the firm to begin the hiring process all over again. Right now that's a cost companies simply can't incur.

Finally, if you haven't joined a social networking site like LinkedIn, do it. Most recruiters use those sites to find potential candidates. Be specific about your skills and responsibilities at former jobs. It could be your path back to employment. Good luck!