Prepare yourself:

If you feel you are lacking in skills, take some courses. Whether it's learning how to use new software, finishing a degree, working on life drawing or learning about design, the classes you take can also help you expand your network. Perhaps someone in the class knows about a job. Even if you don't hear of any jobs, you will be improving your skills and that will make you more attractive and interesting to new employers.

Network. Go to all those functions and meetings you never had time for when you were working. Don't spend all your time at home worrying about where the next paycheck is coming from. Call your friends you haven't seen in ages because you have been so swamped with work. Invite them to get out of the office and take them to lunch. You can check out their company and see if it's the kind of environment you would like. Ask your friends if they have any leads and be willing to share information with them as well. If you meet with anyone, be sure to send thank you notes.

Visit Websites like Animation World Network (www.awn.com) regularly and read trades like Animation Magazine. Visit company Websites. If you don't own a computer you may gain access to the Web through local libraries and colleges. Libraries also often subscribe to many trade publications like Variety and Hollywood Reporter. Most jobs aren't advertised but news articles offer clues for work. Look at announcements about new company launches, people changing jobs, or special projects.

Do some research to find the employers that offer the kind of work you want to do. Target employers that offer that kind of work. This research will help prepare you for interviews.

Organize your portfolio and clean out old work. If you have used work as an excuse for not spending time on life drawing, now is the time to visit the zoo. Try to capture the personalities of the people or animals you see.

Customize your resume and portfolio to target the job you want. You may want to customize your portfolio for each company you target. Your cover letter, resume, portfolio, demo reel and shot list are your marketing materials. Make sure you put your best work up front on your reel and you'll have to alter your demo reel breakdown list accordingly. Remember to include your name, phone number and email address on everything.

Take massive action:

When your resume, portfolio, demo reel and shot list are ready, make lots of copies and lots of calls. When calling potential employers keep conversations brief and to the point. Find out if they are hiring in your category and whom to address a package to. Each call should last no longer than a minute or two. Spend at least two hours a day making contacts/calls and get those packages in the mail. Follow up in 3 to 6 weeks. It takes work to find work. Even if you have never experienced a layoff before or been out of work, you'll find these tips will help you get through the down times and back in action at a job you want.

Having held every job in the entertainment industry and weathered many layoffs, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is uniquely qualified as a career coach, independent recruiter and management consultant. She frequently speaks about careers at colleges and universities.