Q: The job market in my area is the pits. It seems like everyone I know is having a tough time finding work, no matter what job they apply for. With so many people looking and no good paying jobs in sight, how do I land a job?

A: If your local job market is truly as bad as you say and you can't - or don't want to - move, then you're really asking how to get blood from a stone.

It's a tough situation in which many find themselves. That's not to say your situation is hopeless - because it's not. It just means that, in order to get blood from a stone, you have to change how you look at the job market. Here are a few suggestions:

Expand your search. In order to get blood from a stone, you may need to expand your job search in terms of either the type of job for which you're looking or the location in which you're looking.

Work online. Some have found success getting blood from a stone by working online (read as "telecommuting") If, by expanding your search, you find a job far outside reasonable commuting distance, you may be able to sell an employer on having you telecommute.

Start your own business. Back in the day, it cost a lot of money to start a business. In many instances, it still does. But there are also many businesses you can start on a shoestring (see next Friday's post for a list of 10 of them). In many cases, you can start small and grow the business pretty rapidly. If you can't get blood from a stone in the job market, then make your own job.

Work under the table. If you make more than $600 from a particular revenue source during the course of the year, you're legally bound to report it on your taxes. But that's money you won't have to pay until you file your taxes - so it's a good way to get blood from a stone. If you fail to report it on your taxes, however, keep in mind that the IRS is really, really good at getting blood from a stone.

Go austerity. You've heard that a penny saved is a penny earned. And, when you're trying to get blood from a stone, it's certainly true. If you're not paying $40 per month for cable, then you have that $40 to put to better use. If you can carpool, you'll save gas. There are many ways to save money. And, in this case, saving money is akin to earning money.

Don't lock yourself in. Many job seekers who are looking for work in an essentially dead area - where they're trying to get blood from a stone - confine themselves to the traditional mindset of having a job. But if there are no full time jobs available in your area, then you might be able to score several part time and per diem jobs to work concurrently to pay the bills until a full time job opens up. And, because employers are more prone to hire those who already have jobs, this approach actually helps you land a full time job.

IN THE CARAVAN: If you're in a location where there aren't jobs to be had, then you're trying to get blood from a stone. Try working online, being your own boss, working under the table, cutting expenses and/or working several part time jobs simultaneously.

LATER TODAY: How Do I Fill Seasonal Employment Gaps? (Podcast)

NEXT FRIDAY: Ten Businesses You Can Start on a Shoestring