Ive been fortunate (i wont use the word lucky, luck didn't enter into it) in that since leaving school at 16 ive been unemployed for a total of only 2.5 years in 39 years working, including 3 years at Uni.
However, im getting sick of it now
and so ive cut down to part time hours - my missus works part time, kids have gone, no mortgage, allotments x2 for free veg and entertainment.
Getting another job is almost a job in itself. Whenever ive had to play the game, i reckon you need to spend 8-10 hours a week at it, and aim to apply for at least one job a day average. As Ive got older, my hit rate has dropped off, especially in the las t10 years. When i was in my 30's i got job offers from approx one in three interviews and i got interviews 1 in 2 applications, but once you hit 50 you suddenly become useless and stupid, apparently. The longest ive been out of work was 8 months, and the shortest was 3 days.
The one technique ive learned is you need multiple versions of your CV, each one pitched to emphasise certains skills for certain job types - i have an Administrators CV, a Project Managers CV, an IT CV, a Fleet Management CV..........its all the same CV, just written differently.