OK, did you survive the past year? We all know 2009 was a devastating year economically for the US. The good news is that 2010 may see recovery in some sectors. The bad news is that the high unemployment rate will continue to be with us for quite some time.

While there may continue to be fewer job openings, companies still do business and they still need talented employees to help them better compete during the coming year.

The question is, are YOU a value-added employee?

Remember this: There is a place for you in this evolving economy, but only if you think smarter and act differently than in the past.

Try these four job search resolutions to maximize your chances of scoring a job in 2010:

Resolution #1: Get in the Game:

Forget passivity and become proactive. Stretch yourself, get out of your comfort zone and aggressively search beyond the listed jobs you find on the Internet. This requires a game plan and the expectation that youfre going to win this game. This is no time to commiserate with those who want to bemoan how bad it is out there. Decide instead to excel and to achieve at your job search.

Do something every day to further your job search. Positive action diminishes anxiety and other negative feelings. This tactic goes beyond survival of the fittest. For anyone who wants to succeed, it requires an iron will and determination. You will not be defeated by this job search process. Continually remind yourself that you will prevail and you will outlast this challenge.

Resolution #2: Think and Talk ROI:

Guess what? The old ways of selling your skills and time no longer work in this tough economy. Now more than ever, you need to demonstrate how you are a Problem Solver for your employer or client. Employers donft hire people to be liabilities on their balance sheets. They hire people to be assets (to provide a Return On Investment) and to solve a problem. To do this, demonstrate clear benefits that you offer them.

Take a look at your skills, experience, abilities and talents. Determine how you can best help the employer either make money or save money. Turn your skills and talents into benefits that an employer understands and appreciates. Pull out examples from your past work experience. Ask yourself, gHow did my work save time or money, make money, or otherwise improve the overall bottom line of my employer?h

Education and skills, while valuable, do not translate into benefits. Instead, answer this question: gWhat can I do for this employer that my competitors canft?h You have a unique set of skills, experiences and talents. Turn them into a gUnique Selling Propositionh that sells your biggest major asset that you alone can offer your next employer.

All of this belongs on your new resume.

Resolution #3: Widen Your Network

In the past it was easier to find work by responding to ads found on the Internet job boards or corporate websites. Now itfs foolhardy to limit yourself to Internet ads and expect success. Herefs why: According to the latest annual Source of Hire Study by CareerXRoads , only about 12% of new hires come from the job boards. As many as 27%, however, spring from internal sources. That means gnetworkingh.

Start widening your network both in person and online. Begin by making some new contacts each week through local events or related professional meetings. Online, you can use social networking sites by adding your bio and profile. LinkedIn and Facebook also have a ggroupsh feature that allows you to seek out and join other groups, not only in job search, like my VIP Club, but also industry and professional groups that you can introduce yourself to. The gAsk/Answer a Questionh feature is another good way to establish your expertise among a selected target group. Twitter has also become an excellent way to follow movers and shakers plus make yourself known to a wider playing field.

That said, donft forget family, friends and neighbors who might know someone. Job search is about connections. The more connections you can make, the higher your chances of success.

Resolution #4: Inoculate Yourself Against Negative Messages

As I remind listeners in my g10 Tips For Job Seekers Over 50 Teleseminars, succeeding at a job search is a mental process requiring us to be gonh at the flip of a switch. Unfortunately, negative input can poison your outlook and lead to fear, discouragement, anxiety and other negative emotions. Start by turning off the gnoiseh from the outside world as much as possible for at least a space of time each day as you concentrate on your search. That includes the news and the inevitable negative commentary in the media. Associate with positive people and protect yourself from all types of negativity. A job search can be a big undertaking and you canft afford to be exposed to the negativity of others, whether it comes from friends, relatives, print media, radio or TV. Read books and articles that motivate, encourage and inspire you. Avoid anything and anyone that doesnft fall into this category.

From this vantage point, it appears that the job search market will still be tough and competitive throughout 2010. Get an early edge by implementing these four resolutions now to gain an advantage over your competitors this year.